With so many festive food gatherings it’s important to have a party survival plan as you head into the holiday season. Food sanity for is at a premium. I am not only talking about what to avoid eating at parties, but more importantly ideas on what to bring. You guessed it, this post is about figuring out some new go-to options to give you some stress relief and put your name emblazoned at the top of next year’s party list for bringing the best share plate. đ
I’ve dug into the archives and have some fun Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving food ideas to share with you. Try some of these food-deas on for size:
APPETIZER
Hot Mess Spiced Bar Nuts – Letâs face it, who isnât a hot mess around the holidays? If you are anything like me you tend to âburn the candle at both endsâ and well, that leads to feeling a bit messy. A few years ago, my best friend from third grade called me up to say âItâs okay to be a GOOD hot mess.â It is safe to say that she wasnât talking about this recipe but in her honor, I named this recipe âHot Mess Spiced Bar Nutsâ?
MAIN DISHES
Cheesy Pumpkin Kale Lasagna This hearty lasagna is perfect for that transitional time, when late-summer produce is winding down and the first fall vegetables appear at farmersâ markets. What makes it especially unusual is that this homemade four-cheese lasagna uses a pumpkin sauce in place of a red marinara sauce for a creative and unusual meatless lasagna thatâs nothing short of gourmet. Perfect for a fall dinner or even for an unusual meatless Thanksgiving entrĂ©e.
Turkey Veggie Ziti â If you just donât want to splurge on that big âole bird this is a fun way to get around it and make a hearty Italian inspired Thanksgiving dish. I suppose this could even be done with leftover turkey, just replace the ground poultry with small chunks of turkey. No matter how you eat it, enjoy it!
SIDE DISHES
Brussels Sprouts Persimmon & Pomegranate Mustard Salad – As Thanksgiving rolls around each year I love to immerse myself in the flavors. The tartness of the vegetables really work well with the sweet flavors of the fruits. I think this dish makes a great vegetarian entree if not a unique side salad.
Orange & Sweet Potato Marshmallow Balls – There is no smoke and mirror magic here, these whimsical sweet potato stuffed oranges have paired together for a delicious and unique presentation.
Potatoes & Onion Au Gratin – With a very large meal lurking around the corner like an anxious turkey, I am always trying to plan out a few vegetarian dishes for those who choose to skip the bird feast.
DESSERTS
Chocolate Crusted Almond Milk Pumpkin Pie – Looking for a way to add a subtle change to the Thanksgiving Day menu? Here is my take on a classic pie with a sexy chocolate almond twist!
Pumpkin Ginger Semi-Freddo Ice Cream – Itâs the pumpkin pie alternative – I am a huge fan of the orange festive squash (AKA pumpkin); and this fall Iâve been developing new recipes to spawn the alternative to pumpkin pie. While I always enjoy the traditional pumpkin pie, and wouldnât dream of a November with out a slice (or three!) of it, I adore the look of surprise my guests display when I serve this versatile vegetable as ice cream.
Miniature Pecan Tartlets â If you need small servings and donât want to fuss with cutting and serving a dessert than this is your go to dessert. It can even be made ahead of time. Bonus!
Snapping Ginger Punklin Pie – If you are looking for a way to celebrate Thanksgiving with a dessert that has a twist to it and avoids the traditional pumpkin pie concept, this recipe should win you rave reviews.
Deep Dark Gingerbread Persimmon Pear Cake – This is one of those recipes I go back to year after year. The flavors go together beautifully. If I would to capture the season in a dessert it would be this one.
The day after menu, no need to do the walk of shame if youâve stuffed yourself. Sporting the turkey bulge is acceptable in my book. If you have a little room for leftovers, I would suggest trying:
Open Faced Turkey Paniniâs (oh and I love to pair this with a Tuna Cabbage Salad)
Enjoy the holiday and donât forget to wear your comfy stretch pants! Itâs the last hurrah before that pre-Chrismukkah diet hits.