IT’S TURKEY SZN, BABY!!! As a self-proclaimed Christmas Queen, I must say that Thanksgiving is a close second in terms of my favorite holidays because… FOOD!!!! Thanksgiving food just does something else for me, yanno? I’m not sure if it’s the extra tryptophan from all the turkey or just the mashed potato haze that I stay in all day, but I countdown the days until turkey time every year. All this being said, unfortunately this year I am not heading to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with my family. Since I started a new job in August, I had to choose between getting time off either around Thanksgiving or Christmas. I chose Christmas (duh). While I’m still pretty bummed I won’t be going home, I’m planning on bringing the traditions to Kansas City this year and making a traditional dinner for my boyfriend and I.
I figured some of you may be going through the same thing, whether that be because you couldn’t get off of work OR you’re trying to social distance, so I wanted to share my Thanksgiving menu and tips for this year!!
Menu
Turkey: When I am cooking just for two, I usually get a 8-10lb bird (or maybe this is a just a breast? I can’t remember but I will update this for y’all after I shop today ;)). I never really like leftovers, but THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS??? Totally a vibe. So, I get a good size bird to make sure we have plenty to eat the day of and bunches for leftovers. If you don’t want to commit to a complete turkey, you could always just get a breast to cook. Easier and no dark meat (no judgement if you like that slimy stuff but it’s a no for me dog)!! I usually just follow the instructions on the bird itself when cooking. I don’t season or oil it. I just follow what my grandma does because I love her turkeys. If you are feeling more zesty, check out this recipe. I may try it one year.
Mashed Potatoes: My personal favorite and the dish I put the most effort into. I make mashed potatoes from scratch HOWEVER, I don’t knock the boxed kind. If you need to save time and effort, the boxed ones are great too. I usually get a bag of red potatoes and use most of the bag for this side.
- Peel the potatoes
- Rinse potatoes
- Roughly chop & boil until tender
- Mash → I use my KitchenAid for this but it can be done by hand (just get some help!)
- While mashing, add butter, milk (I did almond milk one year because I didn’t have actual milk and it still tasted great– just use unsweetened, unflavored), and LOTS of salt and pepper.
Green Beans: Canned, fresh, frozen, casserole, I accept them in any form. I personally love the canned, french cut green beans for Thanksgiving. We never made casserole for Thanksgiving, but some years I still add the little crispy onions on my green beans for a little crunch.
Crescent Rolls: ‘Nuff said. Make them right before you serve lunch/dinner so they’re piping hot.
Stuffing: OK, don’t hate me but when I was a kid, I HATED stuffing. It always grossed me out and I never gave it a fair shot. I have to say, I do like it now, but not enough to put in a ton of effort to make it myself. For the past three years, I’ve been getting the riced cauliflower stuffing from Trader Joe’s. It has carrots, dried cranberries, leeks, onions and celery. It comes frozen and I just cook it in a pan with some EVOO. Super easy, healthy and delish. Obviously, this is just what I do for my bf and I’s dinner. If I was hosting a big thanksgiving or bringing stuffing to a party, I would attempt the real thing, but this year I am all about making it easier for myself and not spending time on dishes I don’t love.
Gravy: I’ve used the packet kind and the premade kind, I like both. This year I just happened to buy the Trader Joe’s one that comes in a carton and just requires a quick nuke in the microwave before serving. Again, another thing that I’m not picky about so I don’t spend too much time on it.
Beverages: COFFEE (a must for this day of cooking!), wine (also a must when you are halfway through and want to give up), thanksgiving sangria (check pinterest), HBH website, prosecco (I got a cranberry flavored prosecco from TJ’s and can’t wait to try), cranberry moscow mules, etc. Get creative!!!
Tips
- THAW YOUR TURKEY EARLIER THAN YOU THINK. Y’all I made this mistake the first time I cooked for myself three years ago and I was pissed. I had the turkey in the fridge since I had bought it and little did I know, it was still pretty much FROZEN and when I went to cook it, it was hard as a rock. Turkey should already be cooked slow, but I had to add on HOURS to my prep time waiting for the turkey to thaw, ugh. So take it out early and throw it in the sink so none of the juices leak on the counter.
- No need to wash your turkey. I know most people rinse their turkey but the FDA actually advises against this. It’s not really possible to effectively remove any bacteria from raw poultry in a home kitchen, PLUS by doing this you may be contaminating more kitchen utensils and surfaces. Just unwrap your bird and cook! Make sure to deep clean ALL utensils, meat thermometers, counters, etc the raw bird touches. 🙂
**** PSA: I’m not a doctor, I’m not really a scientist either (although sometimes I feel like one, hehe), so if your G-ma Sue-Ann has been washing her turkey since ‘45 and will never change, then do you boo and you’ll prbs be fine (JUST DEEP CLEAN EVERYTHING). I just wanted to let you know what information I found on the topic <3
- Eat breakfast. Most people I know have told me that they typically eat late lunch/ early dinner for Thanksgiving. That being said, make sure you eat something before then. Here’s why: no one likes a hangry family member, you’ll probably still be hungry by turkey time, and more yummy food! It’s a no-brainer for me. Each year, I usually start the day with my Grandma’s famous coffee cake and a cup of joe. If you want the coffee cake recipe, lmk and I’ll post it for you all. (I’m not kidding when I say that people go NUTS when I make this for work and it’s super easy)
- Have patience! Don’t rush any of your dishes because you may sacrifice taste that way! Just start early and you can’t go wrong.
- Buy early! Many stores sell out and fast. Given the situation this year, I think this will be more true than ever before. We are exactly a week out from Thanksgiving and I will be getting all of my ingredients today.
- Expect the unexpected. Something will go wrong at some point and that’s ok! I have to tell myself this every year because I always want it all to be perfect. I had a bit of a meltdown last year because my microwave broke the night I was cooking and I LOST IT. In my red haze of anger, I didn’t even think to warm things over the stove instead and I had such a bad attitude after that. It was honestly comical how upset I got lol. Don’t take the fun out of Thanksgiving for yourself by taking on too much! Ask for help, drink some wine and just relax. (Need to take my own advice this year)
- Plan the day before when you will cook what. It is my biggest pet peeve when some sides are hot and some have gotten cold while waiting for the others. YUCK. I try to plan out when I cook what so it all stays warm for eating.
Hope some of these tips were helpful! Truly learned all of my best hacks from my fam. I usually have at least two Thanksgiving dinners, one at my mom’s and one at my grandma’s. This year will look a little different for me, as I’m sure it will for most of us. For those of you unable to see your family this year, I am spreading all the joy and love to you during this time. I understand how hard it can be. Try to stay positive and start new, fun traditions with those you can see.
Let me know if you want more detailed recipes, tips or anything else!! <3