Favorite Thanksgiving Foods

Nymeru

I know I'm in the minority, but Thanksgiving dinner just isn't my favorite meal because I find it to be a little on the boring side.  I mean, I *like* the traditional stuff: turkey, potatoes, gravy, cooked vegetables, etc., but I never *love* those things.  I always feel bloated and starched-out after eating.  And, call me crazy (my whole family thinks I'm weird for it), but I despise pumpkin pie and gingerbread only slightly less than I dislike eggnog, which is A LOT. 

So, I've made it my goal to try and introduce new things to this holiday meal.  I'm looking for dishes that aren't the same old, same old.  So far, I've added a blue cheese tart with cranberry chutney (for instance: http://www.thegalleygourmet.net/2013/11/blue-cheese-tart-with-cranberry-chutney.html), modified the traditional apple pie by adding homemade caramel sauce and goat cheese to it, as well as blue cheese and Spanish almond stuffed dates wrapped in bacon (I love cheese).

I'd love some pointers from all of you.  What sort of side dishes/desserts do you enjoy for Thanksgiving?

lyndausvi

I'm no help. I like just normal plain thanksgiving food.   Better yet a turkey, cranberry, stuffing sandwich on white bread with light mayo the next day.

Everything you mentioned sounds good though.

themuffinman16

I love thanksgiving.  I don't go too far off the beaten path but I do like to kick up the regular recipes with my favorite food network versions of it.  I like Bobby Flay's Thanksgiving Pioneer Style Herbed Turkey with sage and apple cider gravy, I make green been casserole with baby bella mushrooms, pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting, and sweet potato soufflé. (And then the traditional mashed potatoes and stuffing).  

   Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  I feel carb overloaded, but it isn't Thanksgiving unless you are questioning life choices. Lol

jenna8984

I'm a picky bitch so I don't eat half the Thanksgiving food like stuffing, green bean casserole, or cranberry sauce. I basically only eat dark meat turkey, mashed potatoes, and squash. I make the butternut squash like mashed potato consistency all whipped with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg mmmmm. 

ETA- I heart deviled eggs and think I will make them this year. 

penguin44

I like the traditional thanksgiving foods. I am making pecan squares this year instead of pecan pie. 

Here are some good recipes I have used for Thanksgiving:

Thyme rolls

Cranberry Sauce

Whiskey Glazed Carrots

chibiyui

I like pumpkin roll over pumpkin pie.

I really only nibble on turkey, and I don't like stuffing. I mainly eat mashed potatoes and desserts.

Oh. And roasted carrots.

theartistformerlyknownas

I love Thanksgiving food. My dad makes THE BEST stuffing ever with sausage and apples. And I only eat mashed potatoes and gravy maybe 3 or 4 times a year so it's a nice treat. 

We also go a little crazy on the appetizers... like this brie en croute with cranberries and rosemary. I eat ALL THE PUMPKIN PIE but if you want another spin on apple pie, I love this one with sour cream. I make it with honeycrisps apples.

Jells2dot0

I do not like the traditional Thanksgiving food, so we go to Ruth's Chris for our dinner. DH gets their turkey meal and I get a petite filet with extra butter and a side of potatoes au gratin. Yum.

So, I'm really no help, but it made me want steak.

jenna8984

Guys, my mind is fucking blown right now. I just asked DH if he likes deviled eggs because I want to make them (we are hosting). He says he's never had them, and his parents haven't either. I'm like this is impossible. So I message FIL asking about a few different foods (if they are gluten free for her) and she confirms that their whole family has never had deviled eggs. WHAT THE CRAP?! Then he looks at me like I'm the crazy one, and that it's some crazy outlandish food. JFC. 

theartistformerlyknownas

jenna8984 said:

Guys, my mind is fucking blown right now. I just asked DH if he likes deviled eggs because I want to make them (we are hosting). He says he's never had them, and his parents haven't either. I'm like this is impossible. So I message FIL asking about a few different foods (if they are gluten free for her) and she confirms that their whole family has never had deviled eggs. WHAT THE CRAP?! Then he looks at me like I'm the crazy one, and that it's some crazy outlandish food. JFC. 

