Whether you’re home for the holiday and want to help out or you’re hosting thanksgiving on your own for the first time, having a recipe helps! Thanksgiving always seems like a complicated cooking experience but we’re here to make it easier for you! Here is a list of recipes for drinks, side dishes, turkey, and more!
Drinks
Pumpkin Martini
Here is one for the 21 and older crowd! What are the holidays without pumpkin? Well here’s a drink sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit! You’ll need vodka, heavy cream (or coconut milk for the vegan/dairy-free crowd), maple syrup, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. To prepare the rim: crush graham crackers on a plate and place maple syrup on another plate. Place the rim of a martini glass in the maple syrup first, rotating the glass so the rim is evenly coated, then roll the rim in the crushed graham crackers. Then, place all other ingredients in a cocktail shaker, add a handful of ice and shake until cold. Strain the drink into the prepared martini glass and you’re finished!
Apple Spiced Tea
This recipe is extremely easy to make, perfect for college students! Lucky for you, we have a few of the ingredients you need in our gift sets! In a small bowl, combine the apple cider from our Halloween Gift Set, fresh ginger root, allspice, cloves, and Embrew Cocoa Berry Black tea from our Tea Lovers Gift Set. Then add boiling water, then cover and steep for 5 minutes. Strain the ingredients then discard tea bags and spices. Add just a spoonful of sugar or some of the honey sticks featured in our set, and you’re good to go!
Pumpkin Maple Iced Coffee
This recipe works perfectly with our Coffee Lovers Gift Set! First, start with our gourmet Pheonix Coffee Co. grounds and the french press we have provided to create a cold brew. Then in a blender, combine pumpkin puree, Copper Cow Coffee Creamer found in our gift set, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Blend until mixed well then pour over ice topped with some whipped cream and you’re done!
Dishes
Turkey
Everyone’s worst nightmare is attempting the Thanksgiving turkey. However, it really doesn’t have to be scary or difficult! A standard way to think about it is buying a turkey that can be split 1.5 pounds per person. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed, then take off the outerwear and do not wash, this will contaminate it. Remove the neck and insides. Melt some butter and throw a few spices and herbs in it. Coat the turkey in the butter and herbs, then let it cook for anywhere between 3-4 hours depending on the size. That’s really all there is to it!
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
This recipe truly makes the perfect side dish, and it doesn’t just have to be for Thanksgiving! All you have to do is bring potatoes and cold salted water to a boil for 20-25 minutes then drain. Let them cool and then peel the potatoes. Mash the potatoes in a large bowl then lightly add the cheese of your choice, chives, salt and pepper, and butter then stir the buttermilk in until smooth and fluffy. Spoon into a greased dish, add some butter to the top, then bake the potatoes in the oven for 30 minutes. Let cool and serve!
Parmesan Roasted Brussel Sprouts
No matter how you personally feel about brussel sprouts, they make a great dish! First, peel the outer layer leaves off the brussel sprout, cut the bottom off, then cut them in half. Lightly drizzle olive oil and spices of your choosing (we recommend garlic powder, pepper, and onion powder) over the sprouts then mix until each is evenly coated. Spread them out in a baking sheet and place in the oven for 15 minutes. Take the sheet out then add sprinkle parmesan cheese on the sprouts. Place back in the oven for 5 minutes or until parmesan is golden brown. Serve and enjoy!
Dessert
Pumpkin Popcorn
Here’s a really simple but delightful dessert! Our Microwave Snack Care Package already has popcorn, the main ingredient for the recipe, so you just need the rest! First pop the popcorn, then in a small saucepan combine coconut oil, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, then stir until the ingredients are combined. Put the popcorn in a roasting pan, pour the mixture over top, then stir until evenly covered. Bake for 6-8 minutes and then enjoy!
Pumpkin Pie
This dish is a staple for Thanksgiving, and it can actually be really simple to make! We recommend a premade pie crust available in the grocery store, it just simplifies the process! Mix sugar, pumpkin pie spice, canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, and eggs into a large bowl. Pour into the pie crust then bake for 50 minutes at 425 and you’re done! Don’t forget the whipped cream on top!
Glazed Maple Cookies
If you’re a little more baking inclined, you should try these out! In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat butter until smooth then add sugar, brown sugar, and maple syrup and beat until light and creamy, then add egg, baking soda, cream of tartar, vanilla and salt then beat until combined. Finally, add flour and beat until it becomes a dough. Roll onto a baking sheet and bake for 8-9 minutes. To make the maple glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and maple syrup, one tablespoon at a time, just until it reaches a drizzling consistency then drizzle it over the cooled cookies. Now you have a sweet and festive treat!
There are so many recipes to try out during the holidays and we hope you give these ones a try! Visit our Fall Faves board on Pinterest to save these recipes and view more ideas. Our various gift sets and food care packages are equipped with everything you need this holiday season! Check out our holiday gifts and start a subscription for easy monthly deliveries of your favorite snacks and premium items!
