Thanksgiving Menu

[AustinTink]

fried Turkey
Baked Turkey stuffed with cornbread dressing
oyster dressing
Crab meat dressing
dirty rice
corn grits
Baked macaroni
Roasted vegetables
Green bean casserole
rolls
pecan, pumpkin & chocolate pies

You are definitely from Louisiana. That all sounds amazing.

 

[Imzadi]

Dinner is 4 adults and a 5 year old. So far on the menu we are having:
Roast duck with wild rice/apricot/cranberry stuffing
Mashed potatoes and gravy

Yay! Another person having roast duck. We've been having duck for years. An ex-BF made fun of me. But, it turns out, duck is actually more authentic to what was available to the settlers than turkey.

 

[leebee]

Yay! Another person having roast duck. We've been having duck for years. An ex-BF made fun of me. But, it turns out, duck is actually more authentic to what was available to the settlers than turkey.

Turkeys are just so big, and DD doesn't eat it at all; just doesn't like it. My favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner is leftover turkey sandwiches and turkey soup. A couple of years ago we decided to duck instead, which we all LOVE and is authentic to the settlers. HOWEVER... I really cringed passing by those 47cents a pound turkeys to buy TWO $4 a pound ducks! Truth? I bought 2 ducks and a 12 pound turkey, which I'll roast this weekend with some stuffing. I figure, at less than $6, even if DH and I only have supper one night, a couple of sandwiches, and I make soup, even if we throw out the rest, it's still a bargain! (Gotta remember to buy the cranberry jelly- love the stuff with the lines, especially on my turkey sandwich!)

 

[Imzadi]

Turkeys are just so big, and DD doesn't eat it at all; just doesn't like it. My favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner is leftover turkey sandwiches and turkey soup. A couple of years ago we decided to duck instead, which we all LOVE and is authentic to the settlers. HOWEVER... I really cringed passing by those 47cents a pound turkeys to buy TWO $4 a pound ducks! Truth? I bought 2 ducks and a 12 pound turkey, which I'll roast this weekend with some stuffing. I figure, at less than $6, even if DH and I only have supper one night, a couple of sandwiches, and I make soup, even if we throw out the rest, it's still a bargain!

Doing the math, getting the turkey at this time is a good investment for you & DH. You could also freeze the leftover turkey to add to other meals later.

(Gotta remember to buy the cranberry jelly- love the stuff with the lines, especially on my turkey sandwich!)

I could have written this sentence myself.

 

[Chupaca bruh]

Turkey croquettes, made a couple months ago and frozen. Potatoes, stuffing and gravy. I think the vegetable will be corn.

The veggie is now artichoke. Husband made herd bread and then cut it up and dried it out for stuffing. Hopefully there is enough cubes left for stuffing as they made the best croutons for my salads the past few days.

 

[smokeyblue]

Last year pretty much all my family had Covid or was exposed so I stayed home and ordered Door Dash from Big Boy. I think a huge dinner, two pieces of pie and a tip was like $25. Big Boy food is usually terrible, but this was really good. I wish I could convince my family to just do this instead of preparing a meal, especially since there are only going to be 6 of us.

 

[Love Ft Wilderness]

Only 2 of us. Usually we go to Columbia restaurant that makes a superb turkey dinner. Couldn't get in this year. We decided to go very simple.

I'm getting turkey wraps made a day before at a local Jewish deli.
Then I'll make some yams, green beans, and thinking about the canned cranberry sauce with lines on it.
For dessert, I'm trying out a Streusel Pumpkin Pie recipe (no crust) so it should be easy.

Nice and relaxing!

 

[AustinTink]

Only 2 of us. Usually we go to Columbia restaurant that makes a superb turkey dinner. Couldn't get in this year. We decided to go very simple.

I'm getting turkey wraps made a day before at a local Jewish deli.
Then I'll make some yams, green beans, and thinking about the canned cranberry sauce with lines on it.
For dessert, I'm trying out a Streusel Pumpkin Pie recipe (no crust) so it should be easy.

Nice and relaxing!

Relaxing is always good.

 

[leebee]

I'm happy to see the canned cranberry sauce with the lines is getting a little love!

