# What's on your menu for today (Thanksgiving)? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 28, 2013, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009 "2013-11-28T16:27:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2013, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/1 "2013-11-28T16:27:19Z")
For me and mine, it’s Soup Butternut Squash Salads etc. Panzanella Salad dried cherries, toasted pecans, carrots, celery, orange-sage vinaigrette Roasted Marble Potato and French Bean Salad fresh herbs, sherry-truffle vinaigrette, crispy fried shallots Classic Caesar Salad crisp romaine, garlic croutons, roasted tomatoes Wild Arugula Salad Persimmons, Anjou pears, candied walnuts, Dijon vinaigrette, parmesan crisps Turkey Apple Sage Terrine Charcuterie and Vegetable Display garlic crostini Crab Salad Profiteroles Goat Cheese Stuffed Prosciutto Wrapped Dates Wisconsin Artisan Cheeses with red grapes, mixed nuts, lahvosh Seafood Station Chef Seared Scallops, Beet Cured Salmon, Hot Smoked Salmon, Smoked Mussels, Smoked Scallops, Shrimp traditional accompaniments Entrées Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin Cognac currant Jus Pan Seared Walleye herb pistachio pesto Carving Station Oven Roasted Turkey pan gravy, citrus cranberry relish Salt Crusted Prime Rib caramelized onion jus Pasta Station Cavatappi Pasta peas, spinach, pancetta, chicken, Parmesan cream Orecchiette Pasta sautéed peppers, red onion, broccolini, tomato vodka sauce Artisan Breads Banana Nut Bread Flaky Biscuits Artisan Multi Grain Rolls Millet Oatmeal Bread (Gluten-Free) Artisan Farmhouse Soft White Rolls Pain de Campagne Bread Assorted Lahvosh Dessert Selections Apple Dried Cranberry Pie Maple Roasted Pecan Pie Pumpkin Pie vanilla-scented whipped cream Individual Mincemeat Tartlets Vanilla-Pumpkin Swirled Cheesecake Squares Dark Chocolate Almond Cake Triangles with Blackberry Chocolate Ganache Chocolate Vanilla Punch Cake Truffles Vanilla Éclairs with Eggnog Cream Chocolate Dipped Three Nut Florentines Assorted Almond Macaroons (Gluten Free) ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2013, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/2 "2013-11-28T17:02:51Z")
That’s a ton of food, QtM! I’m (presumably) having a smaller gathering - my parents, sister, and one of my former co-workers. I normally do a very traditional menu, but had to change up a few things this year to make it gluten free friendly. Cucumber Salad Turkey Gravy Cranberry Sauce (Gluten free) Corn Bread stuffing Sweet potato casserole (topped with marshmallows, of course!) Sauteed green beans Strawberry/Raspberry/Blueberry Crumble Maybe I should just put this stuff on the table, and then head over to your place… 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2013, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/3 "2013-11-28T17:06:08Z")
I’ve already made sweet potato casserole with nut streusel, pecan pie and apple pie. Still to go: cornbread sausage dressing and apple raisin stuffing and the ham. Haven’t decided how I’m gonna glaze it. Prolly molasses, vinager and mustard. Or maybe melted apricot jam. The Boy has brined a turkey breasted and is on gravy patrol. The Boy’s Girlfriend is making a pumpkin cheesecake. Hubby’s already done the Mac and cheese and the collards are on the stove. Off to put the ham in some water. ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2013, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/4 "2013-11-28T17:34:37Z")
I’m working 2-11. I believe I have some Thai green curry ( pork ) at work :D. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2013, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/5 "2013-11-28T17:50:36Z")
Ultra, ultra traditional. [ul] [li]Our family’s traditional hors-doeuvre which is called Red Dip, even though it is more orange. By tradition, it must be served with the cheapest potato chips available.[/li][li]Green bean casserole with the French-fried onions on top.[/li][li]Cranberry sauce. [/li][li]Pierogie.[/li][li]My usual semi-deboned and butterflied turkey. I take out all the bones except the drumsticks and wings. It cooks in a fraction of the time, and carves effortlessly.[/li][li]My usual stuffing with pork sausage, turkey giblets, onions, celery, and sage.[/li][li]Several gallons of gravy made from stock from the turkey bones.[/li][li]Pumpkin pie.[/li][/ul]I sometimes try something different, but people prefer what they have been served every Thanksgiving for fifty years. Both my daughter and my son are bringing their SOs for the first time. So there is a certain amount of tension. Fortunately, I have enough cheap beer available to knock out a battalion, so that won’t last. A blessed Thanksgiving to you all, and Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2013, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/6 "2013-11-28T18:48:40Z")
