Thanksgiving dinner.

[diethx]

I'm going to cook again this year - are you? What's on your list? I'd love to get some recipes for new and interesting sides, as I've already got the turkey/ham/dessert down (ordering discounted HoneyBaked through my work).

[Liagala]

My grandmother was one of 9 children, and they all grew up with a very strong sense of how important keeping family together is. So when they started having families of their own, they got an idea to get together every year for Thanksgiving, everyone all in one place even if they didn't see each other the rest of the year. It very quickly became too much for anyone to cook for, so they started going to restaurants. As time went on and their kids started having families it moved to renting a hall. Now we average 50-60 people per year (more if the Florida folks come up). It's one of those things that you hate when you're a kid, but the older you get the more you start appreciating it.

[msconstrew]

I cook every year, love to do it. Here's our probable menu: 1) brined roasted turkey with bacon used as a breast protector - we fight over the bacon at the end; 2) sausage fennel stuffing (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Sausage-Fennel-Stuffing-15395); 3) garlic mashed potatoes (I may try to do something with sweet potatoes this year instead); 4) cranberry kumquat chutney (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Cranberry-Kumquat-Chutney-5760) (note: this is a pain in the ass to make because the kumquats are tiny, and have seeds, so slicing them is a frustrating endeavor; I have successfully substituted navel oranges); 5) cracked pepper cream biscuits (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Cracked-Black-Pepper-Cream-Biscuits-14448); 6) roasted brussels sprouts with bacon; and 7) minted pea puree (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Minted-Pea-Puree-10397) (not that visually attractive, but delicious; I've been working on trying to make it MORE visually attractive, but I doubt it's going to happen).

Dessert will probably be a lemon tart and a chocolate-bottom bourbon pecan pie, which is a recipe I "invented" and I make it every year at Thanksgiving.

With respect to the stuffing - I usually cube and toast my own bread rather than using store-bought, and that makes a huge difference in basically every stuffing I've ever made. One year I actually made bread for it but ... no. Apparently I had a LOT of free time when I was in law school. I also do not stuff the bird at all, preferring to put an orange, an onion, and a lemon in there for aromatics. So the stuffing always gets cooked along-side the turkey.

Some of the recipes I'll use are variants or amalgams of these and recipes out of Cooks Illustrated, but since not everyone here will have a CI subscription I just linked to the ones that don't require any sort of subscription at all. The lemon tart recipe is solely a CI recipe, and it is nice and tart and not too sweet.

Finally, don't throw out your turkey carcass! Make stock (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Homemade-Turkey-Stock-240445)with it instead, and then use that in soup all year long.

[Some Rogue]

My grandmother was one of 9 children, and they all grew up with a very strong sense of how important keeping family together is. So when they started having families of their own, they got an idea to get together every year for Thanksgiving, everyone all in one place even if they didn't see each other the rest of the year. It very quickly became too much for anyone to cook for, so they started going to restaurants. As time went on and their kids started having families it moved to renting a hall. Now we average 50-60 people per year (more if the Florida folks come up). It's one of those things that you hate when you're a kid, but the older you get the more you start appreciating it.

Until you're the new guy on the block and get forced into hanging out with 45 people you don't know... :whistle:

[msconstrew]

My grandmother was one of 9 children, and they all grew up with a very strong sense of how important keeping family together is. So when they started having families of their own, they got an idea to get together every year for Thanksgiving, everyone all in one place even if they didn't see each other the rest of the year. It very quickly became too much for anyone to cook for, so they started going to restaurants. As time went on and their kids started having families it moved to renting a hall. Now we average 50-60 people per year (more if the Florida folks come up). It's one of those things that you hate when you're a kid, but the older you get the more you start appreciating it.

This is the polar opposite of my family, which at its most robust (everyone was alive back in the 90s!) had a max of 13 people at the Thanksgiving table. Now it is more like seven unless we can find some family friends who want to come over.

[azim17]

Must haves (and will travel w/ingredients to make if necessary):

Herbed mashed potatoes
Sweet potato puree served in orange cups
Brussel Sprouts w/shallot,walnut and pancetta

[diethx]

I am so going to try that sausage fennel stuffing. Sounds so good.

[Androidpk]

I'm going to cook again this year - are you? What's on your list? I'd love to get some recipes for new and interesting sides, as I've already got the turkey/ham/dessert down (ordering discounted HoneyBaked through my work).

I'll be expecting an invitation.

[diethx]

Don't hold your breath.

