How to Spice Up Your Thanksgiving Recipes

If your traditional Thanksgiving Day meal is becoming too traditional, and yes, maybe even a bit boring, let Ocean State Job Lot help spice things up. We can give your dishes, desserts, and sides a little kick where they need it most. The best part about it is that it won’t take much effort, and because of Job Lot’s always low, low prices, it won’t break the bank.

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.

Have some side snacks and nuts, too, including some for your gluten-free friends.

Find all your Thanksgiving cooking essentials at Ocean State Job Lot, including cookware, dinnerware, and bakeware. We also offer a selection of small kitchen appliances like microwave ovens, broilers, and coffeemakers, as well as turkey carving knives—look out for a future post demonstrating their use! Don’t forget to explore our extensive collection of over 100 spices, including sage, rosemary, and thyme, to elevate your Thanksgiving dishes. And remember, no Thanksgiving meal is complete without 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, the sides, 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:

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!

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours at Ocean State Job Lot!