Roommate is roasting a turkey and bought a Honey Baked ham. He made some sort of cheese ball with green onion and chopped beef, a cranberry salad with jello and cream cheese, and broccoli casserole (possibly with cream cheese!). I made two pumpkin pies, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, green bean casserole, and a caramel apple spice cake. There are rolls bought from a store. Roommate’s family will be bringing other dishes. Some sort of stuffing for sure. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2013, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/7 "2013-11-28T18:55:01Z")
Appetizers were a relish tray, pistachios, and snowflake Ritz crackers with Boursin. Dinner was glazed ham, Martha Stewart’s macaroni and cheese, and green beans. Dessert was two pies, one gooseberry custard, the other an experimental sweet potato-coconut which turned out _wonderfully_. It’s just the three of us for Thanksgiving this year, so that was plenty. ---
**Author:** ![Hoops](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hoops/32/6408_2.png) [@Hoops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoops)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2013, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/8 "2013-11-28T19:09:28Z")
We always make Bobby Flay’s sweet potato gratin. It’s awesome! [http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Sweet-Potato-Gratin-367470](http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Sweet-Potato-Gratin-367470) Also check out this variation which substitutes pureed chipotle chile for the cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves: [http://bobbyflay.com/recipe.php?id=169](http://bobbyflay.com/recipe.php?id=169) That one I haven’t tried, but it sounds intense. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2013, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/9 "2013-11-28T19:10:34Z")
I am defeated by the OP and won’t offer our meager menu. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2013, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/10 "2013-11-28T21:32:19Z")
Are you hosting all of Wisconsin?! It’s just six of us: the normal four who live here, my mom and one stray friend who has nowhere else to go. I admit, I’m a little depressed about it; I miss the 20 people feasts we used to have when our small family was slightly less small. I’m going super traditional this year. I’ve worked all week, and I’m just not feeling all that creative. We decided to try to make just enough food for us to eat and only have a small amount of leftovers; our usual strategy of “food for all and a month” yielded far too many excess pounds that none of us need right now. So in addition to a small (12 pound) turkey a la Alton Brown’s recipe, we’ve got: Deviled eggs with crab Stuffed mushroom caps Veggie tray Cheese fondue with apples and bread Green bean casserole - the kind with cream o’ glop soup, because I’ve been forbidden from making green bean casserole from scratch on Thanksgiving Stuffing (actually, dressing, cooking in the slow cooker as we speak) Mashed potatoes (with butter, sour cream, cream cheese and cream inside) Sweet potato “casserole” with pecan streusel topping - really, it’s sweet potato pie without the crust Collard greens Peas and pearl onions Canned cranberry sauce (the jelly kind) Whole bean cranberry sauce with apricots and deliciousness - my mom’s contribution Mom’s bringing pie (probably pumpkin, yuck) and birthday cake for dessert. I’m holding dilled carrots and pickled red cabbage in reserve - if it seems like we need more veggies, I’ll throw them on at the last minute. But I suspect not. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2013, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/11 "2013-11-28T21:40:17Z")
Remember, everyone head over to **Qadgop** ’s house tomorrow for leftovers! Our menu is a lot simpler and includes: Brussels sprouts/sweet red pepper/home-grown garlic, turnip and broccoli sautee Boiled onions Emerilmannii’s Bastardized Celery Root Remoulade Sweet potatoes Corn pudding Mr. Turkey and extra stuffing balls Pie (sweet potato pecan, apple, pumpkin) And of course, there must be a beverage. The remote temperature reading inside the bird is 155F. Only a matter of time now. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2013, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/12 "2013-11-29T00:32:50Z")
