Growing up in my family, we had a few very simple Thanksgiving traditions, but they really defined the holiday for me during my time spent at my childhood home. I want to create traditions for my child to someday look back on fondly when creating new memories with her family. I mean SHE’S TWO..so we got a minute, but it’s just something I think about now that there is almost 4000 miles between my family and I. I treasure those memories particularly around the holidays. Almost all of my Thanksgiving family traditions involve food. Surprise! These are some of my favorite foods during the holiday but with a TWIST. Enjoy!
Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls were the customary way to kick off the holiday in my family. They were a special treat reserved for the holiday, and the smell of fresh baked cinnamon rolls still takes me back to those Thanksgiving mornings. My siblings and I would mow down on cinnamon rolls while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Growing up, we made Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, and I still LOVE Pillsbury cinnamon roles, but this year I’ve decided to make them from scratch. I found this recipe, and I am going to put a twist on it by adding some chopped up candied bacon to the filling and maple syrup to the frosting. I am already salivating thinking about it.
Stuffing
Growing up, we made boxed Stove Top stuffing for Thanksgiving dinner. I still appreciate a good box stuffing, but it doesn’t get any better than a homemade stuffing. I really love this recipe from epicurious for its delicious simplicity. You shouldn’t have a problem finding all of these ingredients in your local grocery store. (If you can’t find a particular fresh herb, you can replace it with dried. Just be sure to reduce the amount by one third. For example, this recipe calls for 1 TBS of rosemary, if you can’t find it, use 1 tsp of dried rosemary.) The day old white bread really makes this recipe for me. Feel free to mix it up by adding your family’s stuffing staples! This dish is sure to be a welcome addition to your Turkey Day spread.
Mac & Cheese
Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food and a bit of an obsession of mine. It makes for a perfect Thanksgiving dinner side that will keep your family coming back for seconds..or maybe thirds. I appreciate a baked mac & cheese with a crispy bread crumb crust, and this recipe does not disappoint! Check it out here. This recipe incorporates pumpkin for a smidge of sweetness and a little toasty parmesan on top to crisp up with the bread crumbs. I love this fall twist on a classic Thanksgiving side, and I think you will too!
Cranberry Sauce
First. Have you been to IKEA? Second. Have you tried their Sylt Lingon?? That’s Swedish IKEA speak for Lingonberry Jam. & OMG it’s delicious. I found this recipe in my Real Simple magazine this month & it is GENIUS. Cranberry sauce + Lingonberry jam – has your mind been blown? Mine has. Can you tell I’m passionate about this recipe? I grew up on canned cranberry sauce, and I still am a huge fan. But, if you’ve never tried making your own cranberry sauce, it’s easier than you would think and I dare say it’s also tastier than OG canned cranberry. & You know what, they don’t make canned Cranberry-Lingonberry sauce. DO THEY?? If you can’t find me, I’m probably at IKEA filling my absurdly huge cart with $3.99 Sylt Lingon. (If you can’t make it to IKEA, you can find this Swedish delicacy on Amazon here.)
Apple Pie
It’s dessert time ya’ll. Last on the list, and certainly not least is one of my FAVORITE desserts – APPLE PIE. This year I’m using cinnamon rolls as the crust. WHAT!? Incredible. I love watching buzzfeed tasty videos, and this one popped up a few weeks ago. I knew it was love. This recipe is surprisingly simple, and you can make it with fresh apples (my personal preference), or use the canned alternative. You’re family will love this one and think you’re a creative genius. Ohh and you’ll love it too.
I hope you are able to take some time to relax and enjoy the holiday with family this year. I would love to hear about some of your family’s traditions or dishes you love to make on Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours. 🙂
Thanks for reading! See you next Tuesday.
-Claudine
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