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Thanksgiving

The Best Thanksgiving Stuffing

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Pine Nut and Cranberry Stuffing

This pine nut and cranberry stuffing combines the rich, buttery flavor of toasted pine nuts with the sweet-tart burst of dried cranberries. The nuts add a satisfying crunch, while the cranberries provide a hint of sweetness that balances the savory herbs and seasonings. Perfect for pairing with roasted meats or as a holiday side dish, this stuffing brings a delicious blend of textures and flavors to any table.
Prep Time2 hours
Keyword: side dish, stuffing, sweet and savory, thanksgiving
Yield: 12 servings

Materials

  • 1 loaf French bread
  • 1 cup butter divided
  • 6 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 large or 2 small onions chopped
  • 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon I like “Better than Bouillon” paste
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon salt divided
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
  • ⅛ teaspoon celery seed
  • 4 large eggs beaten
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • ¼ cup roasted pine nuts
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  • Prepare the bread: Cut the French bread into cubes and spread them out on two baking sheets. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the bread is dried out but not browned. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  • Sauté the vegetables: In a large pan, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onions, and stir in 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon and 1 teaspoon of salt. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Prepare the butter mixture: In the same pan, melt the remaining ½ cup butter. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, fresh thyme, fresh parsley, and celery seed. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until the herbs are fragrant.
  • Combine the stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed veggies, and the seasoned melted butter. Stir to evenly distribute the butter and veggies.
  • Add the eggs and stock: Stir in the beaten eggs, then pour in the chicken stock. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
  • Add the pine nuts and cranberries: Gently fold in the roasted pine nuts and dried cranberries.
  • Prepare the pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared dish.
  • Chill and bake: For the best texture, refrigerate the stuffing for at least 45 minutes (or overnight if possible). When ready to bake, cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on top. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden top.

Bruschetta

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Bruschetta

This Bruschetta is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Fresh roma tomatoes, garlic, and basil are tossed in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and glaze, then chilled to enhance the flavors. For the perfect crunch, pair it with toasted baguette slices or crackers. It’s a simple, yet elegant dish that's sure to impress!
Prep Time30 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Keyword: Appetizer, fresh, holiday, italian, party, party food, thanksgiving

Materials

Ingredients

  • 24 oz pack of cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cloves of fresh garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh basil
  • ½ cup of olive oil
  • ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: garlic and onion powder

Instructions

Instructions

  • Chop tomatoes into small cubes, removing excess seeds to keep the mixture from getting too watery.
  • Mince or microplane the garlic cloves.
  • Finely chop the fresh basil leaves.
  • In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and balsamic glaze.
  • Season to taste with salt, pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (the flavors develop better when chilled).
  • Top with bruschetta mixture with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
  • Serve immediately with crispy baguette slices or crackers.

Notes

Notes & Tips:
  • For extra flavor, toast the bread with a little garlic butter before baking—this adds a rich, savory base.
  • If you like a little spice, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the bruschetta mix for a kick.
  • You could also  swap out the balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar if you prefer a slightly sharper taste.
  • This is also great served over Boursin cheese for a great creamy and fresh appetizer.

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

Welcome to the holiday weekend you’ve been waiting for!

Thanksgiving can sometimes feel a bit repetitive—eat, sleep, chat, get annoyed at your brother, sleep, and do it all over again. Over the year my family and I have learned how to make the most of our time together.

Here are 5 ideas to help you savor every moment this Thanksgiving!

1. Pajama Party with a Christmas Movie
Invite everyone to come in their favorite festive pajamas—think fun prints or cozy Christmas-themed ones. One year, my family even hosted a onesie fashion show! Set up a hot chocolate bar, popcorn, and comfort food for everyone to enjoy while you settle in for a holiday movie marathon.

2. Flower Arrangement Party
Tap into the creativity of your family with a flower arrangement session! Gather a few sets of fresh flowers the day before or on Thanksgiving morning and let everyone craft their own centerpiece for the table. It’s a wonderful way to slow down and bond while creating something beautiful together.

3. Turkey Bowl
Turkey bowling is a huge hit in my family—though with six brothers and six nephews, we might be a bit biased! Organize a friendly football game using cheap flags and enjoy some spirited competition. To keep the fun light-hearted, consider playful bets, like a pie-in-the-face challenge for the losing team. This is a fantastic way to get a good chunk of the family outside while you prep the meal!

