This was my first year cooking a complete Thanksgiving dinner.
One of my flaws is that I am pretty idealistic. At first, I wished the first Thanksgiving meal I cooked would be in our first home.
Then I realized how meaningful it was to cook what will probably be my grandma's last Thanksgiving.
And just how grateful I am to be able to do that.
Here's what was on our menu!
The Turkey
A "Today Show" find, this bird was dressed with a garlic and herb butter mix. It cooked in 3 hours and 20 minutes to juicy perfection.
The Stuffing
I made the stuffing from scratch and was slightly nervous when I decided to do so, but it was pretty simple. I cubed a loaf of bread the night before using kitchen shears and baked it. Then mixed up the dressing the next day and baked it. I used fresh herbs, they smelled amazing!
Probably my favorite stuffing!
The Sweet Potatoes
First things first, bake don't boil! They are so much more flavorful if you bake the sweet potatoes.
Poke them with a fork and place on a foil lined baking sheet.
Bake for 40-60 min on 400 degrees.
Let cool and peel off skin.
These sweet potatoes should almost be eaten for dessert
3 cups marshmallows will not do. I used almost 2 packages. :)
Homemade Noodles
I usually make my great grandma's recipe, but I decided to try a different one.
(What a bad idea!)
I wasn't as happy with the results.
Check back for a full guide and recipe for making delicious homemade noodles!
(Not pictured below, ha.)
The Pie
Another "Today Show" inspired recipe, sweet potato and pumpkin pie combined, the perfect union.
My first time ever making pie. It didn't turn out pretty, but it was delicious.
I made the pie crust from scratch using this recipe.
The Chocolate Dessert
Pie is great, but chocolate is a must and this is a super easy recipe I adapted.
Check back for it soon!
It is a melt in your mouth and solve all your problems kind of recipe.
The Drink
The Today Show is responsible for over half of this dinner. :)
This warm cocktail was delicious and hard to stop drinking.
My stepmom Donna, sister Alicia, and I, joined later by Donna's aunt Connie and cousin Shannon, had such good conversation while enjoying this holiday spiced treat.
(The kinds of wine and bourbon I used are pictured above. I wanted mine to be sweeter!)
I hope your Thanksgiving was as special as mine!
