Tired of serving up the same Thanksgiving dishes using the same bland Thanksgiving recipes year after year? Your holiday meal must include the staples of turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, of course. But how do you make them stand out with some new holiday recipes? How can you give them a little kick and spice them up?
Well, let Ocean State Job Lot give you a few unique and flavorful twists to add to the mix. They will surely leave your guests with full bellies and smiles on their faces.
The Main Event – The Turkey
There are things you absolutely must get right when cooking your Thanksgiving turkey. No matter what dressing recipes you use, make sure you don’t over do it. Don’t overcook your turkey, letting it become too dry; don’t over season your turkey; and don’t let it sit too long before carving it. All three could produce disastrous results.
First, decide whether you want to stuff your Thanksgiving Day bird. Some don’t want to deal with the fuss and the mess of putting their hands inside a turkey. If you do, you’ll have that delicious spice-filled stuffing to serve in addition to the stove-top stuffing recipe you’ve probably cooked as well. Both deliver a distinct flavor.
The other thing you want to think about is timing and weight. Make sure you cook your turkey so that it’s done at a proper time for friends and family to eat. Timing is everything. Remember, everyone usually has several obligations on the holiday. You won’t be able to accommodate everyone, but do the best you can.
Secondly, make sure you have enough. You might want to consider cooking a second turkey the night before or having someone else in the family do it for you. Remember, no matter if you eat it cold like the next day’s leftovers or heat it up, it will be awesome. So, make sure you account for all your guests and their appetites!
Turkey Tips:
- Brine your turkey with citrus and herbs for a juicy bird.
- Add a flavorful rub or glaze with spices like cumin, coriander, or chili powder.
- Consider a smoked turkey for a smoky twist.
The Undercard – Side Dishes
There are so many Thanksgiving dishes you can choose from. Everyone has their favorites. The key is to have the right mix on hand and have them seasoned properly. You can even ask your guests to bring something they might like to share to the festivities as more of a pot-luck meal.
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Have some side snacks and nuts, too, including some for your gluten-free friends.
Don’t forget, you can find all the cookware, dinnerware, and bakeware you need at Ocean State Job Lot to get everything prepared. Or maybe one of our small kitchen appliances would be of help like a microwave oven, broiler, coffeemaker, or turkey carving knife, which you will eventually need and we’ll show you how to use in a future post. Plus, we have over 100 spices to choose from to make your Thanksgiving recipes an absolute delight. Oh, and don’t skip the gravy!
Tips for Your Sides:
Stuffing:
- Add in some wild rice, quinoa, or farro for added texture and nutrition.
- Use dried cranberries, apples, or pears for sweetness.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
Mashed Potatoes:
- Add roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or grated cheese for extra flavor.
- Top with crispy bacon bits or chives for texture.
- Try different potatoes like sweet potatoes or Yukon Golds.
Green Bean Casserole:
- Use fresh green beans instead of frozen green beans.
- Add crispy shallots or toasted almonds for crunch.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or fontina.
Gravy:
- Use homemade stock for a richer flavor.
- Add a splash of red wine or port for depth.
- Thicken with a roux (a mixture of fat and flour) or cornstarch slurry to achieve a smooth consistency.
The Cherry on Top – Dessert
Once you’ve conquered the apps and the turkey, it’s probably time for a nap before hitting your final food dish of the day – dessert. Now, this can take you down many paths from sweet to sour, hot to cold, and everywhere in between. Let’s give you a few to consider:
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This is the perfect place and time to take a stroll down the baking aisles at Ocean State Job Lot. They’re full of flours from Bob’s Red Mill. Bucca and Litaly extra virgin olive and vegetable oils are perfect for any baking recipes. Plus, grab the bakeware, cookie sheets, and cooking utensils to cook them all.
The Drinks
Because you are going to have a wide age-range at your holiday affair, you are going to want to have many different options. Those can go from water, juice, milk, and other beverages for the kids. Non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverages for adults can come in the form of regular beer or mixed drinks. Options are the key here but most of all, you want to make sure that everyone stays within their limits and behaves responsibly.
Even with your drinks, you can use a little spicing up with some lemon, ginger, or other garnishes to finish your Thanksgiving cocktail recipes.That could take your run-of-the-mill mixer down a more sweet or sour road.
Make your local Ocean State Job Lot your Thanksgiving Day headquarters for all your needs including tablecloths, commercial silverware, disposable plates and silverware, aluminum pans and so much more!