Nothing Beats Mom's Stuffing
When planning the same holiday year after year, how do you keep your celebration fresh and interesting while maintaining a sense of tradition? We asked our favorite bloggers and food people to share what's inspiring their Thanksgiving planning this year. From ancestor's recipes and falling leaves, to beautiful piles of ingredients and thoughtful home decor, there was no shortage of imagination. See what motivates some of the most creative minds we know, and then start planning your annual feast.
Thanksgiving truly embodies everything that I love about food. To be honest, it may even be the inspiration behind my passion for cooking. It's possible that I feel this way because my birthday is always a few days before or after the big holiday, and I associate Thanksgiving with everyone getting along and gathering to enjoy a big, delicious meal. There's really nothing better than that, and so I'm excited to be able to share my favorite Thanksgiving dishes with you.
First and foremost comes my mom's Chestnut, Sausage, and Apple Stuffing. She has been making this stuffing for as long as I remember, and it is not only my favorite Thanksgiving dish, it's my favorite food ever. I can't get enough of it whenever it’s around, and while I’ve moved 3,000 miles away from home and my mom can’t make it for me anymore, I’ve adopted the tradition as my own, and continue to make it here in New York City for my husband, myself and our friends to enjoy.
Another one of my favorite dishes is my Maple Roasted Yam Salad With Cranberries and Pecans. This is a bright, bold side salad that is different from your usual salad of lettuce and tomatoes, and adds a splash of beautiful color to your table. A delicious vegetarian side dish is the Potato, Carrot, and Turnip Gratin, which takes advantage of some of the fall’s most beloved root vegetables, and helps make Thanksgiving easy, as the whole dish is made by just tossing everything together and baking it in a casserole dish. The star of the show, of course, is the Sugar Pumpkin Lasagna, which is a lasagna actually baked inside of an adorable sugar pumpkin, making for lots of “oohs” and “ahhs” at your holiday festivities.
Finally, everyone needs a little dessert, and there’s nothing better for a party than something bite-sized. I present to you my Mini Lattice Top Apple Pies, which have the perfect pie-to-crust ratio and allow you to have a little something sweet without overindulging. Everyone has a favorite Thanksgiving dish, but it’s also fun to explore other options and see how you can spice up your typical meal with something a little different. Happy Thanksgiving and happy cooking!
For more Thanksgiving ideas, visit our Thanksgiving Inspiration Board Gallery.
The Crepes of Wrath is the brainchild of Sydney Kramer, a 22-year-old living in New York City. While balancing working a full-time job, city life and other responsibilities, Sydney manages to create simple, easy-to-make food that is both delicious and family-friendly. You won't need any specialty ingredients or expensive equipment here, just a hearty appetite and the desire to feel good about what you eat.
Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes from Cooking Channel
