top of page
2024

Happy New Year

​

All the Thanksgiving recipes you need to help build your delicious menu and festive tables. From drinks & appetizers (Pickies as I like to call them) to sides, main dishes and dessert – I've got you covered!

​

​

DINNER TIPS

​

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday because we get to spend time with family and friends, but it can often be stressful, especially those that don't like to be in the kitchen often. Here are some things to organize and plan to make the day easy peasy for you!

​

  • MENU: 

    • How much to make? Figure out about how many people will be attending. Then, decide how much to make of each item. Add an additional dish for every 6 people attending. A rule of thumb... the way I like to prepare... 1 appetizer, 1 Main Dish (protein), a dozen rolls or a loaf of bread, 3 sides (1 starch, 2 veggies or 1 sweet), 2 desserts (whatever you choose), and one special cocktail and or mock-tail for a party of 4 people. 

    • Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to bring a dish. Most are happy to help!

​

  • STORAGE: Clean out the fridge the week before to make room for Thanksgiving food. Trust me, this will make your life MUCH easier!

​

​

Other items that can be stored in the fridge or pantry for at least a week, include:

  • Dips

  • Crackers

  • Canned Goods - gravy, cranberry sauce, etc...

  • Cheeses (for boards and appetizers)

  • Candies and Nuts (for guests to munch on)

Main Dishes
Roasted Turkey

Oven Roasted Turkey

Glazed Ham-CraftWithTammy_edited.jpg

Brown Sugared Glazed Ham

Picture 2292_edited.jpg

Roasted Pork Loin

BBQ Ribs-CraftWithTammy_edited.jpg

Tammy's Baby Back Ribs

PLAN A COOKING SCHEDULE

 

Plan a scheduled based on these questions:

​

  • What can be made ahead of time?

  • Can anything be made in a crock pot?

  • What are all the items that need to be cooked in the oven and in what order?

  • Can any items go into the oven at the same time?

  • What are all the items that need to be cooked on the stove top and what order?

  • How can I keep items warm? 

  • Do any dishes need to be reheated?

​

Jot down a schedule for yourself to keep you on track and always add a buffer of 30 minutes. Trust me it helps when things don't always go as planned, it happens to all of us! 😉

Side Dishes
Stuffing-CraftWithTammy_edited.jpg

Nana's Portuguese Stuffing

Whipped Mashed Potatoes-CraftWithTammy_edited.jpg

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole-CraftWithTammy_edited.jpg

Green Bean Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole - Top View-CraftWithTammy_edited.jpg

Sweet Potato Casserole

Stuffing-CraftWithTammy_edited.jpg

Nana's Portuguese

Stuffing

Whipped Mashed Potatoes-CraftWithTammy_edited.jpg

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole-CraftWithTammy_edited.jpg

Green Bean Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole - Top View-CraftWithTammy_edited.jpg

Sweet Potato

Casserole

Orange Cranberry Sauce-CraftWithTammy_edited.jpg

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Roasted Asparagus-CraftWithTammy_edited.jpg

Roasted Asparagus

Picture 855.jpg

Patty's Stuffed Mushrooms

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail-CraftWithTammy_edited_edited.jpg

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

TIPS + TRICKS FOR THANKSGIVING SIDES

 

How much to make?

The following information can help guide you in how much to make. This is the process I use every year. 

​

  • Potato dish: plan 8 oz per person

  • Vegetable dish: plan 6 oz per person

  • Plan 2-3 rolls per person 

  • Anticipate needing 1 cup salad per person

  • Drinks: 1 bottle of wine per person so stock your bar

 

Make ahead of time! And be sure to use different cooking methods like the oven, instant pot and slow cooker to help out.

​

Keeping Sides Hot:

Here are a few ideas you can use to help keep your food hot.

​

  • A cooler: Not just for keeping food cold! Its insulation will also help retain heat. Cover the pots and pans with a lid or foil and stack them inside. (Be sure that they don’t smoosh the food underneath) Using a baking sheet or piece of wood to stack helps!

  • Use the grill. A gas grill, with a thermometer, will work to keep foods warm. Keep the internal temp around 200°F.

  • A crock pot set to low or warm. 

  • Use an insulated food carrier

  • Chafing Dishes

  • The drawer under the stove... This is what it was intended for... But we all know you store your pans for the holidays in there like me... So we will leave that drawer out of the list! ðŸ˜‰

Desserts
Picture 869_edited.jpg

The Great Pumpkin Pie

Picture 2323_edited.png

Chocolate Cream Pie

Apple Pie-Slice-CraftWithTammy_edited.jpg

Caramel Apple Pie

Keto NY Style Cheesecake - Plated Slice-CraftWithTammy_edited.jpg

NY Style Cheesecake

DESSERT TIPS

Keep these tips in mind when making your Thanksgiving desserts.

​

  • Make as many desserts ahead of time as possible. Most desserts store well and still taste delicious the next day.

  • Plan for people to have 2 desserts. A few guests won’t want to have dessert while others will only want 1 or 2 servings. Some, with a sweet tooth, will desire more. Planning 2 dessert servings per person will ensure everyone gets their fill.

  • Have a separate serving area for desserts. Place small saucers, utensils and napkins next to the dessert display.

  • Using tiered trays or a table cloth bunched and draped over boxes or books if you don't have a lot of tiered dishes is a beautiful way to present desserts as well as save space.

  • Adding a label to each dessert gives a nice finish to the display. You can even include important allergy information on the labels if you choose.

  • Leftover desserts can be boxed up and sent home with guests. Purchase little take out containers from your local dollar store or grocery store for easy disposable transporting. Many desserts can also be stored on the counter or freezer to be enjoyed at a later date. See the individual recipes for storage information.

bottom of page