Hi!

I’m linking up today with

For Planning for the Holidays.

I always have MANY ideas and fun things I want to do or experience between now and the end of the year, but I’ve learned that things work much better for my family if we keep an opened ended idea list/bucket list for any season/holiday.

One thing I AM quite good at planning for is the menu.

A few years ago, we hosted Thanksgiving for my parents and my brother and his family. We came up with just about the perfect (for us) menu.

Maple-Whiskey Turkey and Gravy

Directly out of the FoodNetwork Magazine, courtesy of Ree Drumond, THIS. IS. AMAZING.

Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta

This is the same recipe I mentioned a couple weeks ago.

Root Vegetable Mash

A bit of a change from traditional mashed potatoes, the extra flavors from the celery root and parsnips in this mashed medley is very good. Don’t be afraid of celery root. It looks weird, but is so good.

Roasted Vegetables

Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Parsnips, Carrots.

Toss them all in olive oil and salt and pepper. Spread out in single layer on baking sheet. Roast in 425 deg F oven for 20 minutes, stir and roast for another 15 – 20 min (depending on oven and preference). Easy Peasy.

Green Beans with Walnuts, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese

This is a recipe I found when searching for a healthier option over the traditional green bean casserole. Side note: I ALSO made Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole that year, because #tradition.

Grandma’s Yeast Rolls

Grandma’s Rye Bread

Desserts

Pumpkin Pie

Traditional all the way.

Grandma’s Chocolate Pie

Now, I’m starving. I’m going to go search my kitchen for a snack.

Happy Wednesday!