Most of us look forward to endless feasting on Thanksgiving Day.
But it is far from a walk in the park for a busy person hosting or attending dinner, who hopes to live up to the expectations of hungry guests or hosts. Plus, everyone has their idea of what the perfect Thanksgiving is.
There are ways to help make the perfect Thanksgiving food presentation even when you do not have the time!
Last-Minute, Easy Dishes to Prepare or Bring for Thanksgiving
With a little multitasking and help in the kitchen, you can create a last-minute, quick Thanksgiving dinner. Read on to find fast recipes for Thanksgiving turkey, side dishes, and your Thanksgiving leftovers.
A Fast Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Bring turkey to the table, with all the trimmings, using this recipe. This beautiful turkey takes less than 20 minutes of active preparation before cooking.
Apple Cider-Braised Turkey Drumsticks
Braising turkey drumsticks is as simple as roasting the entire bird, and the gravy is delicious. You can prepare the dish early and serve it when ready.
Ingredients for apple cider-braised turkey drumsticks are:
- 4 two-pound turkey drumsticks
- 1 cup each of diced celery ribs and diced carrots
- Freshly ground pepper and kosher salt
- 2 tables spoons of vegetable oil and 3 of finely chopped parsley
- A quart of apple cider
- One and a half cups of low-sodium broth, chicken stock, or turkey stock
- 2 bay leaves and 4 thyme sprigs
Start with preheating the oven to 325 degrees. Heat your oil in a large deep skillet until it simmers. Use pepper and salt to season the drumsticks, then add them to the skillet. Cook the drumsticks over moderate heat for eight minutes, turn to ensure even browning and transfer them to a platter.
Place your onion, carrot, celery, and a pinch each of pepper and salt to your skillet and cook the mixture until the onion is translucent. Add thyme, bay leaves, stock, and cider, and allow the mixture to boil.
Pour your mixture into a roasting pan, add your drumsticks, and cover with foil. Braise the drumsticks in the oven for 45 minutes, then uncover and continue braising for another 15 to 20 minutes. Your drumsticks are ready when the thickest part registers 160 degrees. Carve out the drumsticks and transfer them to a serving platter.
Use a fine-mesh strainer to strain the braising liquid into a saucepan. Boil the liquid over moderately high heat until it reduces to about four cups. Season with pepper and salt, and spoon the braising liquid over your drumstick. Finish by sprinkling parsley and serve the remaining braise liquid in a gravy boat.
Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Prepare
The star of any Thanksgiving dinner table is the turkey. But what about side dishes? Here is a listing of the easiest Thanksgiving side dishes for your celebrations.
Corn
You have the option of throwing a frozen bag in the microwave and call it a day. You can also try turning corn into a delicious corn pudding.
Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts
This recipe requires replacing some butter with olive oil and a generous supply of pecans with Brussels sprouts. It’s a recipe that contains tons of fiber. Plus, you only use two tablespoons of maple syrup!
Crispy Roasted Cabbage Steaks
If you have considered roasting cabbage before, then give this crispy roasted cabbage steaks recipe a try. You will gain an entirely new appreciation for the vegetable.
Putting the food in an oven tenderizes the thick leaves and tough stalks, charring their edges slightly. This side dish is unconventional for the Thanksgiving table, but it is incredibly easy and tasty.
Stovetop Mac ‘n’ Cheese
The holiday season is a time to indulge in some decadent favorites. This mac and cheese recipe is easily one of the reigning Thanksgiving delights.
The recipe has plenty of parmesan, cheddar, and actual pasta instead of a low-carb substitute. It is a bit on the richer side of the table but will be a delicious addition. A small portion goes a long way.
Easy Leftover Turkey Recipes
If you have some Thanksgiving turkey left in the fridge, it is time to clear the space without wasting food. The first thing you need to do is carve off the meat and use the bones to make turkey stock, which is an excellent replacement for chicken stock in risottos and soups.
After that, peruse these three easy Thanksgiving turkey leftover recipes:
- Turkey quesadillas—This is a rotisserie chicken recipe that also works well for cooked turkey meat.
- Turkey noodle casserole—Swap canned tuna in the recipe for an equal amount of shredded turkey meat.
- Turkey curry soup—A bright soup with red curry paste and fresh lime juice, perfect for cutting through Thanksgiving’s heavy meal.
Precooked Meals: A Smart Alternative
Forgo Thanksgiving cooking all together this year with the help of these food delivery services, restaurants, and grocery stores. A Thanksgiving dinner to-go also means less cleanup and more time to spend with family and friends.
Harry & David
The company is famous for its cheese and wine baskets, but will also ship a fully cooked whole or sliced turkey to your doorstep. They also offer a vast selection of Thanksgiving sides, including acorn squash with maple glaze, apple sausage walnut staffing, and parmesan creamed spinach.
Cracker Barrel
This is an excellent choice if you are craving classic American comfort food. Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving packs are available for two, a feast, or a family dinner. The platform is also open for business on Thanksgiving day, so you can send memorable feasts to loved ones even while you are away.
ShopRite
Order a complete ShopRite Thanksgiving Dinner, and all you do is heat and eat. Their holiday meals include mashed potatoes, holiday stuffing, and a cooked Butterball turkey. However, give the local store a heads up at least 72 hours in advance.
Make this Thanksgiving the Best with Mariner Finance
Do you need a loan to prepare for Thanksgiving this year? A personal loan may come in handy to cover the costs.
Apply for a personal loan from Mariner Finance today and make sure your Thanksgiving dinner plans succeed.