This year I am doing most of the cooking but not at my house at my in-laws. I am trying to do everything possible ahead of time. The day of will be at their house...which is not baby/kid friendly with my 5 kids! So...not easy. I have planned lots of activities (see bottom) to do with the kids while the turkey is cooking to keep them busy and not overwhelm Grandma & Grandpa with our presence.
I am only cooking for 12 this year so I am not making very many sides/extras. 12 really is easy since I cook 3x's a day for 7 :) This is certainly not the most TF/NT thanksgiving plan but it is what works for our family especially feeding extended family who don't eat just like we do. I am happy when I get them all to drink homemade egg nog :)
Most of these recipes are the same that I use year after year. I do make changes often (my copies are well worn and written on....if I have time I will type these up with my changes. Nothing big...just a little more TF and using fresh whenever possible)
We will be arriving in the late morning so I am bringing our brunch with us and eat shortly after we get there.
Brunch
Caramel Apple Breakfast Casserole
Orange Citrus Salad - Just basic fresh oranges, tangerines and grapefuit with lots of raw honey on top.
Fresh Orange Juice - we were blessed recently with fresh oranges of a friend's (neighbor's) tree. :) Nothing better than picking them yourself.
Appetizers
Spinach Dip in Pumpernickel Bread Bowl
Relish Tray
Cheese Ball and crackers
Deviled Eggs - I use the recipe straight out of NT
Spiced Walnuts
Turkey & Sides
Turkey Brine
Maple Riesling Turkey
I use Kerry Ann's recipe for the Brine and then Martha's Turkey recipe...hence the 2 different links :)
Mashed Potatoes - Brittany's specialty...lots of cream, butter & cream cheese!
Turkey Gravy
Sweet Potato Casserole w/Marshmallows - MIL loves....I can't make healthy..so I let her buy it :)
Fresh Green bean/Wild Mushroom Casserole
Oyster Cornbread Dressing I will use my homemade cornbread recipe and homemade chicken broth.
Cranberry Sauce
Pumpkin Bread This is not soaked but so good. I use fresh pumpkin and sucanat. I have a soaked recipe but I haven't had a chance to try it out yet.
Rolls
Drinks
Apple Cinnamon Spiced Iced Tea
Coffee & Cream
Apple Cider
Homemade "Raw" Egg Nog
Dessert
Caramelized Pear Cheesecake
Pineapple Upside-down Cake - This is a specialty by my daughter Brittany.
Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie I use fresh pumpkin and raw cream....so yummy!
Activities......to be added later...baby won't let me type anymore...think....turkey crafts, apple bobbing, thanksgiving trivia and coloring pages.
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