[Archigeek]

Scalloped corn is probably my favorite side that not everyone makes. There are also alot of great fall vegetables that you could use: beets, squash, cabbage etc. Just baking a squash with brown sugar, butter, salt and pepper can be a great side. Or you can skip the sugar and go savory with some nice herbs. Sauted purple cabbage with bacon is a pretty great dish too. And since Thanksgiving dinner is not complete without a compartmentalized dish of various pickles, toss some pickled beets in there along with dill pickles and olives. This goes next to the similar tray of various cheeses.

[diethx]

I'm cooking for two of us. There will be no cheese plate hahaha.

[Androidpk]

Laaame.

[Vindicate]

This is one i do every year:
Roasted Parsnips, Turnips, and Rutabagas with Ancho-Spiced Honey Glaze

Roasted Parsnips are damn good.

[msconstrew]

I'm cooking for two of us. There will be no cheese plate hahaha.

LOL, uh, that menu I posted is for three people. I am trying to find some more people to come (like those who can't afford to go home for the holidays, or are alone). How about you and pk fly out and make it five?!

[Tisket]

Until you're the new guy on the block and get forced into hanging out with 45 people you don't know... :whistle:

I feel more sorry for Lia. After all, she's the one who has to remember the names of all those people as she introduces you to them.

But maybe she is better at remembering names than I am. I can barely remember my own!

[Tisket]

My husband is cooking this year which makes me happy. But it means I get to do all the pre and post cleaning. Bummer.

[diethx]

LOL, uh, that menu I posted is for three people. I am trying to find some more people to come (like those who can't afford to go home for the holidays, or are alone). How about you and pk fly out and make it five?!

You're just trying to use me for my awesome HoneyBaked discount. Bitch.

[AnticorRifling]

I just show up, eat, and then fall asleep in the chair watching football. So it's a pretty typical day for me.

[Asha]

God, I wish we had a national 'Eat Loads Of Amazing Shit' day.

[Beguiler]

I’ve made these a bunch of times and everyone fights to lick the bowl!

Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Serves 4-6)

Ingredients:

4 large sweet potatoes
2 tbsp adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle chilies in adobo sauce) or to taste
4 tbsp butter, softened
1 tsp salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Once hot, place sweet potatoes in the oven and roast for 45 minutes until very soft.
When sweet potatoes are done, remove from the oven and squeeze flesh out into a and mash by hand with a potato masher. (Use a mixer if you have one and want to).
Also in the bowl, add the soft butter, adobo sauce, salt (see NOTE for options). Mix until smooth and creamy and season with additional adobo sauce or salt to taste. NOTE: if you want even more heat, can take half a chipotle chili from the can and chop it finely and mix in. Or, 6-8 dashes Tabasco raspberry chipotle hot sauce is delicious!

Time: 1 hour

[Drakefang]

That adobo sauce from the canned chipotles is PLENTY hot. I'll have to try those, they sound tasty.

Here's our newest way to prepare sweet potatoes for this Thanksgiving. Mashed with half and half, butter, goat cheese and toasted pistachios. Very tasty and not over sweet.

[Asha]

There will be no cheese plate hahaha.

I have no words.

[diethx]

I have no words.

I've wounded you deeply, haven't I?

[msconstrew]

I've wounded you deeply, haven't I?

Does your cruelty know no bounds, woman!

[Reliel]

I am ordering pizza this year.

Because I have nobody I want to celebrate with.

[Some Rogue]

Because I have nobody I want to celebrate with.

I am shocked!


Perhaps you can call up one of the guys from Gamestop and KFC to come over?

[Reliel]

I am shocked!


Perhaps you can call up one of the guys from Gamestop and KFC to come over?

They said they were busy treating customers like crap. Maybe next year.

[Divinity]

I wanted some ideas for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. I recently watched Gordon Ramsay's Christmas special and he had some good recipes. I'm probably not going to stray far from what I have made in the past but something new would be Ramsay's cranberry and apple relish.

[Asha]

I've wounded you deeply, haven't I?

You are nothing to me.

[Kuyuk]

Probably going to be sitting home alone playing computer games or watching a movie... hopefully someone delivers on Thanksgiving! Dont fail me poppa johns!

Next year when I get my son, I'll prob visit parents with him.

[Stanley Burrell]

Probably going to be sitting home alone playing computer games or watching a movie...

Please send those vibes this-a-way. Real life needs an unfriend button. Dreading this get-together.

[diethx]

Probably going to be sitting home alone playing computer games or watching a movie... hopefully someone delivers on Thanksgiving! Dont fail me poppa johns!

