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Entries from Talk tagged with 'Thanksgiving'
'Fess Up...
OK, one last question about T-Giving. Who ran out Thursday morning to the store to grab last minute items and what were they? Mine were mushrooms and green beans, carrots, and sage.
* Added Mushrooms & Green Beans because we had nothing green.
* Carrots were bought to "re" make my carrot souffle because I was not happy with the first one.
* Sage was bought because our poor tired little plant didn't bear enough!
out on the town for thanksgiving!
did anyone dine out at a restaurant for thanksgiving? if so, where did you go, why did you choose the place, and most importantly, what did you order?
New Thanksgiving Recipes - a hit or a miss?
I posted a link in the Thanksgiving Recipes! thread earlier to a recipe for Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Apple Cider Sauce. Some one asked me to report on the results, so here goes:
I started late (mistake #1) making a recipe I had never made before (mistake #2). I hadn't cleared my counters (mistake #3) and my pastry bag was too small (mistake #4.) Then my food processor broke mid-puree. (Not really a mistake, call it mishap #5). I had to dig out my potato ricer to finish the dough. In spite of that, the gnocchi were actually pretty darn good!
This dough is very soft--a lot more potato than flour. You need to pipe it into boiling water since you could not possibly roll it. (You could spoon or scoop it though.) It cooks fast and overcooks very easily. 45 seconds is all it took, 60 seconds and the gnocchi turned to mush. I browned them off ahead of time and then packaged up the sauce, sage and gnocchi separately to travel. I crisped them up and sauced them right before dinner. They were very tasty, not overly sweet. The apple came through nicely, the sage wasn't overpowering. Nice fall flavors and pretty colors.
All in all, I'd say it was a hit; I would make it again. Any else try a recipe for the first time on Thanksgiving? How did yours turn out?
Cheers,
Karen
What's your favorite way to use Thanksgiving leftovers?
Share all your creative recipes for sandwiches, soups, pot-pies, potato re-makes, salads...What tastes best?
So, what did everyone have for Thanksgiving?
Well, after all the planning and shopping.....we've finished eating! There were four of us, so we couldn't go too wild with our menu. We had turkey (using a Tyler Florence recipe with maple syrup and bacon), dressing made with sausage, apricots and Grand Marnier, Mashed Yukons with buttermilk, roasted butternut squash with sauteed apples, green beans with lemon zest, brussel sprouts with chestnuts and cranberry sauce with port. We're taking a break from eating before dessert at the moment which is why I'm online.
For dessert, I took a few shortcuts: ordered a blueberry tart and pecan pie (both 6" in size) and we made an apple cranberry crisp with a polenta topping. Oh, and we have some artisan chocolates,
We had a bottle of Dreams (white wine) with dinner.
Gee, in reading what I'm writing...we sure seemed to have a lot of food, which is why I need a break.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Pie Project Participants! MUCH success!
To everybody who was so generous as to make or donate a pie (or turnovers or mmmmmm empenadas): The Pie Project was a terrific success. In fact, we had so many pies that I am going back tomorrow (the pantry also serves on Fridays) to dish up the leftovers. Many people had seconds, one woman pronounced the pie "absolutely scrumptious," and one gentleman asked me to pass on a particular blessing to the maker of the apple-cranberry with oatmeal topping; he said he hadn't had homemade pie in so long that he had forgotten what made it so good, and he especially wanted to say thank you for reminding him.
So all in all, we did a good thing. My profound thanks to everyone who participated, and to those who wanted to pitch in but found that life got in the way. Happy Turkey Day!
Maggiesara
Happy Thanksgiving!
Just wanted to fly by and say, Gobbler's in the oven, everything else is either done or well on the way...And I wanted to say thank you to the Serious Eats community. This site totally rocks and it's great to find so many kindred spirits in one place! Hope you have a bountiful and safe T-Giving with family and friends.
What the World Eats
I do think that this book might be the quintessential coffee-table book for Thanksgiving.