Dude. Deviled eggs are my jam. With a slice of olive on top. Easy on the paprika.

paperpusher

One thing I look forward to every year for Thanksgiving is not any of the traditional foods.  It isn't fancy and it doesn't really go with the main meal.  We only have it on Thanksgiving.  Sometimes Easter if I beg my parents to make it.

I call it fruit salad.  It should be considered a dessert, but I always have a heaping bowl of it with dinner instead of after because I want to make sure I have room.

Here's the "recipe":

Apples, grapes, bananas - chopped
Mandarin oranges - drained
Mini marshmallows
Marishino cherries - drained, rinsed, dried well and chopped
Dates

Put all of the above in a big bowl.  Right before dinner add a tub of Cool whip and make sure everything is covered.

hellohkb

We never have traditional thanksgiving food. My mom and sister are vegetarians so I usually make stuff like quinoa and stuff lol.

I do love mashed potatoes, though.

lyndausvi

I use to like deviled eggs.  Still kind of do.   I hate the smell though.   As time goes by I find I'm more grossed out by the smell I can't eat them anymore.

kms6169

jenna8984 said:

Guys, my mind is fucking blown right now. I just asked DH if he likes deviled eggs because I want to make them (we are hosting). He says he's never had them, and his parents haven't either. I'm like this is impossible. So I message FIL asking about a few different foods (if they are gluten free for her) and she confirms that their whole family has never had deviled eggs. WHAT THE CRAP?! Then he looks at me like I'm the crazy one, and that it's some crazy outlandish food. JFC. 

Blech. Never had deviled eggs, either.  It was never a staple in my family's traditions.  I never tried them and then when I was like, 8, realized that they had mayo in them and discovered my extreme dislike for them. Never got close.  Mayo is like the last thing on earth I want to indulge in. FI LOVES deviled eggs and has always grown up with them.  He's a big mayo and other white, creamy condiments fan (ranch, sour cream, etc which I avoid with a 10 foot pole).  Usually, I use greek yogurt to make some recipes he's grown up with, but I think I might have to give in to his deviled egg thing.  We just started our registry and he's been eyeing a few deviled egg holder thingys.  Yuck.  I hate mayo so much.

lc07

Mashed potatoes, bread, wine, leggings, football. Sold.

themosthappy91

paperpusher said:

One thing I look forward to every year for Thanksgiving is not any of the traditional foods.  It isn't fancy and it doesn't really go with the main meal.  We only have it on Thanksgiving.  Sometimes Easter if I beg my parents to make it.

I call it fruit salad.  It should be considered a dessert, but I always have a heaping bowl of it with dinner instead of after because I want to make sure I have room.

Here's the "recipe":

Apples, grapes, bananas - chopped
Mandarin oranges - drained
Mini marshmallows
Marishino cherries - drained, rinsed, dried well and chopped
Dates

Put all of the above in a big bowl.  Right before dinner add a tub of Cool whip and make sure everything is covered.

In the South we call that Ambrosia!  And it's a must-have a holiday gatherings (though I personally do not care for it- too goopy and sweet for my tastes).  

Other Southern takes on Thanksgiving- Virginia ham (the salty kind) on biscuits, fried oysters, spoon bread, deviled eggs, and of course macaroni and cheese!  Just some more non-tradtional but still kind of traditional (at least in one region) ideas for you.

sophhabobopha

Sweet potatoes with marshmallows! And HAM. I'm fucking obsessed with ham.

CMGragain

Pie?  Did somebody say, "Pie"?

littlemushroom

I love Thanksgiving! BBQ turkey with BBQ juice or just roasted to perfection turkey and gravy, stuffing with bacon, roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts with shallots and pancetta, sweet and sour green beans, glazed pearl onions, green bean casserole, party potatoes (mashed potatoes mixed with garlic, sour cream, cream cheese, topped with melted butter and baked), cranberry jelly, and brown sugar cheesecake and pecan pie for dessert. So delicious.