Next year when I get my son, I'll prob visit parents with him.

Pretty sure Chinese is always open.

[Reliel]

I know that Papa Johns and Dominoes delivers on Thanksgiving.

[diethx]

You guys are kind of depressing. I think you two should get together and have Thanksgiving dinner. Kuyuk could cook and you could clean.

[Parkbandit]

I'm planning on smoking another turkey this year.. since it is the best turkey I've ever had. I have some extra room in the smoker, so I'm looking for some suggestions for other items I could smoke for Thanksgiving.

[Warriorbird]

I'm planning on smoking another turkey this year.. since it is the best turkey I've ever had. I have some extra room in the smoker, so I'm looking for some suggestions for other items I could smoke for Thanksgiving.

Another one of those areas I agree with PB completely on. We're smoking turkey, peppers, garlic, tomato, onions, and we might throw in a little pineapple. I think we're going to go with apple wood.

[Reliel]

You guys are kind of depressing. I think you two should get together and have Thanksgiving dinner. Kuyuk could cook and you could clean.

Hey, ordering out beats the family drama. Try it one year.

[Drakefang]

I'm planning on smoking another turkey this year.. since it is the best turkey I've ever had. I have some extra room in the smoker, so I'm looking for some suggestions for other items I could smoke for Thanksgiving.

I'd do a rack of ribs. I was thinking a duck, which I enjoy, but two fowl might not go over as well as some ribs. It's not very traditional but I like the counter to the typical turkey and gravy.

[Parkbandit]

Another one of those areas I agree with PB completely on. We're smoking turkey, peppers, garlic, tomato, onions, and we might throw in a little pineapple. I think we're going to go with apple wood.

I've never tried apple.. but my father in law has some pecan wood I think I'm going to pilfer and try that... otherwise I'll go hickory and oak since I have so much of that currently.

I like the idea of smoked veggies... I think I might try and smoke some butternut squash.

[Asha]

Smoked brisket. Mouthgasm.

[Warriorbird]

I've never tried apple.. but my father in law has some pecan wood I think I'm going to pilfer and try that... otherwise I'll go hickory and oak since I have so much of that currently.

I like the idea of smoked veggies... I think I might try and smoke some butternut squash.

Both the pecan wood and the squash sound tasty.

[Asile]

My family likes Thanksgiving pretty traditional, which is fine by me My mom started doing this thing with roasting winter squash (acorn and butternut) and sweet potatoes, which is really good, but I'm really not sure exactly what she does other than cube them and put them in the oven (there's some sort of something on them, though, that's not just butter).

We had a potluck at work this week and I pulled off this really good pesto-pasta-bean salad, for something a bit non-traditional.

Otherwise.. it's your traditional mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and Ukrop's Kitchen Sweet Potato Casserole.

[diethx]

Hey, ordering out beats the family drama. Try it one year.

I am doing it this year (and did it last year, too) by cooking for just the two of us!


I'm planning on smoking another turkey this year.. since it is the best turkey I've ever had. I have some extra room in the smoker, so I'm looking for some suggestions for other items I could smoke for Thanksgiving.

Ham? Mmm, smoked ham. I also agree with the squash and sweet potatoes.

[diethx]

Scalloped corn is probably my favorite side that not everyone makes.

I don't know how I missed this. Recipe please? Also, sauteed purple cabbage with bacon?

[Liagala]

I'm looking for some suggestions for other items I could smoke for Thanksgiving.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61Pi6Q-eKzL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

[4a6c1]

New Orleans for Thanksgiving. Not cooking. I guess we'll find some turkey somewhere. Cajun Turkey!

[Warriorbird]

New Orleans for Thanksgiving. Not cooking. I guess we'll find some turkey somewhere. Cajun Turkey!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZwhNFOn4ik

[4a6c1]

I just got down to that song. No joke. I was like this.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv183/rojodisco/loldance.gif

[Archigeek]

I don't know how I missed this. Recipe please? Also, sauteed purple cabbage with bacon?

For the scalloped corn, there are a ton of recipes for it out there. This one most closely resembles what my mom used to make: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Old-Fashioned-Scalloped-Corn/Detail.aspx?prop24=RD_RelatedRecipes

The sauteed cabbage is a traditional German and Eastern European dish. It's a great combination of sweet and sour. Add some diced sour apples to this recipe and it'll be about perfect: http://www.chow.com/recipes/10712-braised-red-cabbage-with-bacon

[Archigeek]

I'm planning on smoking another turkey this year.. since it is the best turkey I've ever had. I have some extra room in the smoker, so I'm looking for some suggestions for other items I could smoke for Thanksgiving.