Here's a sampling. . Interesting stuff.
Keeping dinner hot in a small kitchen....
....The most important thing is some foods have to be hot (ones with fat or they will not taste good)....
Why does everyone think every thing has to be done so far ahead? Get help by keeping the mashed potatoes in their hot water until after salad course or first course, and have some one drain and mash them while turkey is being carved and plated, turkey can set whole a couple hours, and will be less dry which is always a consideration. While someone is carving, and someone is mashing potatoes, get gravy very hot in a skillet so it can warm up potatoes dressing and turkey if they chill, heat plates if possible, (pre heat gravy boat with boiling water.)..and dish it the very last thing. Vegetables are fine at room temp if in olive oil and not cream or butter sauce. The whole day is about the feast...let the meal dictate..for once. I find warm or hot plates make a huge difference we always heat our plates, in 170 oven....
If you bake in pottery or metal things like sweet potatoes will stay warm enough if left covered,,,,do you have a fire place or furnace rolls wrapped in foil, or hot dishes can wait covered near fire, for up to an hour, remember food safety...at some point microwaving might be the best option for reheating vegetables. Relax and enjoy...
Brine Bags for Turkey
I've tried using a brine bag for two years now and I can't seem to get enough air out to have the brine submerge the whole bird. Plus they have the worst zip tops ever. Any advice?
Turkey Leftovers
I am so pleased to have won a 17 pound turkey from seriouseats! This is going to be quite an adventure for me since the biggest bird I've ever roasted was about 12 pounds. We already have a turkey for the big day (heritage turkey - first time ever trying that) so I'm thinking I'll roast my seriouseats turkey on Friday and then make some mini turkey pot pies and maybe a soup out of the meat. I'll save the heritage turkey leftovers for some turkey sandwiches. What do you do with your turkey leftovers? Have any suggestions for my extra bird??
Emergency Turkey Day plans -- Help!
We were supposed to travel to the in-laws this week for Thanksgiving, but plans have fallen through. I am not that experienced of a cook, although I can follow a recipe. There are just 3 of us -- what do I make for the big meal? Any size turkey will be too big, but I want somewhat of a traditional feel (i.e. I don't want to make a lasagna or something off the wall like that). Cost is a bit of a factor here, as well. I could succumb to ordering from Boston market, but even that would be too much food, I think, for the 3 of us... Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated!
Pork free stuffing?
The stuffing I was planning on making was a cornbread sausage stuffing, and I just found out one my guests is rather violently allergic to pork! Any cornbread stuffing recipe suggestions? I want something a little fancier than the bread-onion-celery I grew up...
Green Bean Casserole...
In case anyone's interested... Cooks Illustrated did a "from scratch" version of Green Bean Casserole that looks outstanding. The recipe is on their site and it's free.
Save me from Serious Thanksgiving angst!
I have finally sketched out my menu http://izzyeats.blogspot.com/2007/11/wheres-my-thanksgiving-menu.html but now with so many recipes from which to choose, I just can't decide. Give me your favorite (tried and true) recipes for the following (sans pork, grandpa won't eat it!)
Brussels Sprouts
Sweet Potatoes
Stuffing
Hopefully I will get some sleep tonight!
Good Gravy!
My boyfriend is joining my family for the first time we've spent Thanksgiving together and I'm hoping it's easy and fun. There's a small snag already, however, and that's gravy related. We don't eat the stuff! I think it's gross, and Mom's turkey is always moist enough without it. But the boy seems to think there's no turkey without the stuff, and I'm willing to compromise enough to keep the peace.
The question then, (I'm finally getting around to it) is what makes the best gravy? Is this something I can secretly buy in a jar and dump into a boat? Must I boil a neck? Where does gravy even come from? PLEASE HELP!
Men v Women: Who cooks Thanksgiving dinner?
Inspired by Karen Resta's essay on her grandmother and mother's cooking at Thanksgiving, I was wondering...is Thanksgiving dinner still primarily cooked by women? How many men do all the planning and prep? Any couples share? My husband stays 20 feet away from the kitchen at all times, and I like it that way, haha!
