Thanksgiving is pretty much the time of year where I unintentionally begin to forgo anything healthy and start to eat everything tasty; kind of a crazy thought since I like to think most of the healthier meals I make at Casa de Crews are actually tasty, too.
Though I am determined this year to allow indulgences for the meal of, I hope not to allow them the week, month, and/or season of. This year’s Thanksgiving menu will reflect this idea too – a little bit of healthy, and a little bit of indulgent fun!
We host major holidays the Sunday before with my in-laws, so no one has to travel to two, or three dinners in one day. Ain’t no time for that, for anyone.
This year, we will have 7-8 adults, and 3 kiddos for dinner. I always make too much food, and then we’re stuck with a ton of leftovers, which yea that sounds great in theory, but then we go to my parents house four days later, and do it all again. That’s too much turkey for this kid {mashed potatoes are another story. I digress}.
this guide helped me a ton!
Turkey:
You can never go wrong with Ina Garten {recipe}
I’m a basic turkey gal. All I need is a crisp skin, and juicy bird and I am good. I’d love to brine a turkey someday, but after the last two years hosting with minor mishaps, I am keeping it traditional, and roasting Tom Turkey.
Appetizers:
Stuffed Mushrooms: A fave in our home from Skinnytaste
+ deviled eggs that my mother in-law makes for every occasion.
Salad:
Autumn Kale Salad with Fennel, Honeycrisp and Goat Cheese {recipe}
Side {starchy}:
Neely’s Holiday Cornbread Stuffing {recipe}
+ classic mashed potatoes {!!!}
Side {veggie}:
I know this is not a veggie, but it’s not a starch, so here we are – Clean Eating Cranberry Sauce {via}
Yes, we’ll have mashed ‘taters, but we’ll also have this creamy, cheesy, side! {here}
GARLIC LEMON GREEN BEANS {here}
Dessert:
Pumpkin Pie Bites {here}
+ dessert from my sister in law
Booze:
Apple Cider Sangria – my fave recipe! {here}
See my decor inspiration for Thanksgiving, here!
Make sure to visit my Pinterest for more ideas
What is on your Thanksgiving menu?
Came by this website on Pinterest. I like it. Also Crews is my maiden name.
Great last name 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Carol! I hope you visit again soon.
I love this post! It’s so fun to see what other families are eating for Thanksgiving. This looks amazing. A very happy Thanksgiving to you!
I have always loved reading what others are eating for a big meal – even as a kid. Is that weird?!
Thanks for the inspiration…can’t wait to try those stuffed mushrooms and that kale salad. 🙂
I have been waiting all week for them, I can’t wait!
Those stuffed mushrooms are SO good! I’ve made them a few times now and every single time I eat way too many 😉
At least they’re light on calories, right? Sort of makes it better?!
Those green beans sound good. I’m going to try and take over the veggies at Hagin’s parents this year so we don’t end up with frozen veggies like usual. I think I will try those beans.
Oooh, frozen? Womp…I have a roasted balsamic green bean recipe I use every now and then I love! Let me know if you want me to send that too as an option
We are cooking the night before since we have to work Thanksgiving and I have a 15 freaking pound turkey…for 2…. Yup, I will be eating a ton of turkey. I couldn’t pass up the 59 cent / pound Turkey at Publix this week.
PS- I want that Sangria!!! You should have us over to your house and make it for me. LoL. 🙂
That sangria is SOOOOO good! I have an awesome leftover turkey recipe coming on Sunday if you need ideas with that GIANT bird! I love turkey, but that is a lot! I hope you can freeze some 🙂
Love the idea of mixing comfort foods with some healthier versions! Those stuffed mushrooms look amazing, and I might have to try those out asap. Good luck hosting!!
Thanks, Kate! And I have made those mushrooms several times now, and they are always a hit!
I mean…..if I wasn’t going to be on the other coast I would totally be inviting myself over 😉
Your menu sounds so delicious!! That kale salad is a great healthy idea for Thanksgiving! So sad I can’t have that sangria this year, but next year for sure!
Everything looks delicious. I usually go to my Aunt’s so i don’t have to worry about leftovers. Though I brings a few desserts.
Yum! Everything looks amazing!
Mouth.Watering. Everything looks sooo good! We always have a side of cheesy potatoes, too and they’re one of my very favorite Thanksgiving dishes!
Those mushroom caps look delicious!
So when can I come over to eat everything!! I’m making stuffed mushrooms and may have to change up my usual recipe for the one you posted!!
Sounds great! I started brining a few years ago before roasting and will never go back. I love it.
We’re heading to my aunt’s this year, and I’ll probably make a big Thanksgiving dinner in January after a few months off of turkey. hahah
Omg this post made me hungry. I love the pumpkin pie bites (yay portion control!).
I wonder if it’s still portion control is I have 3? 🙂 I am kidding (I hope!)
definitely keeping this for the serving amounts! will be using that for christmas 😀
What a glorious post! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Food, football and being thankful.<3
Mine too, Nikki! I like to think of it as kick-off season for the holidays. Or at least, I did as a kid before Christmas took over pre-Thanksgiving, lol. I still love it, though!