The Thanksgiving Guide

It’s getting closer and closer to go time, people. T-7 days and counting.

In honor of the greatest non-present holiday, I’ve gathered my best Thanksgiving-themed knowledge and recipes in one place for easy consumption. From simple, comforting meals for the night before to what to do with all those money leftovers, I did my best to cover all your bases on the food front. But before we get into that, let’s talk about your bird.

Unless you are a vegetarian/vegan or a weirdo non-traditionalist, I assume you will be tackling a turkey next Thursday. Here are my top tips for roasting your best bird ever. First-timer? Don’t be scared. I promise it’s much simpler/less gross than you think. (You’re gonna crush it.)

And for those brave souls hosting the dinner, I’ve got some basic guidelines for stress-free holiday entertaining. Remember, a naked table is more offensive than a naked host…

Now on to the recipes! Go forth and conquer.

EASY MEALS FOR THE NIGHT BEFORE
Tomato and White Bean Stew with Chicken Sausage
Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprout Fried Rice
Smoky Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash and Kale
Roasted Butternut Squash Quesadillas with Goat Cheese and Sage
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
Brown Rice Jambalaya with Shrimp, Chicken Sausage and Bell Peppers

FOR BREAKFAST
Slow-Cooker Apple Pie Oatmeal
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Sour Cream Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin French Toast with Sautéed Apples
Banana Bread with Walnut Crumble
Acai Power Parfait
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

SALADS AND SOUPS
Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Avocado
Autumn Kale Salad with Roasted Cauliflower and Apple
Kale Salad with Quinoa, Cranberries and Toasted Almonds
Pomegranate, Clementine and Ricotta Salad
Roasted Root Vegetable Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese
Butternut Squash Soup with Roasted Garlic, Goat Cheese and Pepitas
Harvest Pumpkin Soup with Candied Bacon
Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Parmesan, Toasted Almonds and Golden Raisins

ON THE SIDE
Sweet Potato Gratin with Pancetta, Parmesan and Sage
Farro with Chipotle Glazed Squash, Kale and Toasted Pepitas
Butternut Squash Brown Rice Bake with Sausage and Apples
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Quinoa and Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan and Sage
Kabocha Squash Quinoa Bake with Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta
Three Cheese Cauliflower Gratin
Mashed Red Potatoes with Cream Cheese
Skillet Cornbread
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Goat Cheese, Sage and Pepitas
Sausage and Apple Stuffing

TO DRINK
Spiced Cider Bourbon Punch
Spiced Pumpkin Punch
Autumn Sangria with Apples, Pomegranate and Blackberries
Mulled Wine
Spiced Cider Margaritas
Grapefruit-Rosemary Mules

DESSERTS 
I’m outsourcing dessert to some of my most-trusted bakers. You know baking isn’t my strong suit…
Classic Apple Pie. I trust Adrianna when it comes to pies. You should too. (That’s her sexy pie in the picture above.)
Pumpkin Pie. Alton Brown is a genius, and this pie has a gingersnap crust. YAS.
Pumpkin Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies. Joy is a cookie master.
Cranberry Hand Pies. These are just cute.
Chocolate Pecan Pie. For the non-traditionalists and the peeps that find classic pecan pie too sweet…
Marbled Pumpkin Cheesecake with Brownie Crust. I’ve never had a brownie crust, but I’d like to.
Pear, Apple and Cranberry Crisp. Ina is a goddess, and she would never let you down on T-Day.

BOSS IDEAS FOR YOUR LEFTOVERS
Mashed Potato Pancakes with Goat Cheese and Chives
Turkey and Sweet Potato Taquitos with Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce
Cure-All Chicken Soup (Made with leftover turkey.)
Roast Chicken, Apple and Brie Grilled Cheese (Made with leftover turkey.)
Thanksgiving Leftover Enchiladas

p.s. For the love of God, do your shopping ASAP. I would rather go on tour with Widespread Panic than set foot in a grocery store the Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving…

Top image via Martha Stewart Living.