Thanksgiving is nearly upon us ... one of my favorite holidays, especially when I'm wearing stretchy pants. And this year that is not even debatable given my current belly situation. (Speaking of, I am currently testing out a few new pairs of maternity leggings and will report back on my findings!)
A few years ago I started being the one to make the cranberry sauce. There's no major secret to it -- I just follow the instructions on the back of the Ocean Spray bag, and then I add in a little juice from an orange and a few shakes of cinnamon. No need to mess up a good thing, right?
One recipe that I've mentioned a few times here on the blog is Paula Deen's green bean casserole. It is different from that goopy version you may wrinkle your nose at. It still does have a can of cream of mushroom in it, but it's much more fresh tasting than what Great Aunt Sally puts on the table in that old brown 1970s baking dish. I just thaw frozen whole green beans -- Trader Joe's and Aldi have my favorite inexpensive bags of these -- and it is just such a yummy, decadent, and easy version of this classic recipe. PS, this is Ian's "must have" Thanksgiving side dish!
Now when it comes to pies, I'm a pecan pie girl all the way. I don't turn up my nose at a nice pumpkin pie, but if given the choice, I'm going with pecan. And if you really know me, you know that if both are offered, I'll have a slice of each on my dessert plate.
We will be celebrating this year with my in-laws and I'm really looking forward to a beautiful time together. They just adore Camille (and part of the family lives in Ohio, so when they are around, they really eat her up!) and it's also awesome for me to kick back and relax for a change!
What are your plans for the holiday? And, more importantly, what's the one Thanksgiving side dish that is your must-have?
Barefoot Contessa dishes for us! They are absolutely no fail. Most items can be made ahead and heated the day of - mashed potatoes, even!
ReplyDeleteI just love love love green bean casserole!
ReplyDeleteJustine @ Charm City Ciemny's
www.lifeasabaltimoregirl.blogspot.com
The "dish" my family cannot do without is my Aunt's sweet potato souffle! I hate to admit it, but I've never actually had green bean casserole before...I might have to bake a chicken and try this recipe out on Steven! And yes, who doesn't love a holiday where you can eat whatever you want -wear yoga pants-and no one passes judgement :)
ReplyDeleteSo- I have my frozen green beans from Aldi already purchased for our Thanksgiving meal :) ..we always just do steamed green beans because neither Aaron or I can handle the traditional goopy green bean casserole. I am very intrigued though about this Paula Deen recipe!!! I am going to check it out during nap time today and see what ingredients I need to pick up for it!
ReplyDeleteI love the fresh baked biscuits or rolls. Just about the only time I get to enjoy home made bread is during the holidays!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait for Thanksgiving. This will be the first one in 3 years that I've been home with family. I must admit I do love the traditional green bean casserole but this year I wasn't really feeling it. I'm more excited for desserts and will be making a pecan pie and a pumpkin cheesecake!
ReplyDeleteOur go-to side dishes are sweet potato souffle and jalapeño creamed corn! Both were experiments of my husband's from Thanksgivings the past couple of years, now they're mainstays! I'm charged with making sweet potato pie (my pie of choice -- but I'm with you, pecan over pumpkin all the way) and making the table look pretty. I may even toss a green salad together this year -- look at me, being all culinary! Ha!!!
ReplyDeleteI need to remember this for when baby comes...I'll bring dinner and my mini pecan pies. It's not usually my favorite pie but I can't get enough of this mini version!!
ReplyDeleteI might have to give your green bean casserole a try ( I did a similar post today!)
ReplyDeleteyou must always at least try all types of pies available :)
ReplyDeleteThis year we are celebrating double! We have close enough family where we can see both on the same day!! Woooooohoooooooo!
ReplyDeletemmmm i love all the pies on thanksgiving! xo jillian - cornflake dreams
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