Thanksgiving Menu

As a follow up to our previous post on How to Plan Your Thanksgiving Menu for a Small Gathering, here’s a sample menu in which we provide a number of choices AND a vegetarian option. We also indicate the cookware you’ll need. Our goal for this menu is to make it simple, with plenty of “do-ahead” options. We’ve also provided a few advanced choices, for those who are up to it. This menu is designed to be accomplished in a finite kitchen with your limited Finite Foodie resources, unlike many, more complicated Thanksgiving menus. However, if you have extra cookware, it would come in handy!

THANKSGIVING FOR A SMALL GATHERING

Beverages:
(Your choice, but don’t forget them!)

Appetizer:
Classic Hummus or Black Bean Dip with Crudité and Crackers
(Make dip and cut up vegetables the day before.)

and/or

Antipasto Platter
(Assemble about 1 hour before guests arrive; serve at room temperature.)

First Course:
Orange and Grapefruit Segments

Main Course:
Roast Turkey with Giblet Gravy
(You’ll need a baking sheet lined with foil or buy a disposable roasting pan.)

Cornbread Pecan Stuffing or Cheesy Rice Casserole
(Use a baking sheet if making our Thin Cornbread, or 8×8-inch baking dish for cornbread mix. Make the day before, or buy cornbread already made. Use 8×8-inch baking dish for stuffing–transfer to a microwavable bowl for reheating, if baking sheet is needed for sweet potato casserole below. For rice casserole, cook and serve in 8×8-inch baking dish. If you’re making the sweet potato casserole too, you’ll need an extra baking dish. Make the day before if possible and reheat.)

Raw Cranberry Relish

Salad:
Asian Pear Salad

Side Dishes:
Sweet Potato and Kale Casserole* or Butternut Squash Slices
or Baked/Roasted Potatoes (your favorite)
(You’ll need a 8×8-inch baking dish for casserole or baking sheet for squash.)

Cauliflower and Capers or Garlicky Green Beans
(You’ll need a saucepan with steamer insert for cauliflower, or large skillet for beans)

Rolls or Bread (optional)
(Heat in foil)

Desserts:
Rustic Apple Pie
(Make the day before and use your baking sheet.
Transfer to a platter and cover with plastic wrap.)
Pumpkin Pie Bars
(Make the day before in square baking dish, then cut and remove, or make in a pie dish if you have one.)

and/or

Cookie Platter with Almond Gingersnaps  and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
(See our other cookie recipes if you want to substitute or add more. Make cookies two or more days before and use the baking sheet. Can make earlier and freeze.)

*The Sweet Potato Kale Casserole works well as a vegetarian option. Use it instead of traditional turkey and dressing or add it to the menu if you want a choice. Those who eat meat can have it as a side.

YOU CAN DO THIS!