Thanksgiving: How do you keep everything hot?
Every year I face the same dilemma: I have a fairly small oven and I have difficulty keeping everything warm while the turkey is being carved. We almost always sit down to lukewarm food. Any tips or suggestions would be much appreciated as my home kitchen lacks a salamander.
Thanksgiving Invites...
I found out a girl at work was planning to eat alone on T-Giving. She recently broke off with her fiancee and her family is all out of town. I invited her to my T-Giving Dinner and her response brought back memories..."Are you serious??" Once she determined the invite was legit, she graciously accepted and will be joining us. This is not the first time I've done this with people at work whose families are far away.
Have you invited non-family members to T-Giving to have them react as though you were kidding?
Your favorite Thanksgiving dish: If your holiday table had only one dish on it which would it be?
If your Thanksgiving table had only one dish on it which would it be?
Thanksgiving Recipes!
Have you come up with a brilliant T-Day recipe? Do you have a blog? Why not share your recipes here? (Non bloggers, just post your recipe in your comment).
Let's try this format:
Recipe name:
Link:
Type: Entreé, Side, Dressing/Stuffing, Dessert, Other, Appetizer, Salad, etc.
Anything special: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Low-fat, Pure Hedonistic Decadence, etc.
Feel free to post more than once. :)
In a Yam Jam!
Need help on finding a TRUE candied yam. Every single year I try a new recipe to no avail because it is not "Candied" if anyone can understand what "candied yam" is Please tell me how to prepare a Candied Yam. Not baked, not roasted but something that almost has a clear glazed outside, tender inside and very yummy. It is almost like crystalized on the outside but they are an old fashioned way to prepare yams (I think).Thank in advance, for your help and Happy Thanks Giving!
How long to brine a turkey for
I'm brining a turkey for the first time this year and was going to follow Alton Brown's Good Eats Roast Turkey recipe. (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_8389,00.html)
However, I'm confused b/c Alton's recipe says to brine the turkey for 6 hours; however, a lot of sites I've been reading up on say a minimum of 24 hours for a brine. Can anybody give me a clear answer based on their own brining expertise; especially if you've tried Alton's recipe? I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
Secrets to Good Gravy?
I'm coming out of the closet, er, pantry, with this one. Am still having trouble making a really good gravy, and would like to surprise everyone this Thanksgiving. Any tips?
First Thanksgiving problem: How much turkey do I need?
It's the first time I've planned and cooked a Thanksgiving dinner myself, and I have NO idea of how big of a turkey to get. I've got 10 people coming, and I'm planning to deep fry the turkey. Will a 12lb bird be enough? Should I get two smaller birds? I want to ensure sufficient leftovers, of course. Soups and moles are in the game plan. Help!
Thanksgiving Appetizers
I've been instructed to bring an appetizer to Thanksgiving that doesn't require heating (to save on oven space). I have a few ideas, but what would YOU bring besides a salad?
Setting the Thanksgiving table, formal or informal?
Do you place linens on the table along with your best dishes, silverware & glassware? Everyone having assigned seats? Go around the table with each person expressing thanks for events or family members? Centerpiece or candles? Do you serve buffet-style with paper plates & gather in the family room to watch the football games? What's your plan this year?
T-Giving: How do you organize a shopping list and cooking schedule?
How do you organize a shopping list and cooking schedule for a large scale event like T-Giving? I usually put all the recipes into WORD, then copy the ingredient lists to a separate document. I count up all the occurrences of each ingredient and total them up. i.e. I need about 5 lbs. of butter for T-Giving. This includes every possible use for butter. Next step will be to indicate which store each ingredient is found. Then, I'll figure out when to make each menu item in the days prior to T-Giving.
Your hints? Techniques?
