If there’s ever been a year to toss aside traditional Thanksgiving foods, this is it! We love the Thanksgiving classics, too, don’t get us wrong, but we also see the benefit of real ingredients, bright flavors, and simple methods that bring new life to old recipes. If you’re ready to try something new while still respecting tradition, you’ll enjoy these delicious and simple twists. Here are five of our favorites to help you build a menu your guests will love!
A Simple Starter: Apricot Spiced Meatballs
When it comes to Thanksgiving appetizers, you need three things:
- Something substantial that keeps your guests from getting cranky while they wait for dinner.
- Something that’s not too filling so that your guests will eat the feast you’ve prepared.
- Something you can make ahead of time.
These saucy apricot meatballs tick off all three necessities and are the perfect combination of sweet and savory. They provide a substantial, but not heavy, starter. And the best part is you can make them ahead of time! Warm them up in a crockpot on Thanksgiving Day to save precious oven space. Visit Brazos Valley Farmers Market on a Saturday morning to get local, grass-fed meat to make these meatballs even better.
A Savory Side: Brown Butter Stuffing
This brown butter stuffing has only 7 ingredients—most of which you already have in your pantry! Your guests will enjoy the comfort of a traditional side, (I mean, is it really Thanksgiving without stuffing?) while applauding the sophistication this dish brings. This recipe has fewer steps than classic stuffing, which gives you more time with friends and family and less time standing over a hot stove. A simple stuffing smothered in rich browned butter and comforting herbs? Yes, please. The key ingredients to this delicious stuffing are challah bread and sage. Check out Brazos Natural Foods for delicious bread and fresh herbs.
A Turkey Alternative: Roast Chicken in Garlic Herb Sauce
This roasted chicken with silky pan sauce is sure to be a worthy main course. Don’t skimp on the pan sauce of chicken stock, white wine, soy sauce, and bright herbs when you pour it over the chicken just before serving. With this juicy, flavorful chicken, no one will even miss the turkey! This chicken is simple to prepare and only requires a few seasonings, so you’ll want to buy a fresh, high-quality chicken. We recommend Readfield Meats & Deli, a family-owned butcher shop and delicatessen in Bryan that’s been loved by locals since the 60s.
A New Favorite Bread: Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Forget the wicker baskets and tea towels! There’s no need to pass around the bread this year. Your guests can casually grab and quickly enjoy a buttery roll that’s packed with flavor. The genius in this garlic pull-apart bread recipe is that each piece of bread is tossed in warm garlic butter before being layered in the baking tin. Our only suggestion is to make two! These bite-sized garlic rolls won’t last long!
If you want homemade bread included in your Thanksgiving spread without having to make it at home, check out the vendors at the Brazos Valley Farmers Market who specialize in fresh-baked breads and biscuits. We promise your guests won’t be disappointed if your made-from-scratch dinner rolls are baked in someone else’s kitchen!
A Pumpkin Dessert: Pumpkin Gingersnap Ice Cream Pie
Move over, Pumpkin Pie, there’s a new tradition in town! This pumpkin ice cream pie is the perfect finale! We might be longing for crisp fall days and a slice of creamy pumpkin pie, but we’re in Texas, so let’s be honest—it’s probably going to be warm on Thanksgiving Day. Savor this twist on a Thanksgiving tradition by mixing pumpkin, nutmeg, and cinnamon with your favorite vanilla ice cream. Then spread it over a crust of crispy gingersnap cookies. The best part is, you can make it a few days before and serve it right out of the freezer. Easy and delicious! It’s the perfect way to wrap up the holiday.
If you try any of these recipes this Thanksgiving, tag us on Facebook and let us know how it turned out! Check out our Grocery Guide to find new places and fresh ingredients while you support local businesses. Our entire team at Inhabit Real Estate is thankful to serve you and this community. We hope you have a special Thanksgiving Day with lots of yummy treats!
