Tasting Tuesday: New Thanksgiving Favorites

Thanksgiving is here! Well, here in two days. For 8 of the past 10 years, I’ve arrived to the holiday in a blurred state of exhaustion as it marks the week when I have made it through midterms and am arriving at the all-consuming finals race of projects, presentations, paper, and participation points. I am excited, though, as this year marks a change. Because yes, I did just get through midterms and am about to start cramming for finals, but I am also arriving to Thanksgiving in an improved state of rest. I have been gifted with more opportunities to practice self-care and to reflect on my blessings this semester; my soul feels refreshed and ready to share, even if my body currently wants a nap.

It is out of this place of a full heart that I bring you new recipes to try this year! I’ve actually had time to taste test them already or have set aside time to prepare them this week. I love the old green bean casserole and traditional stuffing, but sometimes I just want to add a little pizzazz to the outdated Jello salad. I think these recipes pay homage to classic favorites while bringing a much-needed update to new “must haves.” PLUS! This year marks the first year my parents and my in-laws are celebrating together, so there will be no shuffling around from place to place while trying to eat twice. I’m both excited and terrified. But anyway, I love reading food blogs while bored in class and have been very excited to find some new ones this year. Since my PhD goals prevent my blog goals from looking like some of these gorgeous pages, I hope you’ll enjoy them.

Here’s what is on my menu this year:

Chili Cheese Ball from A Beautiful Mess

Roasted Turkey Breast with Caraway Lemon Butter from Real Simple

Mushroom and Rosemary Stuffing from Real Simple (I made mine with vegetable broth to serve vegetarian friends.)

Butternut Squash and Sun-Dried Tomato White Lasagna from Half Baked Harvest (Vegetarian entrees do not get enough credit–this one is delicious!!)

Sage, Thyme, and Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese from The Candid Appetite

Herb Roasted Root Vegetables from Eat Spin Run Repeat

Carrot Soufflé with Pecan Topping from Pillsbury

Tomato Sage Parmesan Cornbread from A Couple Cooks

Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie from Half Baked Harvest

So there you have it! I’m probably a missing a few things (like cheesy potatoes and pumpkin pie!), but I’m feeling pretty good about my recipe selection and am counting on my family to fill in the gaps. What new recipes are you trying this year?

Happy Thanksgiving!