Thanksgiving Soups
This Thanksgiving I'm in charge of the soup course, but I am feeling sooo uninspired. The only recipe that has caught my eye is one on epicurious for Creamy Fennel & Potato soup. Anyone care to share their Thanksgiving soup recipes?
Calling all bakers: Looking to help the hungry this Thanksgiving?
Could you make one extra pie this year? Or maybe a dozen apple turnovers? Every Thursday, the food pantry at Central Synagogue provides a hot meal for 100-120 hungry people, but they don't have the resources to change up their regular menu (beef stew) to include any traditional Thanksgiving foods. It made me sad to think of the pantry's clients being left out of the national feast, so I have volunteered to provide enough pie for all. If you'd like to pitch in to the Pie Project and give a taste of Thanksgiving to some people to don't have much, please contact me at bookseller@nyc.rr.com.
Thanksgiving table...any non-traditional foods this year?
Every family has "their own traditional foods". Perhaps this year, you are trying an out of the ordinary dish or recipe variation. Are you anticipating a guest or family member to bring an unusual side dish or dessert? Are you willing to change or add to your traditional menu?
Vegetarians / Thanksgiving
What would you like to see on the Thanksgiving table? Do you expect a special vegetarian main course or are side dishes sufficient?
Something new in Cranberry Sauce?
My family loves cranberry sauce. Not the awful stuff from the can but the real thing simmered on the stove and passed through a mouli to make it smooth (although there are those who argue for the whole berry sauce). If I could only get these traditionalists to move on! Does anyone have a good recipe for cranberry sauce which takes it to a new place?
Music to chew by: what to play during Thanksgiving dinner?
The Amateur Gourmet's current post about music and food got me thinking. I already have an "old reliable" playlist on my itunes for cooking and baking. But I'm assuming not everyone at my thanksgiving table will have the same music taste, so I'm at a loss as to what to put together for my Thanksgiving Day Playlist.
Growing up, my parents pulled out the same "101 Strings" album during Easter and Thanksgiving dinner, probably thinking that since candles were lit and the meals took hours to make, we should have classical music. I'll probably include some traditional music in the list, but what other songs or artists would you like the hear (at a low volume, to facilitate conversation, of course) as you give thanks through food?
Thanksgiving's aroma...what's your favorite smell?
The aroma of the stuffing ingredients being prepared? The turkey cooking in the oven? For me, it has got to be the smell of yeast rolls & pies baking. What Thanksgiving aroma puts a smile on your face?
Will Thanksgiving include homemade dinner rolls?
While home-made yeast dinner rolls can be time consuming, store-bought can't match their taste & aroma! If you bake, do you add extras like herbs, cheese or seeds? Bread machine? Make ahead, freeze & re-heat the day of the holiday? Allow guests to bring the rolls? Etched in my food memory is the smell of Grandma's home-made rolls drifting up the heating vents in her multi-story house...
Where are you going to get your turkey for Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is almost here. Where are you going to get your turkey from?
Pumpkin pie vs. sweet potato pie
As the eatin' season begins, it seems to me that someone out there can discuss the difference between pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie. I've only had SP pie once, a good while back. But it seems to me that they're both basically the same thing, a custard with cooked, pureed flesh and similar spicing, which is variations on cinnamon/ginger/nutmeg/mace. But that's only a theoretical description. Lots of folks seem to prefer one to the other. Help me out here. What's the difference? Why do you prefer one to the other?
Thanksgiving turkey NYC
Where is the best place in NYC/Brooklyn to order a Thanksgiving turkey? It's my first year hosting.
What salad will you serve on Thanksgiving?
With the turkey & dressing, multi-sides, other nibbles & dessert...does salad find itself on your menu? Never liked those gelatin concoctions that were traditional in my growing-up years :( When I do plan a Thanksgiving dinner, I include a fruit salad containing pears, apples, grapes, nuts ,etc. Are you serving a salad this year?
Do you offer Thanksgiving left-overs to guests?
