Thanksgiving 2014

After a months long hiatus and a new-found love of power tools has kept me from my kitchen, I figured it was only right to update before Thanksgiving with all of my favorite recipes for this grandest of eating days. This is a list of the fun CSK posts from over the past few years that should give you some inspiration for Thanksgiving. Most important...even though you are legally obligated to spend the day with your family, try to have fun!

Turkey:
Herb-Butter Rubbed Roasted Turkey

Starchy Sides:

Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage and Cranberries

Cornbread Stuffing with Leeks and Mushrooms

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Lizzie's Sweet Potato Crunch

Cracked Pepper Buttermilk Biscuits

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Christy and Jane's Challah Bread

 

Vegetables Sides:

Cauliflower Gratin

Caramelized Cocktail Onions

Chili Roasted Broccoli (a la Josh)

Creamed Vidalia Onion Gratin

Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Sage Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted Beets and Sweet Potatoes

"Choice" Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon
Garlic Roasted Asparagus

Easy, Make-Ahead Appetizers:

Antipasti Platter

Apricot and Blue Cheese Crostini (a la Lauren)

Farmer’s Cheese (Fromage Blanc)

Citrus Marinated Olives
Creamy White Bean Dip

Pickled Vegetables

Roasted Lemon-Pepper Shrimp Cocktail

Roasted Grape Bruschetta
Sweet and Spicy Almonds
Rosemary Parmesan Cookies
 

Dessert:

Thanksgiving Ice Cream Cake (a la Kelaine)

Mini Sweet Potato Cheesecakes

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Death by Chocolate (a great pie alternative for Chocolate lovers)

Drink:

I like to keep things simple with a crisp, acidic, dry white wine with Thanksgiving dinner.  Keeps me perky and happy through the whole ordeal.  Look for a Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc if you are feeling normal and a Viongier, steel aged Chardonnay, or Gewurztraminer if you are feeling feisty.  For those who like red, I also enjoy a nice, light Pinot Noir for the meal.

More importantly, I love to serve a bottle of Cava or some fruity, sparkling wine for appetizers.  It perks up the appetite and makes it feel like a special occasion.