Excited for Thanksgiving dinner this year? Have you made invitations already? How about the menu? Have you decided on a traditional Thanksgiving menu or a contemporary one? If you haven’t, or can’t make up your mind, we’ve got a traditional Thanksgiving menu you can check out. We’ve got turkey alternatives for those who are tired of the same old thing, interesting side dishes and most important, wine to complement your home-cooked meals.
Appetizers
Mushroom Pesto Crostini
Dried mushrooms give out the best flavor, and this tasty appetizer will definitely make guests wanting for more of this simple Thanksgiving menu. Rehydrate porcini mushrooms by soaking them in a bowl of hot water for 15 minutes. Discard the water and combine the porcini mushrooms with button mushrooms, garlic, parsley and walnuts. Next, process everything in a food processor. Then, add ½ cup of oil, blending everything until everything is coarsely chopped. Once properly mixed, transfer the mixture in another bowl, stir in some parmesan and then add salt and pepper.
Caramelized Pancetta and Fennel Salad
If you cook fennel and pancetta together, their flavors will mellow each other, creating a smoky, caramelized taste. Add the mixture to greens for a delicious salad that’s comforting to the taste buds.
Side Dishes
Corn Pudding
One of the things you’ll love about this traditional thanksgiving menu dish is that you can serve it straight from the oven. This means that you can do it at the last minute while taking care of the rest of your menu first. And oh, frozen kernels would be just fine.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry Brown Butter
To bring out the nutty sweetness of the brussel sprouts, roasts them first. Then, mix them with maple, butter and cranberry sauce. Surely, you’ll make anyone who doesn’t like brussel sprouts love them.
Main Dishes (Vegetarian Recipes)
Walnut-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
This dish is a rich and fulfilling one. And with vegan cheese, it will be perfect for your vegan guests. Stuff Portobello mushrooms with breadcrumbs, sage, garlic and toasty walnuts.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter-Balsamic Sauce
Thanksgiving dinners shouldn’t necessarily be about turkeys and potatoes. But it also doesn’t need to be bland and dull. With this simple Thanksgiving menu, you’ll be everyone’s favorite host. This Italian-inspired dish is creative and easy to prepare. All you need is sweet potatoes, Russet potatoes, Parmigiano-Reggiano, eggs, honey, fresh sage leaves, whole wheat flour, shallots and balsamic vinegar.
Main Dishes (Turkey Alternatives)
Orange-Roasted Duck
What’s best about this dish is that it is a delectable treat you can serve for all occasions. No one can resist the “gamey” taste of the duck, thanks to its orange marmalade and soy sauce glaze.
Salmon with Red Wine-Morel Sauce
One of the reasons you’ll want to include this dish in your own traditional Thanksgiving menu is that its rich red wine sauce has an almost meaty flavor. You can use halibut instead of salmon. Add parsley and steamed broccolini tossed with barley.
Dessert
Harvest Mousse with Spiced Almond Tuiles
This is a must-have in your simple Thanksgiving menu because it really is easy to make. You’ll need fresh or canned pumpkin, candied squash and vanilla ice cream for topping.
Pear Tarte Tatin Red-Wine Caramel
End Thanksgiving dinner with a bang with this lust-worthy recipe. It’s also very easy to prepare because you can use store-bought puff pastry.
Whether you’re thinking of an elaborate or simple Thanksgiving gathering, these dishes will surely add more life to your menu.
