I am in complete disbelief that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Are you ready?
Guess what I’m VERY thankful for? That I don’t have to go it alone preparing a whole Thanksgiving feast! What a lot of work! My mom still does the main turkey dinner, and we kids all bring sides and desserts.
But… I suppose one day, this job will fall to me, so I’m already collecting my favorite recipes for my own Thanksgiving dinner menu plan!
Everyone loves to stuff themselves on Thanksgiving, so I am sharing my favorite traditional Thanksgiving Menu Plan to help you plan your Thanksgiving perfectly! Plus I’ve added a family favorite: Sautéed Brussel Sprouts with Cranberries recipe to the end of this post!
Make the meat organic!
Meat is the final frontier for our family as we move towards whole food and healthful food choices. Organic poultry is raised without GMO-feed or added hormones, so if you can choose and organic turkey, it’s going to be a better choice than most conventional birds. You can cook your own bird, or order a precooked turkey via a local catering company.
Organic turkeys are never given antibiotics, animal byproducts, or added solutions or flavor injections. With their extensive variety of classic, organic, heritage, heirloom, brined, and Kosher turkeys, you can find an organic bird for every holiday budget!
Get your entire Thanksgiving Meal catered!
For those who love great food but want to relieve the stress of the holidays, you can now find catered options at many local grocery stores. Select from many types of meat, sides, and desserts to create your own menu for the number of people in your dinner party!
A classic Thanksgiving Menu Plan includes:
- Organic turkey
- Cranberry Sauce
- Green Beans with Shallots
- Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- Stuffing
- Turkey Gravy
- Pie
Although I am a “make from scratch” type of cook, I can think of so many reasons why a catered Thanksgiving makes sense.
- Illness or recent pregnancy
- Special treat for employees
- Family reunion at location (instead of home)
- Thanksgiving for 1 or 2
- Thanksgiving for families who don’t enjoy cooking
- Thanksgiving for families with diverse diets (vegan, organic, traditional, and speciality dishes are all available).
Add signature dishes to your Thanksgiving Dinner
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe for Thanksgiving Menus
Like I said, I love to cook from scratch, and enjoy adding new dishes and flavors to traditional meals like Thanksgiving Dinner. One year my sister created a shaved Brussel sprouts side dish that was my real introduction to these yummy baby cabbages. I’ve loved the little green orbs ever since! She’s letting me share her recipe today, and I’ve added a bright Thanksgiving touch to the recipe!
Plus, my son got to check out what “real” Brussel sprouts look like on their stem! Gotta love learning in the produce department!
Ingredients
- 1 Stalk Brussel Sprouts (or about 2 pounds), washed, trimmed, and julienned
- 6-8 shallots, peeled and julienned
- cooking oil (I prefer avocado)
- salt (to taste)
- 2 T Brown sugar
- 2 cups cranberries, rinsed
Instructions
- In large saute pan, heat oil then add shallots. Cook until translucent, and if slightly charred that's okay but don't char too much. Add sliced Brussel sprouts and saute until tender. Season lightly with salt to taste.
- Toss in brown sugar and cranberries until berries are just tender. Remove from heat and serve warm.
- This can be prepped in advance and cooked right before dinner. Or, can be cooked the night before, leave in the saute pan in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stovetop right before dinner. If you don't overcook the night before, you should retain the texture just fine.
What’s your Thanksgiving Dinner include? Traditional fare? Signature dishes?
Lucy Clarke
Sunday 19th of November 2017
Everything looks absolutely delicious!! I love the Whole Foods tips! And I'd definitely try that recipe as well!
Jackie
Saturday 18th of November 2017
I love Brussels sprouts but have never cooked fresh ones myself. This recipe looks delicious.
Mama to 5 BLessings
Sunday 23rd of November 2014
I have never had Brussels sprouts before, what do they taste like? Sounds like a nice recipe.
Dawn
Sunday 23rd of November 2014
I love Brussel Sprouts. This food sounds and looks amazing!
Ronni
Sunday 23rd of November 2014
I always love seeing how other people make BS. I never liked them as a kid because they were always just boiled. Blah... I love them now that I've learned new recipes!