Thanksgiving 2012: The Plan

November 18, 2012

20111124spatchcocked Thanksgiving 2012: The Plan

We hosted a TV-watching football tailgate yesterday with 14 adults and 15 kids, so my mind has been on food and prep for that event rather than the turkey-centric day that is looming. However, that party has been cleaned up so it is time to focus on one of my favorite holidays of the year and definitely my favorite holiday to host: Thanksgiving.

Want to see what I’ve done for previous Thanksgivings? Here’s 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008. I’ve actually just passed the fifth anniversary of Chick in the Kitchen, which saw its first post on November 1, 2007, though I did not write about our feast that year.

Our menu this year has a preposterous number of sides, but I have so much produce from our farm share, and a lot of the dishes are lighter than traditional Turkey Day accompaniments, that I think it will be just fine. We’re also not doing a second meat entree this year, so more vegetarian sides makes sense. However, if anyone is able to walk way from the table after dessert, I will be really surprised.

Pre-feast:
Beer & Cheese Pairing (see How to Build a Cheese Plate)
beer, cheese plate, water crackers, dried fruit

Feast:
spatchcocked turkey & gravy (last year’s turkey is the photo above)
canned cranberry sauce*
Cranberry Sauce with Port & Dried Figs
Celeriac & Apple Salad
green bean casserole*
sweet potato & marshmallow casserole*
Vegetarian Collard Greens
Mushroom & Leek Dressing
Roasted Parsnips

Post-feast:
fruit salad*
cranberry apple crisp*
pecan pie*
apple caramel walnut pie*
chocolate kid-friendly dessert*
Carrot Cake Cupcakes

All asterisks are either being purchased or brought by guests.

Have a wonderful holiday!