Our Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes
Wow Thanksgiving has snuck up on me this year! Hard to believe it’s just two weeks away. We’ve had an unseasonably warm Fall and I’ve been soaking up plenty of time running in the sunshine, so it hardly feels like the holidays are upon us.
I’m looking forward to hosting this year since our kitchen remodel is almost complete (we don’t have a kitchen island yet, but my kids are loving all the extra space for kitchen dance parties!).
Since it’s just a small family gathering, I’m planning on keeping the menu simple and non-traditional. To me Thanksgiving is about spending relaxing time in the kitchen together with my kids. I don’t want to create madness due to trying to cook six side dishes and endless appetizers. I would rather have time to participate in the local turkey trot (Footzone I Like Pie Run) with my kids and space to allow my 4 year old to help out in the kitchen (without getting stressed over her big messes!).
So here’s what’s on our menu this year! Of course most of these recipes come from Run Fast. Eat Slow. and Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow. If you haven’t ordered our latest cookbook, be sure to add it to your holiday gift wish list! It will inspire you beyond the kitchen.
Elyse’s Thanksgiving Menu
RFES = Run Fast. Eat Slow.
RFCFES = Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.
Drinks
Apple-Ginger Cider (RFES p. 39)
For warming up after our Thanksgiving Day annual family fun run.
Wine (I’m excited to branch out of our typical Oregon Pinot Noir selection and try some new “natural” wines that I discovered in the Wine Food Cookbook).
Appetizers
Pesto Yogurt Dip (RFCFES p. 175) or Sweet Potato Hummus (RFCFES p. 195) with crudité and crostini
Charcuterie Board with aged cheeses, Olympia Provisions cured salami, and Wildwood Hazelnuts (RFES p. 65)
Main
Whole Roasted Chicken with Herbs (RFES p. 130)
We have decided to forgo the traditional turkey this year as we find that we always get stuck with too much leftovers and my kids don’t love white meat. This chicken recipe is much easier and full of juicy flavor.
Sides
I’m all about the sides, this is the most important part of the Thanksgiving menu (well also desserts!).
Mashed Yams with Sage Brown Butter (RFES p. 165)
I love that this dish can be prepped the day before and simply reheated. I always apologize for not making traditional mashed potatoes. My kids prefer this dish and two types of mashed potatoes feels like overkill.
Green Apple-Fennel Salad (RFES p. 88)
Super freshing and goes so well with a hearty Fall menu. Plus fennel and the Apple Cider Viniagrette (RFES p. 173) is great for digestion.
Roasted Cauliflower and Potatoes (RFCFES p. 162) or Roasted Brussels Sprouts (RFES p.158)
Roasting veggies is so easy and everyone loves them. My kids favorite seasonal roasted veggie is cauliflower (read more about kid friendly recipes here).
Desserts
So many family favorite options, so hard to decide!
Oregon Berry Crumble (RFES p. 195) with vanilla ice cream
I’ll sub in apples for the strawberries to keep it seasonal. My favorite brand of store-bought ice cream is Strauss Creamery.
Ginger Molasses Cookies (RFCFES p. 208)
The spicy gingery kick is great for digestion after a hearty meal.
Pumpkin Pie – We don’t have this in our cookbooks, but I recently spotted this recipe for Date Sweetened Pumpkin Pie and am excited for an excuse to try it! My father-in-law specially requested pumpkin pie so I’m wondering if this might be too healthy for his liking?!
And for snacking on throughout the weekend I’m going to bake a double batch of Pumpkin Spice Superhero Muffins (RFCFES p.62).
Ok now that I’m seeing this all written out it does seem like a lot! But at least many of the dishes can be prepped ahead. For example the cookies and muffins can be easily made the weekend before and stashed in the fridge or freezer. And since I’m not doing a traditional turkey with all the fixings (gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce) that makes this feel super manageable.
What’s on your holiday menu? Wishing you and your family a beautiful Thanksgiving feast!!
Lots of Love!
Elyse
Photography by Alan Weiner from Run Fast. Eat Slow. and Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow. For use by permission only.