That Girl Guide

I try to add something new each year to my Thanksgiving Menu.  There are some traditional parts of the meal that one should never leave out (turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes).  On Thanksgiving, it is really in the side dishes that make the meal.  This is not a day to open the jar or the freezer, you should take the time to make things from scratch. 

2009 Side Dishes

1) Sauteed Carrots – Heat your pan over medium heat, add olive oil and butter, add the carrots and a sprinkling or herbs de provence or fresh time, salt and pepper.  Cook until tender and slightly caramelized. 

2) Homemade applesauce -

3) Cranberry Sauce – not that nonsense they sell in a can! 

4) Roasted Squash 

You can cube squash, add olive oil, sage, salt and pepper and roast at 400 degrees like you would a potato.  You can also roast it whole and then add brown sugar, salt, pepper, and butter afterwards.  It just depends on whether you like it sweet or savory.  The important thing is that you don’t serve your guests that awful frozen baby food like squash. 

It is important to make a Thanksgiving spent in your home something that your guests will not forget.  They will invariably remember good food, but it takes a little extra effort for the holiday to be memorable for the long term.  The first impression is paramount-always greet them at the door with a smile and show them to the bar or fix them a cocktail.  You should have a variety of wines and spirits available.  Setting the ambiance is also very important.  For instance, you should light candles on the table, have a fabulous centerpiece, and be sure to play some good music that does not interfere with conversation.  And put out some appetizers, that old nonsense that you have to wait for the meal to eat should not be adhered to.  Dessert is often the star of the meal so it is important to have a good variety.  I usually have pumpkin pie, apple pie, apple crumb pie, and an assortment of cookies and candies.  The cookies look great on a tiered dessert stand.  Another thing that is sure to impress and improve the taste of your desserts is to make homemade whipped cream.  It only takes a few minutes but it is far better than anything you could buy in the store.  And last but not least, make sure you give your guests a little something to take home with them. 

Some people may feel that inviting someone to your home for a fabulous home cooked meal is gift enough, but your guests will truly appreciate a little memento of their Thanksgiving Feast.  I’ll include some ideas for favors below.

1. Send them home with little pumpkins hollowed out with a small flower arrangement in them.  You can even use them as part of your centerpiece and have each guest take one with them when they leave. 
2. You can also send them home with a slice of pie or cookies baked especially for the day.  Make sure you have little boxes or bags tied with festive ribbon.  No one will brag about the favor they got in a ziploc bag. 
3. Print your favorite Thanksgiving recipe on velum paper and tie it up like a scroll.  What could be a better momento than that?  You will be getting credit for this thoughtful gift every time they make the dish for their family and friends.
4. Send them home with a Christmas tree ornament or a holiday scented candle.  I love Christmas Eve by Yankee Candle.  Admit that you are already thinking about Christmas as you are drying the Thanksgiving dishes – I know that I am.