 

[wov305]

Just finished up my last trip to the store, I hope. We will be having turkey, ham, dressing, cranberry relish, Mac and cheese, green bean casserole, sweet potatoe casserole, mashed potatoes, broccoli cauliflower salad, beef and noodles, pumpkin pie, 7-up pound cake, and a chocolate cake. My mom is wanting to impress my sister's new boyfriend and cooking is her love language. I want to curl up in a corner with my tablet and shop store sales, but it is not too be.

 

[LilyWDW]

Not 100% sure what will be served on Thursday at the family meal. All I know is I am bringing the cranberry sauce which is hilarious because it is the one item that I can not eat. Cranberries are a no go for my IC.

The Saturday after I am making a full meal for myself and a friend. We will have the following:

Turkey
Stuffing
Sweet Potato Casserole
Green Bean Casserole
Roasted Broccoli
Rolls
Gravy

I may make a dessert, but I don't know what. Usually my friend provides dessert, but she will be coming right from work so won't be able to.

 

[Imzadi]

I'm happy to see the canned cranberry sauce with the lines is getting a little love!

I like making cranberry mayo for turkey sandwiches. It's just a 1/2 cup of mayo and 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce with some black pepper. I take a fork and mash up the canned cranberry sauce a bit and mix it with the mayo. It turns a pretty pink color. Slather a generous amount on turkey sandwiches.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

There are only three of us. Our adult DS just let me know he has stopped eating meat, so my menu has changed. Currently I'm planning on serving:

Cheese platter (DS's request)
Turkey
Stuffing (both in the turkey & baked in a casserole dish)
Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole w/Pecan Topping (This will double as dessert.)
Corn
Sauteed Mushrooms & Onions
Deviled Eggs
Rolls

I want another vegetable side dish that isn't a casserole. The original plan was to have radishes sauteed with bacon, but that's now a no-go. We don't want anything we have on a regular basis (i.e. simple green beans, brussel sprouts, etc.). I would also consider a vegetarian friendly, pasta main course or other vegetarian main course that's easy to make. If I can't come up with anything out of the ordinary (for us), I may just go with what I have. Suggestions welcome.

 

[Imzadi]

There are only three of us. Our adult DS just let me know he has stopped eating meat, so my menu has changed. Currently I'm planning on serving:

Cheese platter (DS's request)
Turkey
Stuffing (both in the turkey & baked in a casserole dish)
Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole w/Pecan Topping (This will double as dessert.)
Corn
Sauteed Mushrooms & Onions
Deviled Eggs
Rolls

I want another vegetable side dish that isn't a casserole. The original plan was to have radishes sauteed with bacon, but that's now a no-go. We don't want anything we have on a regular basis (i.e. simple green beans, brussel sprouts, etc.). I would also consider a vegetarian friendly, pasta main course or other vegetarian main course that's easy to make. If I can't come up with anything out of the ordinary (for us), I may just go with what I have. Suggestions welcome.

There's tofurky:

https://tofurky.com/

 

[ramee]

There are only three of us. Our adult DS just let me know he has stopped eating meat, so my menu has changed. Currently I'm planning on serving:

Cheese platter (DS's request)
Turkey
Stuffing (both in the turkey & baked in a casserole dish)
Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole w/Pecan Topping (This will double as dessert.)
Corn
Sauteed Mushrooms & Onions
Deviled Eggs
Rolls

I want another vegetable side dish that isn't a casserole. The original plan was to have radishes sauteed with bacon, but that's now a no-go. We don't want anything we have on a regular basis (i.e. simple green beans, brussel sprouts, etc.). I would also consider a vegetarian friendly, pasta main course or other vegetarian main course that's easy to make. If I can't come up with anything out of the ordinary (for us), I may just go with what I have. Suggestions welcome.

You could check for plant-based turkey in the frozen section at Walmart.

Or when you mentioned pasta, I first thought tricolor rotini cold pasta salad. Add cucumbers, tomatoes, black olives, maybe cheese and mix in zesty Italian dressing.

Mac and Cheese.

