Thanksgiving is always such a busy time since it’s the only holiday that everyone celebrates. Holidays like Thanksgiving can be a hectic time since families and friends are much more spread out than years when I grew up. Most families both parents are working too. I wanted to share a few of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes with you that I use year after year. Eric & I will be spending the holiday here at the inn so I will be cooking a small version of Thanksgiving dinner since it’s just the two of us.
Thanksgiving dinner
Let’s Talk Turkey
Thanksgiving turkey is the main attraction. I have done the brining thing and personally I do not think it’s worth all the time and plus who has the space for the brining. There’s a great tip on Instagram from Cooks Illustrated for brining in a cooler , isn’t that was a great idea if you want to go that route. My go-to recipe is one that I found in New York Magazine in 1999! The recipe is from Waldy Malouf who co-owned the Beacon in NYC is called the How to Cook Perfect Turkey. What I love about this recipe is that it has an herb butter that goes under and on the skin. It self bastes and is so moist you won’t ever make a Thanksgiving turkey any other way!
Veggies & Dessert
One of my favorite vegetables for Thanksgiving that is healthy and delicious is Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes from Eatingwell.com. Locally grown vegetables like brussel sprouts make Thanksgiving so delicious. We buy them from Halsey Farms still on the stalk, doesn’t get much fresher. I wasn’t a fan of this Thanksgiving vegetable until a few years ago, there are so many ways to cook them. I still haven’t decided which recipe I will use this year, Taste of Home has 30 different ways I am sure there is one you will like. You know that dessert is always my favorite and most people depend on me to bake. What would Thanksgiving be without an apple dessert! We always get our apples fresh picked from Milk Pail orchards. I am debating this year between apple crisp or an apple cranberry pie.
Cranberry Apple Crumb pie
Thankful
Do you ever take the time to really reflect on being thankful, especially on Thanksgiving? This year I was battling two health issues as well as my 86 year old mother was having health issues. There aren’t enough words to express how thankful I am that we are both feeling better and on the road to recovery. Thanksgiving is a great time to really take a moment and think about others who may not have a lot to celebrate this year.
Giving back
California Fires
I have found a few ways to give back to those who are in need of help this Thanksgiving. How about helping hundreds families that have been left homeless from the fires in California. Katie Couric posted a list of charities on Instagram that need our support. I chose mine, I hope you will choose one to donate to.
Veteran’s
Wreaths Across America is a wonderful charity at the holiday season. What a nice way to honor the service of a loved one. You can remember their sacrifice by sponsoring a wreath in their honor or in their memory.
Wreaths Across America
Stay Local
Most people that visit the Hamptons never realize how many people are in need of help to get by everyday. Heart of the Hamptons has 250 families registered just here in Southampton. This year they will provide each family with a complete turkey dinner, one toy for each child up to age 10 and a gift card for 13-18 year olds. The pantry is supported by a number of generous donations from local businesses, civic groups, community food drives and private donations. One donor makes an annual gift to purchase frozen meat. Another pays to provide potatoes and fresh produce from local farms from the Spring through the Fall. Local businesses including Tate’s Bake Shop and The Blue Duck Bakery donate day-old bread and cookies.
Food Pantry