Need Inspiration for “Easy” Holiday
Appetizers, Sides, Main Courses, Deserts and Drinks?
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By: David M. Frees III
Need a last minute idea for Thanksgiving (or other holiday), appetizers, side dishes or main courses, desserts or even hot drinks or festive cocktails?
We’ve got you covered…
We're giving thanks this year for you, our loyal friends, family, and clients!
And we know, from your notes and comments, that you always enjoy our newsletter recipes - so here are a few more great ideas for Thanksgiving and the holiday season.
This year we’ve created a special curated collection of some of our favorites in each of the following categories:
Gravy, Appetizers, Side Dishes, Main Courses, Desserts, and Drinks
Enjoy and remember that we’ll have an updated Christmas/Holiday selection [there’s no reason that Jews and Gentiles alike cannot enjoy the emotional and culinary thrill of a well cooked latke (potato pancake) ] so keep your eyes peeled for it in the weeks ahead.
Click on the pictures to get recipes/watch video:
GRAVY:
New addition to our collection of recipes - a great gravy can hide an overcooked turkey! We are sharing a really, really good one from Butcher Box.
APPETIZERS:
Our philosophy here at UTBF is that “simpler is better” and the turkey or other main courses should be the star. I know that “simpler is better” does not seem to apply to your estate planning documents (which can seem quite long), but in that case, more IS sometimes better.
Having said that, here are a few really quick and easy ideas.
Pimento Cheese With Crackers
Pimento Cheese Photo Courtesy of Womans Day
Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese & Wrapped In Bacon
Stuffed Dates Photo Courtesy of Pinchofyum.com
Here’s an old one but a really good one. And it’s so easy. Enjoy!
Chilled Shrimp Cocktail With Cocktail Sauce
Shrimp Photo Courtesy of The Kitchen.com
Here’s a link to one of the classics. By the way do you steam, boil, or grill them shrimp? Let us know.
Warmed Spiced/Savory Nuts
Savory Nuts Photo Courtesy of Womans Day
How about 50 more?
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Ok…Seriously…this is it. How about 55 more?
Photo Courtesy of Delish.com
SIDE DISHES:
What holiday dinner is complete without loads of tasty side dishes to compliment the star of the show – turkey? But sometimes, they’re an afterthought. So here are a few traditional sides to consider for this year’s feast.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Mini (or better yet big) Marshmallows
Sweet Potato Photo Courtesy of Allrecipes.com
You can cheat on this and buy pre-mashed sweet potatoes sold wherever mashed potatoes are sold). It’s out little secret. But, if you do, make sure to add a little vanilla and cinnamon.
Potato Stuffing
Potato Stuffing Photo Courtesy of Taste of Home
Love mashed potatoes and stuffing? Get the best of both worlds in a single delicious dish.
Roasted or Pan Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Sprouts Photo Courtesy of Allrecipes.com
Not everyone’s cup of tea, the Brussels sprout can be fantastic with a Thanksgiving dinner.
Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli
Baked Veggie Photo Courtesy of Food Network
Easy enough but here’s a quick link to save you time and trouble on the prep and oven temperature.
ALTERNATIVE/SUPPLEMENTAL MAIN COURSES:
Got a friend or family member who’s “not all about the turkey?” Try one or more of these as alternatives or as an additional main course.
Cedar Plank Salmon
Cedar Plank Salmon Photo Courtesy of Food Network
Ok. Not everyone loves turkey. It’s a nice and easy alternative or extra.
“Thanksgiving” Ham?
Baked Ham Photo Courtesy of Bonappetit.com
Sure it’s not traditional and these ham recipes say “Easter.” But they’re all delicious and would make a great alternative or supplement.
Here are more ham ideas:
Baked Ham Photo Courtesy of Bonappetit.com
Filet
Not just 1 but 8 yummy filet recipes. Some are harder than others.
DESSERTS:
Ok! We know you have your favorites. But here are a few to “throw in to the” mix if you’re looking for a new second or third to try.
A Collection Of Pies, Cakes and No Bake Desserts
Click here for a few favorites and alternatives for the bakers AND the non-bakers out there.
[VIDEO] Need to know how to make a perfect piecrust?
Perfect Pie Crust Photo Courtesy of Food Network
[VIDEO] Want to make four pies in one?
Four Pies In One Photo Courtesy of Food Network
[VIDEO] Go Big Or Go Home With This Ultimate Cheesecake
Blueberry Cheesecake Photo Courtesy of Food Network
Apple Spice Cake with Icing
Iced Apple Spice Cake Photo Courtesy of Food Network
[VIDEO] Pumpkin Gelato
Pumpkin Gelato Photo Courtesy of Food Network
Thanksgiving Drinks:
Here, we feel like people aren’t as locked into the same old regulars or the traditional. So, we took some liberties and suggested a few unique but interesting choices.
Here’s a link to fifty holiday hot and cold drinks to keep you and your guests happy and warm.
Hot Drinks and Cocktails Photo Courtesy of Food Network
From all of us at UTBF…we hope you enjoy the holidays, especially the time with your family and the great food that surrounds the holidays. Be well.