I am with you that pumpkin pie is gross.

CMGragain

Chocolate candy bar pie:

2 LARGE Hershey bars.  Almond flavor works well, too.
24 marchmallows
1/3 cup milk

Boil the above in a DOUBLE BOILER, stirring occasionally until melted and well mixed.  COOL TO ROOM TEMP! 

Stir in one 8oz. carton Cool Whip type topping and pour into pie shell.  (I use graham cracker crust.)  Refrigerate overnight.  Serve with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.

CMGragain

littlemushroom said:

I love Thanksgiving! BBQ turkey with BBQ juice or just roasted to perfection turkey and gravy, stuffing with bacon, roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts with shallots and pancetta, sweet and sour green beans, glazed pearl onions, green bean casserole, party potatoes (mashed potatoes mixed with garlic, sour cream, cream cheese, topped with melted butter and baked), cranberry jelly, and brown sugar cheesecake and pecan pie for dessert. So delicious. I am with you that pumpkin pie is gross.

You have obviously never tasted MINE!

CMGragain

Instead of sweet potatoes with marshmallows try this:

SWEET POTATO APRICOT CASSEROLE

1 (1 lb. 10 oz.) can dry sweet potatoes 2 c. apricot halves (#303 can) 1/2 c. brown sugar 1 1/2 tbsp. cornstarch 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. orange peel 1 c. apricot juice 1/2 c. pecan halves 2 tbsp. butter Mix sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, orange peel and add juice and boil 2 minutes. Add butter. Lay sweet potatoes and apricots in buttered baking dish. Pour syrup over all. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

Add a little bourbon - optional!

littlemushroom

Sorry @CMGragain‌. My grandma was an awesome pie maker. She got me to love mincemeat pies and rhubarb pies. If she couldn't convert me to a pumpkin pie lover, no one can.

briscoe1031

paperpusher said:

One thing I look forward to every year for Thanksgiving is not any of the traditional foods.  It isn't fancy and it doesn't really go with the main meal.  We only have it on Thanksgiving.  Sometimes Easter if I beg my parents to make it.

I call it fruit salad.  It should be considered a dessert, but I always have a heaping bowl of it with dinner instead of after because I want to make sure I have room.

Here's the "recipe":

Apples, grapes, bananas - chopped
Mandarin oranges - drained
Mini marshmallows
Marishino cherries - drained, rinsed, dried well and chopped
Dates

Put all of the above in a big bowl.  Right before dinner add a tub of Cool whip and make sure everything is covered.

I LOVE this stuff!! My ex-SM used to make this and I haven't had it in years. I wish I could suggest this for thanksgiving but H and MIL hate cherries with a passion.  @themosthappy91 have you had it frozen?

themosthappy91

briscoe1031 said:

paperpusher said:

One thing I look forward to every year for Thanksgiving is not any of the traditional foods.  It isn't fancy and it doesn't really go with the main meal.  We only have it on Thanksgiving.  Sometimes Easter if I beg my parents to make it.

I call it fruit salad.  It should be considered a dessert, but I always have a heaping bowl of it with dinner instead of after because I want to make sure I have room.

Here's the "recipe":

Apples, grapes, bananas - chopped
Mandarin oranges - drained
Mini marshmallows
Marishino cherries - drained, rinsed, dried well and chopped
Dates

Put all of the above in a big bowl.  Right before dinner add a tub of Cool whip and make sure everything is covered.

I LOVE this stuff!! My ex-SM used to make this and I haven't had it in years. I wish I could suggest this for thanksgiving but H and MIL hate cherries with a passion.  @themosthappy91 have you had it frozen?

I never have actually!  That would probably help with the goopy-ness.

charlieyankee03

I love Thanksgiving food! Turkey for DAYSSSSSSSS!

I make a pumpkin bread pudding a few times between October and January and my FI and I love love love bacon-wrapped dates. We pit them, stuff them with either garlic cloves or goat cheese, then wrap them in bacon and pop them in the oven until the bacon is crispy. They're always a huge hit at parties.

