Holiday 2015: The Simple Thanksgiving Menu

For the 2015 holiday season, I thought it'd be fun and helpful to put together a few Thanksgiving menus that represent where I've found myself over the past 8 years or so. In years past, I've been a novice cook trying to cook a small but traditional meal without overly messing anything up and cooking in the confines of a small apartment kitchen. Your 20's are a great time to experiment, you know? Even though I've usually been graciously invited to someone else's place for turkey day, the beginner chef in me couldn't be denied the pleasure of trying my hand at a small Thanksgiving meal each year. You know, just so I could see what I liked vs. didn't like or what worked vs. what was a total kitchen fail {I'm looking at you, Roasted Turkey Roulade}.

The novice/beginner cook is who we are going to focus on today. This menu is for anyone hosting a small get together; say 6-8 guests or so. You've got limited cooking skills, a small kitchen space, and want to make as much food ahead as possible so you don't lose your mind on the big day. Oven space is also a concern for you - and that's ok! I've got you covered with a timeline that will guarantee a no-muss, no-fuss holiday - you'll even have time to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Stay tuned later on this week for two other menus....the menu themes shall remain a surprise!

On the menu:

• Simple Roasted Turkey Breast from The Kitchn - they've got options for a dry vs. wet brine or no brine at all, plus step-by-step photos to ensure success.
• Easy Turkey Gravy from Whole Foods - focus on the word "easy" here
• Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole from I Wash, You Dry -because oven space is an issue!
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Bacon from Girl Cooks World
• Simple is Best Dressing from Epicurious - do you notice the "simple" theme here?
• Thanksgiving Punch from MyRecipes - this stuff is amazing!
• Pumpkin Pie Bars from Crazy for Crust - for when you don't feel like messing with a real pie.

Have your guests bring:

• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat appetizers {like an antipasto platter or cheese plate; anything that doesn't require heating!}
• A dessert

Meal Prep Timeline:

• The day before: prepare the dressing (do not bake), Thanksgiving Punch, Pumpkin Pie Bars, and set your table! It will also be a good idea to set out any serving dishes or utensils that you plan to use. If you are brining your turkey breast, do this now too!
• Thanksgiving Day:
  • 7 hours before meal time: get those sweet potatoes going in the slow cooker right when you roll out of bed! Then have some breakfast and enjoy the parade 🙂 You will also have time to get ready before you start on the turkey!
  • 2 hours before meal time: cook the turkey; this should take 1-1 ½ hours. While the turkey cooks, prep your ingredients for the roasted Brussels sprouts.
  • 1 hour before meal time: let the turkey rest while you cook the dressing {which was made ahead} and the Brussels sprouts. Make the gravy with the pan drippings from the turkey.
  • Meal time: slice the turkey, pour gravy in a boat, put the Brussels sprouts on a platter and pour yourself a glass of Thanksgiving punch! Let everyone serve themselves buffet-style and give yourself a pat on the back!

What are your Thanksgiving plans this year? Would you make this menu? I'd love to here about your plans in the comments section below!