What are you thankful for? Family? Home? A nice glass of wine? Well, we can’t speak for you, but we’re always thankful for Thanksgiving — the best meal of the year. This year has made us all a little more comfortable with change, so why not add a new recipe to the table?
These new spins on classic Southern dishes still leave a little room for innovation. Here are our suggestions for your Southern Thanksgiving meal this November.
Best Ever Spinach and Artichoke Dip
When the family comes over and you’re still rushing to get everything ready for the big meal, it’s essential to have a great appetizer to keep everyone appeased. (No one wants a hangry grandpa walking around the kitchen looking for a snack.) . This creamy spinach and artichoke dip is sure to keep everyone satisfied while they watch football in the living room and smell the delicious aromas circulating the house. You can serve the dip with toasted crackers and sliced baguettes, or with carrots and zucchini for veggie lovers. Offer your guests a healthy serving of vegetables that tastes like pure cheesy goodness.
Maple-Glazed Turkey
What is Thanksgiving without turkey? We all know that aunt or cousin who gripes that turkey is too dry. Well, gripe no more, turkey haters! This turkey is generously doused in butter and brushes of maple syrup. With all that juicy butter flavor and sweet maple syrup, there’s no way this bird will dry out. This is classic Thanksgiving meets upscale Southern flavor.
Smoked Mac-and-Cheese
What’s that saying? “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something smoked?” Well, this covers that last part. Mac-and-cheese is a family favorite that satisfies kids from 1 to 92. This recipe takes the classic dish up a notch, making it Lone Star state-approved. Imagine the best mac-and-cheese of your life, but smoked! This recipe will amaze your taste buds with five different cheeses, all culminating in one tantalizing dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts And Squash With Dried Cranberries And Dijon Vinaigrette
Of course, you’ve got to have some greens on the plate. Bring on the Brussels sprouts. If you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, that’s because you’ve never had good Brussels sprouts. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, soft and soggy Brussels sprouts. By roasting the sprouts on high heat, you’ll get a beautiful, caramelized char on the outside, with a wonderful burst of flavor on the inside. The butternut squash and dried cranberries provide a nice sweetness to offset the natural bitterness of the Brussels sprouts, and the homemade dijon vinaigrette will bring the dish over the top. Even the pickiest eater will be coming back for seconds.
Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Streusel
Have room for dessert? Probably not, but you’ll want to make room once you smell this coming out of the oven. If you are torn between making a pumpkin pie or a pecan pie, why not make 2-in-1? This Southern dessert has all the flavors of autumn: nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin, and toasted pecans. Top it with vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling really wild. Plus, this recipe gives you an excuse to buy bourbon — make sure to save some for later!
Happy Thanksgiving from the Brumbaughs
Family is more important than ever, and the perfect way to celebrate the sacredness of family is by coming together for a knock-your-boots-off feast. (Our mouths are watering just looking at these recipes; pardon us while we preheat our ovens.). From all of us at Brumbaugh’s, we hope your Thanksgiving plans are off to a great start.