Monday, November 19, 2018

Last Minute Thanksgiving Apps + Tried and True Recipes!


It's Thanksgiving week!!

I loooove Thanksgiving! I can't think of any better way to reflect on everything you're thankful for than with a bunch of really tasty food.


Of course, sometimes the idea of whipping up a big huge meal that is the center of attention for a whole day with close family and friends can be a bit stressful. Things fall through the cracks - this is natural. But trust me! Just a little bit of planning can make this day completely foolproof!


Today, I put together a round up of my favorite recipes that have seen plenty of Thanksgivings, Friendsgivings, the works! These are the recipes that have never let me down and are classic, delicious. and easy to whip up. But before we get to those, I also want to share two last minute, super simple appetizers for you to keep guests satisfied but not too full before the main meal! Pre-meal snacks are the one thing that can definitely fall by the wayside while you're focusing on the main event. These recipes take no time at all and won't steal any of your oven space day-of!

Thanksgiving Appetizers!


If you've been around Gas Stove Girl before, you know that I have a borderline unhealthy obsession with goat cheese. For my first quick and easy app, I am taking a humble log of goat cheese and jazzing it all the way up with some festive treats. You barely need a recipe for my Pistachio Cranberry Goat Cheese, but alas, here it is!

1 4-ounce log of goat cheese, at room temperature
3 tablespoons chopped pistachios
3 tablespoons chopped craisins
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
crackers for serving

On a small plate, combine the pistachios, craisins and rosemary. Take the goat cheese and roll it in the pistachio mixture until the outside is completely coated. You may need to roll it through a few times, pressing firmly to get the toppings to stick. Place on a decorative plate and chill until ready to serve. Set out with salted crackers and serve alongside a glass of champagne! 


The next appetizer I want to share with you is the best kind of party appetizer - so whether it's Thanksgiving or some other holiday gathering, you're going to want this in your arsenal! It's Cheddar and Chive Mini Quiches, and why is it the best, you ask? There are a few reasons: first, this recipe is delicious either warmed up or at room temperature. Second, it uses a grocery store shortcut which allows us to pull the dish together in no time at all. And lastly, you can make it ahead, freeze it, and warm it up when you're ready! Win, win, win.


1 14-ounce package pie dough (there should be 2 sheets per box)
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup half and half
2 eggs
2 tablespoons snipped chives
2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Unroll the pie dough and cut out 24 rounds using a 2 1/2 inch round cookie cutter. Press the pie rounds into the cavities of the muffin tin.

Heat the butter in the small skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened and golden brown, around 5 minutes. Spoon the onions and remaining butter into a large bowl. Add the half and half, eggs, chives, cheese, salt and pepper. Whisk until completely combined. Transfer the mixture to a vessel with a pourable spout. Pour the eggs into the muffin cups, filling just to the top of the pie crust. 

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the quiches are puffed up and turning golden brown along the edges. Remove from the oven to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature. If freezing, cool completely before transferring to a freezer-sized zip top baggie. To re-heat, place on a baking sheet and bake at 350 for 7-10 minutes until warmed through.


Tried and True Recipes!


So, you're doing it - you're hosting your first Thanksgiving! You're going to do an absolutely amazing job! But, if you're still looking for a few last minute recipes to pull the whole meal together, here's what I like to have handy.

Turkey - I did a step by step breakdown of my approach to the bird here. You can use this approach for a full-sized turkey or a bone-in turkey breast for a smaller party (just cut down the cooking time as needed).

Stuffing - I don't stuff the bird, but I do make the Pioneer Woman's Cornbread Dressing, excluding the cornbread and using a tad more of sourdough and french bread. It's just right. No need to mess with it.

Mashed Potatoes - for potatoes, I don't really use a specific recipe, but my #1 tip for super creamy mashed potatoes is to use yukon gold potatoes instead of the classic idaho variety. They are sooo smooth and easy to mash. Try boiling about 5 pounds of peeled gold potatoes until tender. Then, mash them up with 4 ounces of cream cheese, a few spoonfuls of sour cream, 1/2 cup or less of milk, plus lots of salt and pepper. Spoon the mashed potatoes into a baking dish, and warm them up with all the other sides while the turkey is resting!

Cranberry Sauce - I am team homemade cranberry sauce! I like this chutney recipe, and sometimes I will replace the orange juice with orange liquor for an extra kick! Yummy!

Other Sides - If you're looking for something a little different that still has the tried and true flavors of Thanksgiving dinner, consider my Pearl Cous Cous with Caramelized Mushroom and Sage Brown Butter. It's a little lighter (NO heavy cream, yay!!) but the flavors are rich and meaty - a perfect pairing for turkey!

Pies - Look, if you want to make a pecan pie, just make The Pioneer Woman's recipe. It is delicious, decadent, perfect. And if you love pumpkin pie but are looking for something a little crazy to wow your guests, may I recommend this S'mores pumpkin pie?! Classic pumpkin pie filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with golden brown gooey marshmallows and a dreamy chocolate ganache.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone! I am thankful for YOU!!