We went simple. Ham, scalloped potatoes with more ham out of a box, green beans with potatoes out of a can, and egg nog out of a carton for dessert. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2013, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/13 "2013-11-29T00:52:30Z")
Being in Canada this year, and with my daughter in college, I’m holding off until the weekend to make my regular Thanksgiving dinner: Clam chowder Shrimp cocktail Roast turkey, basted with sherry Corn bread and cranberry dressing with pork sausage and sage Wild rice and peas in creamy mushroom sauce Squash with butter and dark brown sugar Baked sweet potatoes with butter and maple syrup Pumpkin pie with cinnamon–vanilla ice cream Tonight, when she gets home from class, we’re having hot homemade lasagne. Yum-O! ---
**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2013, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/14 "2013-11-29T01:48:49Z")
The following are required by my daughters: Turkey Pepperidge Farm stuffing Ocean Spray jellied cranberry sauce, served in the banana split dish, with the rings from the can intact Kings Inn sweet potatoes Homemade bread - plain and cinnamon raisin I also made Gravy Scalloped potatoes [Romanesco](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanesco_broccoli) Pumpkin pie Apple pie ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2013, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/15 "2013-11-29T01:59:48Z")
Good God almighty, Qadcop, what’s the story? It was our first time hosting Thanksgiving, so my first time making a turkey. My mom & her husband, my wife’s parents, and our daughters (nine months, four years). So, a small group. The meal was: -Appetizers of crackers, cheese assortments from Aldi’s, two kinds of salami, raw veggies and dip, and a fig-onion-bacon-bourbon chutney that I made. Everything else was homemade: -Dill rolls -Roast turkey -gravy (homemade chicken stock plus turkey giblets & pan drippings) -cranberry sauce -green beans with almonds -Angel Charlotte (some ungodly concoction of whipped cream, gelatin, marshmallows, and maraschino cherries, simultaneously horrifying and delicious) -Pumpkin pie -maple walnut pie -Lots and lots of wine ---
**Author:** ![guizot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guizot/32/3636_2.png) [@guizot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guizot)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2013, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/16 "2013-11-29T02:16:20Z")
Mojarra frita Arroz con coco Patacones Camarones –[Thanksgiving on the Caribbean, in Santa Marta, Colombia](http://s11.postimg.org/ledyzzs0z/Thanksgiving_at_Santa_Marta.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Claverhouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/13edae/32.png) [@Claverhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claverhouse)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2013, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/17 "2013-11-29T02:41:24Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Good God almighty, Qadcop, what’s the story? That’s nobody’s business but his own. I assumed it was — in hushed voice — a case of _‘Table for One.’_ ---
**Author:** ![Alice\_The\_Goon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2013, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/18 "2013-11-29T04:58:26Z")
I made: Turkey Ham Dressing with white bread and cornbread Mashed potatoes Gravy Warm Brussel sprout salad with cranberries and walnuts Sweet potato/banana casserole with pecan/struesel topping Cranberry/orange relish that my grandma used to make Deviled eggs Rolls Apple-cranberry cobbler Pecan-pumpkin pie (yes, a hybrid. So damn good, can’t believe more people don’t do that.) I am exhausted. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2013, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/19 "2013-11-29T14:54:59Z")
Okay, that was tasty. And I’m still not a bit hungry, 15 hours later. Oh, there were some lovely crabcakes, too. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2013, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009/20 "2013-11-30T00:19:52Z")
5 people camping in the desert. We ended up with: Pit-roasted turkey (20 min./lb. is perfect timing for this, btw) Dressing Mashed potatoes Sweet potatoes Pea salad Gravy Cranberry sauce Pumpkin pie Apple pie Berry pie A vertical flight of Barberas All prepared on camp stoves and under the fire pit. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-your-menu-for-today-thanksgiving/675009.md?page=2)