Dish Up a Full Plate of Tradition This Thanksgiving

thanksgivingTradition is delicious at Thanksgiving. With so many recipes to choose from, where do you start? We’ve got you covered with Thanksgiving classics –check out our collection of the top traditional Thanksgiving dishes you can make at home from main course, sides to dessert.

Turkey with Stuffing—

A delicious, golden brown, roasted turkey is sure to please any family member. Roast your turkey with all the stuffing fixings (celery, Challah bread, green pepper, mushrooms, pecans, etc) for about 60 to 75 minutes at least. Try basting the turkey in its own drippings for added flavor and to inject extra moisture into the bird. Pair with home-made giblet gravy for a classic meal ready to eat. It also makes delicious leftover turkey sandwiches. We find Alton Brown’s classic Turkey with Stuffing recipe a win-win!

Mashed Potatoes—

Nothing compliments tender turkey better than creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. Boil Yukon or baby red potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes in hot water. Mash softened potatoes together with a little cream, butter, salt, pepper and a touch of olive oil (try a flavored olive oil for an added flavor dimension) thoroughly. An electronic hand mixer or even food mill works well to cream the potatoes to the desired consistency.  

Cranberry Sauce

Looking to top your tender turkey with a sweet sauce? Start by boiling fresh cranberries together in water with sugar and then simmering with a cinnamon stick, allspice and nutmeg. Once the berries are tender, some will have burst, add in a little orange zest and orange juice and let cool.

Green Bean Casserole—

This creamy yet crispy side dish is a classic component to any Thanksgiving meal. Add boiled, fresh green beans to a creamy mushroom and shallot sauce and place in a baking dish. Top with torn pieces of rosemary, olive oil, parmesan coated Italian bread and bake for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the bread topping is crispy and golden brown. Talk about a flavor explosion in your mouth!

Glazed Carrots—

One of the simplest dishes to make: cook julienned carrots with coconut oil until tender and browned on the outside. Toss in a water, honey, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper glaze for a sweet and slightly savory side sure to put a smile on all faces.

Pumpkin Pie

Last but certainly not least, it isn’t a traditional Thanksgiving meal without pumpkin pie! A gingersnap and brown sugar crust envelops creamy, spicy pumpkin puree mixture. Process gingersnap cookies, dark brown sugar and ground ginger in a food processor and drizzle unsalted butter into the crumb mixture. Pulse until combined and press into a glass pie dish. Bring pumpkin puree to a simmer over medium heat in a saucepan and add in half and half, nutmeg and salt. Set aside to cool. Whisk brown sugar, eggs, and yolk until smooth into a large bowl and combine into pumpkin mixture thoroughly. Pour into pie crust and bake about 50 minutes. Not too sweet, not too savory, pumpkin pie is the perfect sending to a traditional Thanksgiving feast.

For a cornucopia of traditional Thanksgiving recipes, visit FoodNetwork.com.

We will be enjoying Thanksgiving with our families, and we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving too! The best part? You can still enjoy the flavors of the season by stopping by one of our two Denver locations to enjoy Sarah’s Pumpkin Pancakes or Cinnamon Almond Fresh Toast. Finally, we will be open Friday, November 28th serving up the delicious breakfast you’ll need to start your holiday shopping early.