I did a quick search for vegetarian main meals and went down the rabbit hole a bit. I’ve never made them, but…

Salisbury steak sounds good.
https://ohmyveggies.com/vegetarian-salisbury-steak/
Or beans and walnut meatloaf.
https://ohmyveggies.com/beans-and-walnuts-vegan-meatloaf/

 

[AustinTink]

There are only three of us. Our adult DS just let me know he has stopped eating meat, so my menu has changed. Currently I'm planning on serving:

Cheese platter (DS's request)
Turkey
Stuffing (both in the turkey & baked in a casserole dish)
Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole w/Pecan Topping (This will double as dessert.)
Corn
Sauteed Mushrooms & Onions
Deviled Eggs
Rolls

I want another vegetable side dish that isn't a casserole. The original plan was to have radishes sauteed with bacon, but that's now a no-go. We don't want anything we have on a regular basis (i.e. simple green beans, brussel sprouts, etc.). I would also consider a vegetarian friendly, pasta main course or other vegetarian main course that's easy to make. If I can't come up with anything out of the ordinary (for us), I may just go with what I have. Suggestions welcome.

I came across this today. Might make a good side dish option for you. https://www.thekitchn.com/wild-rice-pilaf-263080

 

[ramee]

There are only three of us. Our adult DS just let me know he has stopped eating meat, so my menu has changed. Currently I'm planning on serving:

Cheese platter (DS's request)
Turkey
Stuffing (both in the turkey & baked in a casserole dish)
Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole w/Pecan Topping (This will double as dessert.)
Corn
Sauteed Mushrooms & Onions
Deviled Eggs
Rolls

I want another vegetable side dish that isn't a casserole. The original plan was to have radishes sauteed with bacon, but that's now a no-go. We don't want anything we have on a regular basis (i.e. simple green beans, brussel sprouts, etc.). I would also consider a vegetarian friendly, pasta main course or other vegetarian main course that's easy to make. If I can't come up with anything out of the ordinary (for us), I may just go with what I have. Suggestions welcome.

I came across this today. Might make a good side dish option for you. https://www.thekitchn.com/wild-rice-pilaf-263080

I had that thought too but wasn’t sure if that was too much starch?

OP, I’m doing sauerkraut but maybe sautéed cabbage would go well with the rest of your menu. Let us know what you decide!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

There's tofurky:

https://tofurky.com/

You could check for plant-based turkey in the frozen section at Walmart.

Or when you mentioned pasta, I first thought tricolor rotini cold pasta salad. Add cucumbers, tomatoes, black olives, maybe cheese and mix in zesty Italian dressing.

Mac and Cheese.

I did a quick search for vegetarian main meals and went down the rabbit hole a bit. I’ve never made them, but…

Salisbury steak sounds good.
https://ohmyveggies.com/vegetarian-salisbury-steak/
Or beans and walnut meatloaf.
https://ohmyveggies.com/beans-and-walnuts-vegan-meatloaf/

I came across this today. Might make a good side dish option for you. https://www.thekitchn.com/wild-rice-pilaf-263080

I had that thought too but wasn’t sure if that was too much starch?

OP, I’m doing sauerkraut but maybe sautéed cabbage would go well with the rest of your menu. Let us know what you decide!

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll consider all of them. @Imzadi have you had Tofurkey? If so, is it good? @ramee We do love sauteed cabbage. I may add that, but I'll consider other things too, before making a decision. When I do, I'll let you know.

 

[Imzadi]

you had Tofurkey? If so, is it good?

No, I haven't had tofurky. I do know vegetarians who've had it.

As for pasta: My suggestion Barilla Protein Plus Pasta. It is the ONLY pasta I eat now as it is made specially to be high protein and low in carbs. It is now totally plant-based. (They removed the eggs they used to make it with.) Barilla Protein Plus is made with pea protein, chickpea protein, fiber & Omega 3 ingredients. Yet it tastes like regular pasta. It is a better choice for anyone who would still like to eat pasta, but not all the carbs. And it does NOT taste like boiled cardboard the way "whole wheat" pastas do. You do have to cook it a bit less than regular pasta or it gets gummy. And don't salt the water before cooking.

It comes in different shapes:
https://www.amazon.com/Barilla-ProteinPlus-Multigrain-Spaghetti-Pasta/dp/B001A5V49A/

 

[Imzadi]

There are only three of us. Our adult DS just let me know he has stopped eating meat, so my menu has changed.

Make sure you gently ask him what he's eating now to replace the protein, iron and other nutrients he used to get from meats.

Years ago, a friend of mine decided to stop eating meat. She was intelligent, so I thought she'd have researched on the proper nutrition that vegetarians or vegans require. She didn't. After a while, she kept getting illnesses. Turns out, she decided to stop eating meat, which is laudable, but didn't make proper replacements for the nutrition in meats. Eating vegetables alone, or not in the right combinations, is not enough.