It’s Thursday. Exactly 7 days before Thanksgiving. I’m excited!! Next week brings lots of great things. First — I am on vacation!! Though Stormy Sandy forced us to cancel our quick trip to NYC, there is plenty to keep me going here. Lunch plans with my mom. An extra Spin date with my fave instructor. Getting the house straightened out (you notice I didn’t say “cleaned”) for the arrival of my brother. A 5K race to get the holiday season kicked off on a healthy note. And don’t forget my annual Chex Mix making operation!!
I’m also sitting here a little anxious knowing I’m hosting 12 family members for Thanksgiving dinner, and I haven’t yet nailed down my plan of attack. But that’s ok. My mom and sis will help. And my brother? Well, he is like a tornado in the kitchen, cooking, cleaning, eating, and entertaining, so I’ll be just fine 🙂
A friend jokingly asked when I was going to post my sure-fire turkey recipe. Would you believe I don’t have one?? I’ve only made a few holiday turkeys, and they’re just alright. I guess the bird’s not my focus — it’s the rest of the stuff!! So here I’ll share with you my best offerings for breakfast, sides, and desserts on Thanksgiving, and what to do with those leftovers – from my kitchen to yours! All healthier than the traditional fare you’d typically see on the Thanksgiving table. And ALL approved by my family! I hope you find something you like 🙂
Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins
These bake up quickly! Prepare the wet and dry ingredients the night before, then combine them in the a.m. and you’ve got fresh muffins in 15 minutes!
French Toast Scones with Maple Bacon Icing
Got an eclectic crowd with an adventurous palate? These sweet low-fat scones with a sweet/savory glaze are amazing!
Lightened Up Monkey Bread
Our traditional birthday-morning treat, also a great offering for a crowd!
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes with Honey Cinnamon Butter
My family’s #1 requested weekend breakfast
Roasted Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
Simple, savory, and a little sweet
Rosemary and Thyme Roasted Potatoes
Scratch and sniff. Please.
Sweet Potato Casserole — Lightened Up!
I’ve been making this for holidays for years — always a huge hit!
Photo by Cooking Light
Garlic Parmesan Pull-apart Bread
This is the bread that will have you the talk of the table!
Cranberry Apple Crumble
What’s more seasonal than a crumble?
Turkey Vegetable Soup
The best way I know to get the most out of that bird!
Everything looks wonderful!! And not that you asked, but my secret for hosting a big dinner/party? Do a countdown schedule – set the goal time for serving, then set times for all the cooking/baking/warming steps going backwards. And do it a few days ahead, so you have time to add in the steps you (inevitably) forget. My family laughs at me, but everything makes it onto the table at the right time.
I love the countdown schedule idea! I do this for work. Why oh why do I resist such wonderful ideas for my domestic engineering efforts?? Oh, and thank you 🙂
What a gorgeous lineup of food!! Sign me up!
Thanks, Aimee!
i’m so excited for thanksgiving!!! I obviously LOVE those pumpkin mini muffins. and the roasted cinnamon sweet potatos – the best side dish. I love your excitement for Thanksgiving – it’s the best holiday! Good luck hosting Julia!!
Thanks, Sal!! Happy Thanksgiving 🙂