I am not putting Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy or Cranberry Sauce on my list, because those are “musts”. One must have those five: Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and Cranberry Sauce for Thanksgiving. I like it all. My Top Ten list deals with the other Thanksgiving food and, after all, if I put the must have five on my list, I would have only had space for another 5 options. Not cool!
1. Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes – I came close to adding this to my “must” list, verrrrrry close, and I probably should have, but I really wanted to post my recipe for Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes! Stay tuned. I also have a recipe for Apple Cider Sweet Potatoes, which is different, but quite delightful in its own way…
2. Pumpkin Roll – I was only just introduced to this recipe last year, but now it’s a must have. I am going to share this “secret” recipe with you (but the recipe has been right there in front of you for all these years. Yes it has! Do you know which recipe I am talking about? My goodness, it’s sooooo good. It’s now my Mom’s all time favorite Thanksgiving dessert. Last year she had a slice every day for breakfast (after her half gallon of oatmeal, banana, half an apple, and slice of panettone), and another with her cup of tea at 10 0’clock. My mother is not a big woman. She might weigh all of 100 lbs. I should be on her diet.
3. Pumpkin Pancakes – My elder daughter started a tradition of an open house, at my house, early on Thanksgiving morning (too early). Neighbors and friends are invited over for pumpkin pancakes, sausages, glazed bacon, coffee and pumpkin roll (see above). Very informal. Stay a few minutes or stay a lot of minutes. Jammies and slippers are encouraged. The Macy’s parade will be on and there will be a thousand piece jigsaw puzzle to work on.
4. Wild Rice and Turkey Soup – You have to make this! Save your turkey carcass and have a box of wild rice on hand (you’ll need 1 1/2 cups). I’ll post the recipe (it’s on my Polly, Julie and Julie facebook page, if you can’t wait). It’s sooooo good, it’s almost the best part of Thanksgiving. Really!
5. Turkey Sandwich with Balsamic Onions and Cranberry Sauce – My daughter made this from Tom Colicchio’s book, ‘wichcraft: Craft a Sandwich into a Meal–And a Meal into a Sandwich. Sooooo good. I’ll post his recipe for the balsamic onions and let you know how to put it together. A Turkey Sandwich on some good bakery or home made bread is a Friday lunch must-have (and I usually have one for breakfast, too).
6. Sweet Potato Pie – A richer, sweeter cousin to Pumpkin Pie. This year I am trying a Sweet Potato-Pumpkin-Coconut Pie. I am excited about it. The sweet potatoes have already been roasted with whole star anise, cinnamon sticks, ginger and cloves. I’ll make the pie on Saturday and taste testing will be on Sunday. If it’s any good (crossing my fingers), I’ll post the recipe.
7. Baked Brie with Cranberries – I found this recipe on the back of the puff pasty box. Is there any other Thanksgiving appetizer? I think not! I’ll post the recipe (it’s on my Polly, Julie and Julie Facebook page, if you can’t wait).
8. Gorgonzola Broccoli Casserole – I don’t like the canned soup green bean casserole, I like this alternate. It’s still green, it’s still creamy, it’s still a casserole, but it’s made from real food, ten times tastier, and just as easy to make. The blue cheese flavor is very mild. The whole thing is delicious. I can’t wait. I’ll post the recipe. I found the recipe in Sunset Magazine in 2003.
9. Roasted Carrots – So simple, so good. I’ll post this recipe, too (it’s on my Polly, Julie and Julie facebook page as well).
10. Hrmmmm…, I think THIS spot is still open, what have I missed?!? Tell me, please!
The picture above is last year’s family portrait, taken with the three desserts! We had Apple Pie, Maple Cheesecake, and for my son and my father, the absolute must-have, oh-so-not-Thanksgiving dessert, Chocolate Cream Pie, it just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving (or Christmas or Easter or July 4th) without it!
Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today. Aren’t you happy we are in this season of celebration? BTW, share your Top Ten List, I’d love to compare notes!