Smoked sausage are a great compliment to turkey, or some good quality pork. Alternatively, I wouldn't hesitate to roast a squash or two in the smoker. Properly seasoned, that could be awesome smoked. You could also do chestnuts. I remember staying at a small farm in Sicily, and the farmer roasted chestnuts in the fireplace... they were great.

[Warriorbird]

I just got down to that song. No joke. I was like this.

http://static.fjcdn.com/gifs/Young+Ghetto+GG+dance..+Just+to+make+your+day+bett er_00bfb0_3190494.gif

Like the kid who responded:

http://static4.fjcdn.com/thumbnails/comments/3190494+_9c248b30e51554184a19972e4647d310.gif

[4a6c1]

Aww it lost my gif. Let me see if I can find it again.

*Fixed!


I just got down to that song. No joke. I was like this.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv183/rojodisco/loldance.gif

[Parkbandit]

I've never tried apple.. but my father in law has some pecan wood I think I'm going to pilfer and try that... otherwise I'll go hickory and oak since I have so much of that currently.

I like the idea of smoked veggies... I think I might try and smoke some butternut squash.

My wife found this on Pinterest today.. that she has already given me her blessing to smoke this year:

Yes, it is bacon wrapped turkey...

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/32412_495218410512007_257590791_n.jpg

[Suppressed Poet]

My wife found this on Pinterest today.. that she has already given me her blessing to smoke this year:

Yes, it is bacon wrapped turkey...

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/32412_495218410512007_257590791_n.jpg

Dear God!!...I eat bacon nearly every morning and love it...but come on! There is something terribly wrong here. And we wonder why obesity is such a problem in America. I'd feel guilty even attempting something of this magnitude. People should know better.

...and yet...if someone did happen to put that in front of me (cooked) for Thanksgiving I would have to eat it and would likely bask in my gluttony.

[Suppressed Poet]

And the only proper way to cook that bacon wrapped turkey is to deep fry it.

[diethx]

Thanks for that, Debbie Downer.

Man, that whole "I'm only going to post about Gemstone!!!!" bit didn't last very long. /sigh

[Suppressed Poet]

Thanks for that, Debbie Downer.

Man, that whole "I'm only going to post about Gemstone!!!!" bit didn't last very long. /sigh

It certainly did not.

Now please proceed to stuff that bacon wrapped turkey up your bum bum and suck on this real good.

Asshole. .../sigh

[Gompers]

I'm a bit late on this thread, but for those of you (or your wives) who have a baker's edge pan:

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/ProductImageCompressAll300/A1MM_1_20121108_86345686.jpg

it works as an excellent stuffing pan as well - crispy edges for everyone!

[Tgo01]

I'm a bit late on this thread, but for those of you (or your wives)

Sexist!

Also that pan looks like something you would stick a white mouse in.

[Latrinsorm]

A mouse makes a fine meal.

[Tgo01]

A mouse makes a fine meal.

Exactly, just like in that movie V.

[Back]

Chicken fried steak with gravy, biscuts, hashbrowns, and scrambled eggs for breakfast!

Well, brunch.

[DCSL]

Until you're the new guy on the block and get forced into hanging out with 45 people you don't know... :whistle:

Yeah, this. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have the most miserable five hours of the year this evening. I hate turkey for fuck's sake. Thankfully, it can only last that long, since I have to give someone a ride to work by a certain time tonight.

[Latrinsorm]

Yeah, this. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have the most miserable five hours of the year this evening. I hate turkey for fuck's sake. Thankfully, it can only last that long, since I have to give someone a ride to work by a certain time tonight.In non in-law scenarios I have always found that people are willing to go no further than puzzled indifference if I politely refuse a given traditional foodstuff, and indeed I have even found assertive support from some strangers.

Though in-laws (and booze!) may be a confounding factor, I still recommend polite insistence.

[4a6c1]

Haha suckers. Took off to San Antonio and calling it work. Eating at a fancy restuarant tonight with only my daughter and myself. Massage tomorrow. No family, minimal guilt. For the win.

[Latrinsorm]

Rojo you take some heat sometimes but I would like to say that you are an inspiration for strength and determination and I am thankful for you. :)

[DCSL]

Haha suckers. Took off to San Antonio and calling it work. Eating at a fancy restuarant tonight with only my daughter and myself. Massage tomorrow. No family, minimal guilt. For the win.

Bitch.

