Last-Minute Thanksgiving Ideas

 
We’ve been doing this here Tasty Kitchen Blog for a few years now, and in that time, I’ve seen a steady stream of dishes pass through our cyber doors, each as tempting as the one before it, all of them wreaking havoc on my daily routine of promising myself, “Today will be a light eating day, to atone for yesterday’s sin of gluttony.”

It’s a futile attempt, I know. But I like to kid myself every morning.

One great perk of having read all the posts here is that, when I need inspiration fast and when that inspiration works best accompanied by instructions and visual aids, I have a wealth of reference material. Tasty Kitchen Blog has saved me many times I needed a last-minute side dish, or even just a quick but new dressing to update a favorite salad. So just in case you’re looking for something new for tomorrow’s meal (maybe your guest list suddenly multiplied, or perhaps you just learned one of your guests has a new dietary restriction), maybe we can help.

How about this Outrageous Garlic Soup for a starter? It’s warm and creamy and comforting, especially for those who just spent hours traveling. The garlic isn’t overpowering, and besides, everyone’s family, right?

This Brazilian Cheesebread also works well as a starter or a side, and it’s naturally gluten-free!

Speaking of bread, take a look at this Pumpkin Cornbread. That’s right, pumpkin cornbread.

Want something new and potato-ey for the table? These Potatoes Romanoff and Scalloped Hasselback Potatoes may just upstage the bird. (Sorry, bird.)

If it’s the stuffing you want to update, why not serve it in cute little edible bowls like these Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing? They’re adorable and delicious. Just like me! If I looked like acorn squash, that is. (Which I don’t. So never mind.)

And of course, there’s dessert. Glorious dessert. After all, it’s dessert that makes the world go ’round, right? You can whip up a Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake (which really is perfect in so many ways), or make these Nutella Cheesecake Pumpkin Muffins and sneak in some Nutella (because Nutella also makes the world go ’round). Or maybe you already have a pumpkin dessert and want to do something with apples instead. Have you tried this Ozark Apple Pudding? It’s rustic and full of apples and walnuts and served with a cinnamon-infused whipped cream. With desserts like these, who needs a main course? (Oops. Sorry again, bird.)

Or maybe you want to go the traditional way and make pie. I don’t blame you. I think pie makes the world go … whoa, I just had a deja vu moment there. Where was I? Oh yes, pie. You know what pies need? They need crust. I’ve made pies, and every time, I say a silent prayer for my crust and hope it cooperates. If you’re the same way, then maybe you’ll love this Pie Crust Tutorial as much as I do.

Want something extra special for the kids? (Because adults are easy. All you need is a trip to the store. Wine? Check. Beer? Check. Bourbon? Check. Alka-Seltzer? Check.) Give the kids something to rave about: Homemade Hot Chocolate. You’ll be their hero, they’ll tell their friends about it in school the following week, and their parents will curse thank you for having ruined them for all forms of instant hot chocolate packets.

Got overnight guests? Brew a pot of coffee (and more hot chocolate for the kids) and keep spoiling them with a Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread or Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze. They may never want to leave. (Uhm … sorry?)

And hey, if you’ve got enough of that bird left over, we even have a way to use it up. Wrap them up and make these pretty little Rosemary Turkey Pockets! So easy and simple, and perfect for brunch the next day or to pack for your guests for their trip back.

Whew. That’s a lot of last-minute ideas. And now, I must walk away from my monitor and reaffirm my commitment to eating light today. This time, it won’t be to atone for yesterday’s gluttony—it will be to prepare for tomorrow’s gorging. If you wish me well, I might have a chance of succeeding.

Enjoy the holiday, everyone! We here at Tasty Kitchen hope you have fun cooking and even more fun eating. Thank you to our contributors for all that you do, and thank you to all our members for being here and sharing your recipes. You’ve helped us create such a wonderful cooking community and you keep bringing all kinds to deliciousness into our world.