Just 3 weeks until Thanksgiving! Are you excited? I’m excited. I’m so excited that my menu has been finalized for well over a week, my shopping lists are done, and a few things have even been purchased already. I’ve even made my chicken stock/broth and it’s in the freezer, ready to go.
I’ve been told that I don’t approach my holiday meal the same other people do and have even been called “anal” in how I organize my meal planning. I’m okay with that, though. I’d rather plan things out ahead of time and be less stressed the day of. I’m a frazzled cook so the easier I can make it on myself, the better!
This year, it’s a little harder, though. I’ve been in a funk lately which is why there hasn’t been that much activity. Some days, the thought of cooking after work just makes me want to cry which is especially sad because I *love* cooking. Mr. O has been a HUGE help, though, and is happy to be allowed in the kitchen more often.
With Thanksgiving approaching, though, it’s forcing me to think more about the things I am thankful for rather than the stresses that are eating away at me. And planning my T-Day meal is helping with that!
Below are some of my favorite recipes that I think would good additions to a holiday feast, whether it be this one or the ones that will follow over the next couple of months. I’m going to put a star (*) next to the ones that I am actually making for Thanksgiving myself.
In the Atlanta area and wanna come over for dinner? Just let me know. 🙂 I’m serious!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese *
Jalapeño Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Simple Mashed Potatoes * (just the potatoes from this post)
Smashed Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese
Vegetable Rice Pilaf
Apple Cider Braised Cabbage
Cheesy Baked Broccoli and Cauliflower
Cheesy Corn & Red Peppers
Crispy Baked Mushrooms
Crunchy Baked Green Beans
Crunchy Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
Gingered Peas & Carrots
Ginger-glazed Carrots
Italian Zucchini & Tomatoes
Pan-seared Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Mushrooms *
Roasted Broccoli *
Rustic Mushroom Tart
Broccoli Salad
Sweet Pea Salad
Vegetable & Couscous Salad with Lemon-Lime Dressing
Bonus #1
Here are the desserts I am making for Turkey Day 🙂
Apple Cake
and, of course,
Bacon Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Bonus #2
We had a costume contest at work for Halloween and I got 2nd place as
The Evil-Fairy-Step-Queen 🙂
I look dorky (dorkier?) when I try to look evil and mean 🙂