My Thanksgiving menu doesn’t change much from year to year. It is made up of tried and true family favorites. I have included tips for how I organize my meal prep, so that I do not have to prepare all of the dishes on Thanksgiving day.
While I am preparing dinner, I set out a veggie tray, nuts, and a plate of fudge for guests to snack on. I know fudge is not an appropriate appetizer, but it has become a tradition since I brought it to our first squadron Thanksgiving party as a newly wed. When I was asked what I brought I said, “an appetizer” and the other guests, who didn’t quite get my sense of humor, took me at my word.
Dinner Menu:
Turkey basted with olive oil and generously sprinkled with garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and poultry seasoning.
Gravy made from the turkey drippings
For Dessert I will serve Chocolate Pecan Pie and Pumpkin Pie with ice-cream and whipped cream.
Practically Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipe
I created this pie the first time we celebrated Thanksgiving far from friends and family. My husband declared it perfect and said that no matter where we celebrated Thanksgiving in the future that I was in charge of making the pumpkin pie.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 eggs, beaten
1 3/4 cup pumpkin puree or 15 oz. can of pumpkin puree
1 – 12 oz. can evaporated milk
Directions:
Enough of your favorite pie dough to make a 9 in. deep dish pie shell. What ever recipe you use, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough to make an extra tasty pie crust.
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Make pie shell, but do not bake it.
2. Mix sugar and spices in a large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and eggs. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into pie shell.
3. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 and bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
Refrigerate any uneaten pie.
Thanksgiving Dinner Organization:
I make the Corn Casserole and pies the day before. Then I just have to reheat them on Thanksgiving day.
I set the table the night before.
I make the mashed potatoes in the morning and keep them warm in a crock pot. For more tips on mashed potatoes visit here.
I bake the stuffing in a casserole dish rather than in the turkey, so our vegetarian guests can eat it, but also because the turkey cooks faster with an empty cavity.
For more holiday tips and recipes, check out Erin’s Holiday Entertaining Guide.
Do you have any tips for making holiday dinner preparations go a little smoother?
I am linking to Gallery of Favorites, Turned Loose, and The Ultimate Recipe Swap.
Anonymous says
What a great resource!
Melissa says
I'd never thought of making mashed potatoes in the morning, then keeping them warm in a slow cooker. Great idea!
I'm trying to do as much as possible in advance, because this is the first time I'm cooking for the whole family. I'll have help, though: my mom and mother-in-law are both bringing pies.
Laura says
Thanks for the tip about keeping mashed potatoes warm in the crockpot. We've got guests coming this year and they asked to use the stovetop to finish up a couple of side dishes.
I coat my turkey with a mixture of olive oil, water, garlic, paprika and pepper before roasting. Smells fantastic, and gives the skin a wonderful red glow.
I love the fudge as an appetizer idea!
Elsa says
We have dinner at my parent's house. My mom and dad usually make the majority of the food, and they stick with the tried and true favorites. But the rest of my family usually brings experimental dishes. This keeps dinner safe, but interesting. 🙂
Angela says
Oh thanks, I am going to try the corn casserole. Also, it's hard to imagine that the Libby's pie recipe I've been using for years can be improved upon, but I think I will try yours which uses brown sugar instead, plus adds ginger-yum.
Melynda says
Love the cinnamon in the pie crust dough, tip. Thanks. Everything sounds great.
Alea says
Yes, it is Pi pie dish. 🙂
Mama Eva says
I LOVE Pumpkin pie!!! And my Mom makes a Rum Pumpkin Pie – super yummy!!
…are the numbers around the edge of the pie dish part of pi? 3.14159…?
Anonymous says
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!
Rebecca says
What a great menu! My mom and I are busily e-mailing each other "the plan" as we prepare for my parents' arrival next week. Our meal is very traditional with family favorites, too. Enjoy preparing for this day of thankfulness! And thanks for linking up to my lonely little post. 😉
vickie says
I love you menu -just sounds so good. It's something everyone will remember and love. The pie looks delicious and I would love the have the fudge!
vickie
21st Century Housewife© says
I think sticking to tried and true favourites like you said is the best way to make the dinner preparations go more smoothly.
Your pumpkin pie looks lovely and I think your appetizer tray sounds fantastic. I would be delighted to have fudge as an appetizer – what a treat!! Oh, and the chocolate pecan pie sounds rather nice as well!