 

ETA: And deviled eggs. I love me some deviled eggs. We cut them in fourths so they're easier to eat and less go further. We make them with homemade mayo, mustard, and shallots. So good.

paperpusher

briscoe1031 said:

paperpusher said:

One thing I look forward to every year for Thanksgiving is not any of the traditional foods.  It isn't fancy and it doesn't really go with the main meal.  We only have it on Thanksgiving.  Sometimes Easter if I beg my parents to make it.

I call it fruit salad.  It should be considered a dessert, but I always have a heaping bowl of it with dinner instead of after because I want to make sure I have room.

Here's the "recipe":

Apples, grapes, bananas - chopped
Mandarin oranges - drained
Mini marshmallows
Marishino cherries - drained, rinsed, dried well and chopped
Dates

Put all of the above in a big bowl.  Right before dinner add a tub of Cool whip and make sure everything is covered.

I LOVE this stuff!! My ex-SM used to make this and I haven't had it in years. I wish I could suggest this for thanksgiving but H and MIL hate cherries with a passion.  @themosthappy91 have you had it frozen?


Exclude the cherries. I did it one year because I dropped the jar on the floor and wasn't going back out for more. Didn't miss em.

theartistformerlyknownas

Ew keep the marshmallows away from my sweet potatoes. I make mine this way. http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/513/Damons_PecanCrusted_Fluffy_Sweet_Potatoes44408.shtml

lurkergirl

Mmmm, I love my grandma's Thanksgiving.  It's pretty traditional southern style cooking, I think.  It's really all my favorite.  My mom brings apps, but we keep them small and simple (veggies/crackers/chips with dip, cream cheese and pepper jelly, cheese and sausage, etc.)

I am obsessed with the cornbread dressing, NOT stuffing!!  I will not eat something that was shoved inside the bird.  Ew. 

Next (or equal because I really love it all) is sweet potato casserole.  We cook a ton of sweet potatoes until they're super soft, mix with sugar and eggs and a little vanilla, and top with "praline" topping (pecans, butter, self-rising flour, sugar).  Get those marshmallows away from me!

One thing I absolutely adore that I've never had anywhere else is my grandma's "cranberry surprise."  It's basically just a congealed fruit salad, but it is so damn good.  That's the only form of cranberries we have at Thanksgiving.  I think one person brings some canned stuff for themselves.

I also love giblet gravy.  My family is heavily divided on this, so my grandma usually makes two batches. 

For dessert, it's pecan pie all the way.  Grandma also makes a really good peanut butter pie.  Someone usually brings a pumpkin pie for dessert if some poor soul wants to eat that, but nobody ever does.

I think we're normal other than that.  We just have our simple turkey (slathered in fat, sprinkled with salt), creamed potatoes (super smooth mashed potatoes with an unspeakable amount of butter and cream in them), green beans (not the casserole), peas and corn (always put on top of mashed potatoes because the plate is too full for them to have their own spot), squash casserole, and usually a green salad and fresh fruit for some reason.

We wash it all down with sweet tea.

Okay, so is it the 27th yet?

Denise40

paperpusher said:

One thing I look forward to every year for Thanksgiving is not any of the traditional foods.  It isn't fancy and it doesn't really go with the main meal.  We only have it on Thanksgiving.  Sometimes Easter if I beg my parents to make it.

I call it fruit salad.  It should be considered a dessert, but I always have a heaping bowl of it with dinner instead of after because I want to make sure I have room.

Here's the "recipe":

Apples, grapes, bananas - chopped
Mandarin oranges - drained
Mini marshmallows
Marishino cherries - drained, rinsed, dried well and chopped
Dates

Put all of the above in a big bowl.  Right before dinner add a tub of Cool whip and make sure everything is covered.

I agree! This is to die for. Not overly sweet

climbingsingle

I love all the traditional Tday dishes my dad makes.

Apricot walnut stuffing with sausage
Garlic mashed potatoes
Cucumber salad (dill and sour cream)
Sweet potato casserole
Brussel sprouts

And pumpkin cheesecake from my job. Yum.