4. Parade Breakfast
Kick off Thanksgiving morning with a festive breakfast while watching the Thanksgiving Day parade. Gather around the table to enjoy pancakes, pastries, and coffee while sharing in the excitement of the floats and performances.

5. Game Night Dip Party
End the day with a game night featuring a dip party! Set out an array of delicious dips—think buffalo chicken, guacamole, and spinach-artichoke—and let everyone bring their favorite chips or veggies. Engage in friendly competition with board games or card games, creating a lively atmosphere for everyone to unwind together.

Thanksgiving Cooking Timeline:Your Ultimate Guide for a Stress-Free Feast

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food! But preparing a feast can be overwhelming without a solid plan. To help you navigate the chaos of cooking, we’ve created a Thanksgiving cooking timeline that will ensure everything is ready to serve on time. Let’s break it down step-by-step!

1 Week Before Thanksgiving

Plan Your Menu

  • Choose Dishes: Decide on the main dish (turkey, ham, or vegetarian option) and side dishes (stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, etc.).
  • Make a Shopping List: Based on your menu, list all ingredients you’ll need, checking your pantry for staples.

Grocery Shopping

  • Purchase non-perishable items like canned goods, spices, and dry ingredients.
  • If your turkey is frozen, buy it now to allow for thawing time.

3 Days Before Thanksgiving

Final Grocery Shopping

  • Buy fresh produce, dairy, and any last-minute items.
  • If you’re making pie, get your baking ingredients.

Prep Ahead

  • Chop Vegetables: Dice onions, carrots, celery, and any other veggies for stuffing or sides. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
  • Make Cranberry Sauce: This can be made a couple of days ahead and stored in the fridge.

2 Days Before Thanksgiving

Turkey Preparation

  • Thaw the Turkey: If still frozen, move it to the fridge to thaw (1 day for every 4-5 pounds).

Bake Desserts

  • Prepare Pies: Bake pies today (pumpkin, pecan, or apple). They’ll taste better after sitting for a day and can be served at room temperature.

Prepare Stuffing

  • If using bread stuffing, you can dry out the bread today. Cube it and let it sit out, or bake it at a low temperature.

1 Day Before Thanksgiving

Final Turkey Prep

  • Brine the Turkey: If brining, do it overnight to ensure maximum flavor and moisture.

Make Ahead Sides

  • Prepare Casseroles: Assemble any casseroles and cover them for baking tomorrow.
  • Cook Vegetables: If you’re making roasted vegetables, you can wash, peel, and cut them today.

Set the Table

  • Lay out dishes, utensils, and decorations. This will save you time on the big day.

Thanksgiving Day

Morning (8 AM)

  • Remove Turkey from the Fridge: Take your turkey out to come to room temperature for even cooking.
  • Preheat the Oven: Get it ready for the turkey and any sides that need baking.
Link to Turkey Pan I Love

Mid-Morning (9 AM)

  • Start the Turkey: If you’re roasting a turkey, put it in the oven according to its weight and your chosen cooking method.

Late Morning (10 AM)

  • Prepare Other Dishes: Start cooking side dishes that take longer, like mashed potatoes or casseroles.
Link to Pans I Use!

Early Afternoon (12 PM)

  • Finish Sides: Prepare quick-cook dishes like green beans or salads. Heat up any casseroles you made earlier.
  • Bake Rolls: If making homemade rolls, get them in the oven.

1 Hour Before Dinner (3 PM)

  • Check the Turkey: Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked (165°F in the thickest part).
  • Let the Turkey Rest: Once done, take it out and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Dinner Time (4 PM)

  • Serve and Enjoy!: Carve the turkey, serve all your delicious sides, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with family and friends.

After Dinner

Cleanup and Storage

  • Don’t forget to store leftovers properly in airtight containers. Label them with dates to ensure freshness.

Final Thoughts

By following this Thanksgiving cooking timeline, you can reduce stress and enjoy the holiday more fully. Remember, the key is to stay organized and plan ahead. Happy Thanksgiving, and may your feast be bountiful and delicious!