For all of those living in America, it’s time to start thinking Turkey. Once again our families gather to give thanks for the bounteous blessings enjoyed.
Only 10 days and counting until the big dinner that we spend weeks gearing up for and hours and hours of preparation. The family comes over and in less than one hour it’s over.
Our family begins Thanksgiving day with a 5k race called the “Human Race”. Thousands gather for the event and everyone donates food for the food bank. It just kind of makes an individual feel better about the day and the amount of calories that will be consumed.
If the weather permits, the husband and the children go “Hobo Golfing”…don’t ask.
This gives me some alone time to focus and organize myself. LOVE alone time.
After a grand and satisfying meal we end our day with a family game of “German Spotlight”. It’s rather hard to explain. It involves everyone in black clothing, a huge gymnasium, complete darkness, war music playing and a spotlight. The grandchildren love the game and come prepared with their black clothing.
We end the day with more pie.
Every family has a particular dish they just have to have in order for their Thanksgiving meal to be complete. I would like to re-share my favorite Thanksgiving recipes.
The above picture is my favorite way to serve a Turkey. Roast Turkey with Apple Cider Thyme Gravy
I have become extremely fond of brining a turkey. The flavor penetrates throughout the entire turkey not just around the skin. Turkey Brine recipe.
Beware! This requires advance preparation. You will need to have your turkey thawed and in the brine at least two days before the bird is roasted.
Heavenly Orange Rolls
These can be made a week in advance and frozen. Thaw the morning of Thanksgiving, uncovered. Reheat in a 300 degree oven for about 5-10 minutes.
This is a refrigerated roll dough that is easy and fabulous served with honey butter.
Three simple ingredients. Easy, fast, fabulous.
My mouth just waters thinking about Fresh Cranberry Relish
I can eat this with a spoon right from the bowl.
My favorite way to serve Brussels Sprouts. Raw.
Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad just to make you feel all healthy inside.
I haven’t forgotten about pie. I will be posting my favorite pies along with our favorite Pecan Chocolate Tart.
Already baked, wrapped and in the freezer.
Enjoy.
I would love to hear about all of the family recipes that make your Thanksgiving dinner complete.
Creamed onions and peas 'must' grace our table with the other wonderful sides.
I'm pretty sure the sides are my favorite part of Thanksgiving. Love creamed onions and peas. Thank your for reminding me of this great side.
Yum, can't wait for Thanksgiving! We always do candied sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top, and a huge yummy green salad, and the Campbell's green bean casserole. And, my husband makes a yummy apple pie.
Hi Melanie, Last year my absolute favorite side was the candied yams. So devine…I can wait. Thanks for sharing your delicious traditions.
It's not a turkey dinner around here without mashed turnips and butter! I've never tried raw Brussels sprouts and better give them a go. ~ Maureen
Mashed turnips sound so good especially with Turkey
That all looks so delicious! I feel like our family is now a transplant of yours because so many of your recipes have become family traditions for us now too! It isn't thanksgiving without the Apple Cider Thyme gravy… I have dreams about that stuff!!! SO GOOD!
Thanks, Kerstin. Your family is the best. You're all amazing cooks. I give the recipes and you create the magic.
A recipe I got from you about 6 years ago for a sweet potato souffle, of sorts. Absolutely love it! Makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Glad Lauralee referenced the creamed onions with peas. I love that for a side dish! Love all the recipes you post, can't wait to see what pies your share. 🙂