Seems like we all love our left-overs (to the point of protecting them!). Say you've done it all----shopped, prepared & served your guests. Now, as they are preparing to leave---do you offer those precious left-overs? Do you give away only certain foods, keeping favorites for yourself? Or are you the type that says "I'm done with this---please take!"?
What holiday dish was a a total flop?
Over the years, I'm sure there have been a few holiday meals that a dish or two just didn't measure up either taste or appearance-wise. Was it something prepared by family? Left the little bag of giblets inside the turkey? Burned or undercooked food? A dish that nobody really liked but felt compelled to prepare out of tradition? At my house, I'm recalling those little creamed onions everone hated & one of those layered jello ring molds that not only didn't set-up but slid off the plate :( What holiday dish just didn't meet your criteria? How well did you handle the outcome?
Best online purveyor of Turduckens-- advice needed.
My brother-in-law, as a lover of all things fowl, is determined to get one for Thanksgiving dinner. I haven't lived in Louisiana for years and I know much has changed since Katrina, so any recommendations for an online or phone-order Turducken purveyor is appreciated. We had one from CajunGrocer last year and it was OK, but I really didn't like the stuffing. I can't even imagine doing it myself-- my knife skills are not up to that level, sadly.
Thanksgiving will not be complete without----------pie
As my previous thread stated, I'm full into holiday planning. Yesterday , my son called and told me he wanted coconut custard pie for Thanksgiving. But for me, the dinner will not be complete without pecan pie. What pie completes your image of Thanksgiving?
Cranberry blog
Since holiday discussions are in full swing, I must talk about one of my favorites: cranberries. I freeze them when they are available, so I can make cranberry sauce all year. I use the dried ones in salads, stuffings and desserts. On Thanksgiving I serve a cranberry casserole as a sidedish. It is cranberries, apples and sugar, topped with a brown sugar, butter, flour, oatmeal, chopped pecan streusel. How do you make your cranberries? Do you eat them raw? I do!
The holidays are coming...what is your favorite beverage?
I go for hot chocolate on Halloween. Then Thanksgiving thru the New Year, I like the grocery store "custard-style" cartons of eggnog. Occasionally order one of those gingerbread or eggnog lattes at the coffee shop. What do you sip on during the winter holidays?
Countdown: Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a little over 4 weeks away, and I'm already in planning mode. Yesterday I tried out a pecan pumpkin cheesecake. I'll be testing more recipes, and ripping out magazine pages for menu and decorating ideas. Is anyone else in the full holiday swing? How far do most people plan ahead? Any fantastic ideas?
The good stuff: stuffing...or is dressing?
According to an article I read, stuffing tells more about the cook than any other Thanksgiving food. Which category do you fall in---traditionalist, classic, hearty or creative? Based on bread, cornbread or another grain? Add dried or fresh fruit? What seasonings? Mix in meat, seafood or nuts? Stuff the turkey or bake along side? My favorite is the left-over, cold bread dressing & cranberry sauce sandwich! Let's talk stuffing...or is it dressing?
I'm getting my turkey from _____________
I have an opportunity to get a turkey from a farm connected with a food coop. I've used Empire turkeys, Shady Brook turkeys, a couple of fresh farm turkeys. They were all good to varying degrees. I read Cooks Illustrated this month and their results surprised me. They like frozen turkeys. Where are you getting your turkey from?Why?
Turkey Brine!
I'm preparing my first Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow and don't know if I should brine a butterball turkey? I was really excited to brine it, but was told that maybe I should just cook it.
Thanks for the help!
Thanksgiving! (In Canada, It's This Weekend)
How are all of my fellow canadians celebrating thanksgiving this upcoming weekend? I'll be having two dinners with family and friends, and going the fair!
Sweet Potato Dreams
Sweet potatoes are versatile and delicious. During the fall, I make them quite often. I make a mean sweet potato pie at Thanksgiving. What is your "signature " sweet potato dish?
Ham for Thanksgiving, what's so wrong with that?
My family loves ham, but no one ever talks about ham on Thanksgiving. Why not? Why so much pig-hatred?
