Countdown to Thanksgiving

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Meagan102215 on November 4, 2008 at 11:46am

Something that I've done in the past that is SUPER easy, and gives guests something to eat/drink while you're prepping last minute in the kitchen.

I set up two crock pots - one with hot cider, and one with butternut squash soup. Party stores sell festive cups and bowls that you can set up around the crock pots, so people can just help themselves as they mingle/watch football etc.

For the cider - I just pour a few gallons of apple cider into a crock pot and add a few cinnamon sticks. Turn it on med-lo and let it heat up. If you're hosting a kid-free party, you could also add some dark rum!

For the soup - I sautee a large onion and about 4 lbs of chopped butternut squash in a few tablespoons of butter for about 10 minutes. Then cover the sqaush with chicken or veggie stock and boil till tender (about 1.5- 2 hours). Blend the soup - either in batches or with an immersion blender - add 1/2 cup of light cream and 2 tbspns of nutmeg. Transfer to crock pot set to medium to keep warm. Best part is that you can make it the day before and THEN put it in the crockpot to warm! :)

The added bonus is the delicious smells that each add to the party!

Permalink Reply by Heather Reif on November 4, 2008 at 4:11pm

We like to have a neighborhood party....we usually fry the turkey and the other neighbors bring side dishes. It is a blast and I don't have to cook everything!! We live in a military community so a lot of us don't get to go home, it is great to have neighbors that feel like family to share holidays with.

Permalink Reply by AirCooled on November 6, 2008 at 4:12pm

I'm seriously considering ordering some chinese food and locking the doors! Easy prep. Easy clean-up. Easy on my sanity.

Permalink Reply by Alice Barker on November 17, 2008 at 1:16am

I like to do my prep work couple days ahead. Like cutting veggies for dressing or for a veggie tray. Put together your dish for sweet taters then toss in oven on big day. Also dont be shy abut asking your guests to bring a dish for the meal & someone could bring the dessert.

Permalink Reply by Laurie on November 21, 2008 at 4:37pm

Here's my recipe for Cranberry Chutney. I actually have 4 different recipes I created for Cranberry Chutney ranging from simple flavors to complex concoctions. This one always gets gobble gobbled up and it's super easy to make.

Attachments:

• Cranberry Chutney.doc, 24 KB