Gobble up these Turkey Day Goodies
As Thanksgiving draws closer, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to reflect on all the things I’m grateful for—my giant (and crazy) family, our health, and being able to enjoy a meal with people I care about…even if it is over Zoom! While my kids have been home with me over the last several months, we’ve been whipping up some of our favorite seasonal recipes. Of course, the best part: Sitting down together to enjoy these delicious dishes as we share jokes, memories and stories that make everyone smile and laugh. Here are some of our favorites.
Thankful for Turkey Day Dishes
As Thanksgiving draws closer, I’m looking forward to reflecting on all the things I’m grateful for—my giant (and crazy) family, our health, and being able to enjoy a meal with people I care about…even if it is over Zoom! I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have my kids home with me over the last few months, and we’ve been using the time wisely—to whip up some of our favorite seasonal recipes. Of course, the best part: Sitting down together to devour these dishes as we share jokes, memories and stories that make everyone smile and laugh. Here are some of the yummy things that’ll be featured on our holiday table.
Turkey Day Dishes: Sweet Potato Casseroles
Individual sweet potato casseroles
I’m a huge fan of single-serve dishes because they allow you to indulge without having to think about portion control. The cherished sweet potato casserole is the perfect recipe to transform into a solo act. With the ideal ratio of melted marshmallows to creamy sweet spuds, it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I’ve given you a quickie recipe for a make-your-own spice blend but you can easily swap in store-bought to save time. No sharing required 😉
Turkey Day Dishes: Sausage Apple Stuffing
Stuffing is a Thanksgiving staple. Here, I create a lower-carb, lower-calorie rendition by adding cauliflower to the mix. I also toss in a finely chopped apple to help sweeten it up. With the standard flavorings (hello, onion, celery and some red pepper) paired with earthy seasonings (can’t go wrong with thyme and sage) as well as some chicken-apple sausage thrown in for extra protein and heartiness, this stuffing is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Warning: It will not last long on your holiday table, so grab it fast.
Turkey Day Dishes: Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
You can’t have a Turkey Day feast without creamy mashed potatoes. And boy, these are so creamy. Instead of standard spuds, I swap in cauliflower to create a version that’s whipped and airy and every bit as tasty. I add broth, cream cheese and Parmesan to bolden the flavor, and mix in loads of yummy seasonings to bring it over the top. It’s luxurious and flavorful… and seconds are most definitely encouraged!
Turkey Day Dishes: Thanksgiving Cornbread
Cornbread is pure comfort food. This recipe incorporates a few easy tweaks to up the nutritional ante: use whole grain flour and mix in Greek yogurt. In each scrumptious slice, you’ll savor whole kernels of sweet corn, which provides a multidimensional texture, as well as fiber and protein. For extra heat, mix in some charred poblanos. Then enjoy it warm from the oven, plain or with a spread of warm butter or drizzle of sweet honey. So many tough decisions to make!
Turkey Day Dishes: Pumpkin Pie Shots
Save room for dessert! Pumpkin pie is irresistible, but why not go for a fuss-free version with a creative presentation instead? These edible shots will be the hit of the holidays. Simply layer a tasty mixture of pumpkin-yogurt puree, cinnamon-y spice and crumbled graham crackers into shot glasses or ramekins. Garnish with a squirt of whipped cream and grab a spoon. Feel free to go back for seconds…or thirds!
Turkey Day Dishes: Sweet Potato Ala Mode
Sweet Potato Ala Mode with Salted Maple Pecans
Sweet potato isn’t just a side dish—it makes for a decadent dessert, too. Oven-roasted and then mixed with melty butter and warm spices, it becomes a crave-worthy treat. I top it with vanilla ice cream and toasted maple-infused pecans. Wow, this is good. Plus, it provides feel-good nutrients, like beta carotene, fiber and protein. Your guests will go crazy for this—I promise!
Turkey Day Dishes: LaCroix Sparkling Appletini Mocktail
LaCroix Sparkling Appletini Mocktail
Toast the holidays with this elegant LaCroix Sparkling Appletini Mocktail. It features the crisp flavor of sparkling apple cider and refreshing Pomme Bayá LaCroix (French and Spanish for “apple cranberry”). Of course, I fancy it up by lining the rim with cinnamon and sugar and finish it off with an apple slice garnish. Salut!