[diethx]

So. full. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[BriarFox]

I'm making a brown-sugar-and-honey glazed half-ham and some deviled eggs at the moment. I forgot the sweet potatoes, but usually I'd make those, too.

[msconstrew]

Due to Mr. Constrew's airport delay, Thanksgiving Dinner for us is: roasted pear and walnut arugula salad, fettucine bolognese, and chocolate cream pie.

[FlayedAngel]

So. full. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Ooof, same!! Gym last night -- today is lazy coma day... haha.

Happy Thanksgiving!

[diethx]

Seriously. I was able to muster up enough strength to pack up all the leftovers and stick them in the fridge (which is now LITRALLY half full with leftovers alone), and now I just want to sit and drink wine and watch football. Until it's time to shop. :D

[Jarvan]

My dad's family always made sweet potatoes. They would slice them into strips, layer them in a casserole dish, put butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, black walnuts, and bake it off, right at the end, they would cover the top with mini marsh mellows and let it brown.

Not exactly healthy, but tasty.

[BriarFox]

My dad's family always made sweet potatoes. They would slice them into strips, layer them in a casserole dish, put butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, black walnuts, and bake it off, right at the end, they would cover the top with mini marsh mellows and let it brown.

Not exactly healthy, but tasty.

Just the same way I do it, though I don't like the marshmallows, personally. Walnuts are a really nice touch.

[Parkbandit]

My wife found this on Pinterest today.. that she has already given me her blessing to smoke this year:

Yes, it is bacon wrapped turkey...



By far, the juiciest turkey I have ever had. I feel a little badly for my mother in law who brought a drier than normal turkey.

4279

[msconstrew]

By far, the juiciest turkey I have ever had. I feel a little badly for my mother in law who brought a drier than normal turkey.

4279

This is actually the way my mother always did her turkey (and the way I do mine, too). Not smoked, but with the bacon. We always fight over the bacon after it comes out of the oven.

[Stanley Burrell]

I balked out. Gods be praised.

I'd grab my nuts but they're on permanent swang-in-yo-face mode after the dire truth was spoketh from my mouth. I was like, "I'm not going." Dudes, the stoicism and stalwartness were incredible.

Motherfuckers better bring me back leftovers though. Hell. Yes. God I love misanthropy.

[Latrinsorm]

But Stanley, we love you! Pursuit of asymmetry is not for the win, sir. :(

[Stanley Burrell]

But Stanley, we love you! Pursuit of asymmetry is not for the win, sir. :(

Heh. I wouldn't call it a pursuit ... yet. Red Alert:: Worst analogy known to man coming up: But if he who hesitates is lost; then I'd hesitate, simply to pursue the intricacies of being lost.























Knowledge.

[Methais]

Happy Thanksgiving people.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/3726_10151173762597535_1679144198_n.jpg

[MotleyCrew]

WTF are you all talking about, Thanksgiving was last month.

Seriously though, pretty traditional here...but homemade cranberry sauce is a must. Although my brother insists on a can of cranberry jelly, we always serve it to him still in the form of a can and call it his 'cranberry alpo'.

For dessert we always do pie, pumpkin is a must but last year I started doing a bunch of different tarts instead of pies. Put them all in the middle of the table after dinner with whipped cream, tea and coffee...take what you want. Saves someone having to cut and serve pie, with all the requests for a smidgen of each kind.

[Stanley Burrell]

WTF are you all talking about, Thanksgiving was last month.

Seriously though, pretty traditional here...but homemade cranberry sauce is a must. Although my brother insists on a can of cranberry jelly, we always serve it to him still in the form of a can and call it his 'cranberry alpo'.

For dessert we always do pie, pumpkin is a must but last year I started doing a bunch of different tarts instead of pies. Put them all in the middle of the table after dinner with whipped cream, tea and coffee...take what you want. Saves someone having to cut and serve pie, with all the requests for a smidgen of each kind.

Turducken poutine would suffice.

[MotleyCrew]

Turducken poutine would suffice.

Ha! Why not, we make poutine out of just about everything else. :)

[Stanley Burrell]

Ha! Why not, we make poutine out of just about everything else. :)

Honestly, throw some crispy bacon in ... and that would be rather badass. And beyond my culinary skills.

[FlayedAngel]

Coooooking!!

Here, have some pirate folk metal (http://grooveshark.com/s/Nancy+The+Tavern+Wench/3hPkX3?src=5)!

[Kuyuk]

Thanksgiving: 3 people, so I was able to put everything nicely on a platter

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25041852@N03/8211637110/in/set-72157632078369845/