Every year, without fail, we ask ourselves the same question: “Wait, how is it already Thanksgiving?!” If you’re like us (aka the type who doesn’t plan out the menu a month in advance), then you know how important it is to make things easy on yourself this holiday season. That’s where our “make, buy, gift” approach to holidays comes in. Below, simple ideas on what to make, buy and gift for this year’s Thanksgiving dinner. You’re welcome.
food
What to Make, Buy or Gift for This Year’s Thanksgiving Dinner
What To Make: Maple-herb Roasted Turkey Legs
Since this year’s dinner will probably be much smaller than previous years, try roasting turkey legs rather than the entire bird. This recipe takes just over two hours from start to finish and will make your home smell amazing, thanks to the fresh rosemary, thyme and sage seasoning. And did we mention they’ll be basted with a sweet maple butter?
What To Make: Prosciutto And Fig Salad Board
This salad board has everything we look for in a delicious appetizer: zero cook time, easy assembly (and clean up) and a handful of ingredients. Simply mix together spinach and shallots with fresh lemon juice, olive oil and Dijon mustard. After spreading it the mixture on a large board, arrange the prosciutto and figs on top, and finish with a sprinkle of blue cheese. Bonus: Since it’s on a board and not in a bowl, all the good stuff won’t get lost on the bottom.
What To Buy: All The Pies
Unless you’re a very skilled baker or have a ton of time on your hands, Thanksgiving dessert is usually the most stressful part of the meal. Mainly, because the pies have to be perfect with their flaky, buttery crusts and insanely flavorful insides. Save yourself the headache and buy all of this year’s pies. Whether you go to your local bakery or order online, one thing’s for sure: Everyone will love it.
What To Buy: Dinner Rolls
Sure, the turkey is great, and the plethora of side dishes will undoubtedly put us into the dreaded food coma but if we had to pick one part of the meal we loved, it wouldn’t be any of that. What we love is using fluffy dinner rolls to soak up all the juicy and gravy-filled goodness left behind. Since making homemade bread can be finnicky, just buy the dang things. Trust us, no one will even know the difference.
What To Gift: Ketel One Botanical
Showing up to any Thanksgiving dinner empty-handed isn’t the best look. Instead of bringing a seasonal bouquet, go with a gift they’ll really enjoy: Ketel One Botanical. The three different varietals (Grapefruit & Rose, Cucumber & Mint and Peach & Orange Blossom) are all made with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners or flavors, and only have 73 calories per serving.* The bottles are so pretty you won’t even have to wrap them. Add a fun bow and you’re good to go.
*KETEL ONE BOTANICAL. Made With Vodka Distilled With Real Botanicals And Infused With Natural Flavors. 30% Alc/Vol. © Double Eagle Brands, B.V. Imported by Ketel One USA, Aliso Viejo, CA.* Ketel One Botanical (per 1.5oz.) & Soda Water (per 3 oz.): 73 Cals, 0g Carbs, 0g Protein, 0g Fat; White Table Wine (per 5 fl. oz., USDA ARS, National Nutrient Database May 2016): 121 Cals, 3.82 Carbs, 0.1g Protein, 0g Fat.
What To Gift: Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Kick that canned cran to the curb! This homemade version takes only 20 minutes and requires just five ingredients: cranberries, sugar, red wine, orange and cinnamon. Make it the morning of or even an hour before you head out the door, jar it up and off you go. Everyone will be begging for the recipe.
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