Oh yeah, and there’s also pie.
Who wouldn’t love that?
And I get itNot all of us have the extra time or motivation to cook a full Thanksgiving dinner.
Victor Protasio
That is totally OK. As an added bonus, you might save money and cut down on food waste too.
Here are the seven things that you should be making, not buying this Thanksgiving.
I may be in the small minority of people who actually really enjoys turkey on Thanksgiving.
This may be because of the way I prepare it.
I alwaysspatchcock my turkeyand choose a dry brine to help lock in flavor and ensure crispy, delicious skin.
Plus, it actually fits in my fridge compared to something in a wet brine.
Some may argue it’s an even more flavorful bird and it’s better for smaller meals.
Whatever bird you end up roasting, keep an eye on the poundage.
For a micro celebration, opt for aturkey breast.
I don’t blame them.
Stuffing is a blank slate with endless possibilities.
Keep it easy with ourSimple Herb Stuffing, or with ourCaramelized Onion & Apple Stuffing.
Victor Protasio
If you are not a purist, this riff is one of my all-time favorites.
You do you, but I will be makingThe Best Homemade Cranberry Sauceagain this year.
Or maybe Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce with Chile & Ponzu.
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Mashed Potatoes
Repeat after me: I will not use instant mashed potatoes this Thanksgiving.
They’re not as nutritious, texturally satisfying or flavorful as the homemade stuff.
When you make your own potatoes, you might add herbs, cheese, butter or whatever you want.
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The world is your oyster.
Opt for sweet, like ourThe Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes, or white, likeGarlic Mashed Potatoes.
Potatoes can be super affordable,packed with potassiumand other nutrients.
Plus, they last a long time if stored properly.
Dinner Rolls
Allow me to take this time to rave about ourSlow-Cooker Honey Whole-Wheat Rollsrecipe.
You don’t bake?
No room in the oven?
These dinner rolls could not be easier.
These rolls are an affordable game changer.
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6.
Pumpkin (or Pecan) Pie
Dessert is always a challenge in my book.
Add spices or pomegranate.
Throw some bourbon in there or swirl it with cream cheese and call it acheesecake.
Yay for cutting down on food waste!
Plus, since the ingredients are mostly scraps and water, it is basically free.
You don’t have to make the stock day of, since there is a lot going on.
Any valuable scraps for stock can be frozen until you’re ready to make it.
Put the other half in the freezer for a rainy day when you will want to make soup.
You’ll thank me when you are enjoying your homemade pumpkin pie.
