This year I am hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for the very first time. I have only been introduced to this tradition after moving to the US some years ago, and since then I have been invited to many wonderful Thanksgiving dinners. This year my husband and I decided it was our turn to host.
I might have mentioned that my husband is a vegetarian, and one of the most challenging aspects of living with a vegetarian are traditional holiday meals which usually are everything but vegetarian. Since our guests and I are not vegetarians I am attempting to cook my first Thanksgiving turkey, but I will also make a vegetarian entree that will go with all the delicious side dishes that goes with the turkey.
In order to plan for the Thanksgiving dinner and put together the menu I asked my knowledgeable foodie friends on twitter if they could share any “secret” tricks and favorite family recipes for Thanksgiving. Below are some of the great tips they shared with me:
- elena_ohsnoes @yummit Here’s a recipe for the best mashed potatoes EVER! Seriously, just ask my family…http://bit.ly/08LAtA6
- karmelpub @yummit Tip #1: Make sure the turkey is defrosted! No, seriously! I ususally buy a 22-25 pounder and let it defrost from Sunday just to be sure! One time was enough for me to have a frozen turkey!
- stop4chocolate @yummit I host it every year – here’s my menu w/ some links if it helps: http://bit.ly/1MresP And a few more tips for hosting a big meal: http://bit.ly/2HIzAh
- gardenofliferaw @yummit For your first Thanksgiving, go with a fresh turkey instead of frozen. That way it won’t take up room thawing in the fridge.
- DolceGustoUS @yummit Good luck! Check my last tweet, amazing carrot side dish w sage and shallots. I’ve made it a few time, it’s ridiculously good!
- ChicagoDining @yummit This: http://bit.ly/Oo5Sy + this: http://bit.ly/6hvDlU = easiest, tastiest Thxgiving dessert ever…also: brine that bird!
- smithpreferred @yummit www.kitchenvoyeur.com great site
- foodbitch @yummit start with Paula Deen’s pumpkin cheesecake, cornbread casserole. Then search FoodNetwork for a from scratch green bean casserole. Lastly, search FoodNetwork for Cranberry Parker House Rolls. Real good.
- culinarycara @yummit Check out my blog on turkey day 101: http://tiny.cc/HvJZI
- turkeydayfood @yummit we have some great #Thanksgiving dinner #recipes on http://www.thanksgivingturk…
- aabacus @yummit Best trick I know: There will be one dish you’ll screw up. Accept it, and have a good time. Tip 2:Thanksgiving is personal to everyone. (If it’s not MY grandmas stuffing it sucks.)You can’t make everyone happy. Don’t try. Tip 3: Simpler is better. I’d rather have 3 normal pies to choose from than 1 super fancy one. Oh, and for fun try scalloped pineapple.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Entrees?
I also asked if anyone had any good ideas for a vegetarian Thanksgiving entree that would go along with all of the traditional side dishes, and here are some of the suggestions I got:
- savorthethyme @yummit Baked Rigatoni with Roasted Vegetables..? http://alturl.com/jmyu
- Ganga108 @yummit What about this? I saw it yesterday and love it! http://tinyurl.com/yz4bdsy
- ATXfoodnews @yummit Tofurkey? The acorn squash stuffed with wild rice recipe sounds like a good turkey substitute 4 hubby. http://tinyurl.com/yhz85rw
- lonebaker @yummit I’ll twitter the dressing recipe, which I make in a slow cooker: Saute in 1cbutter: 2c.each chopped onion & celery & 1/4 c parsley. Pour over 12 c drybread cubes, 1t each poultry seas,dry sage,dry thyme,marjoram & s&p to taste. Add 2 beaten eggs and 2 c. broth. In greased slow cooker, add more broth if needed, high 45 min, then low for 4-8 hrs.
- EatingNiagara @yummit I like Tofurkey and then it doesn’t seem like your husband is eating something entirely different from everyone else.