Thanksgiving Dinner - updated 2014

The Menu 

So, we got married December 2008. November 2009, I hosted the entire Ericksons clan, some friends from Canada, and Grammy and Grandpa at our home in Salem. I think we had a party of 15. November 2010, I think we were at Grammy and Grandpa's/Ericksons, but I don't really remember. I would have just had Olivia. I know we have photos of her at both houses, so there you go. :) That would mean I would have helped, but maybe not prepared the meal by myself. I think we had November 2011, I cooked for just Aaron, myself and Olivia - though, let's be honest, Livi didn't eat much. It was intimidating going from cooking for many to cooking for just 2. We ended up with lots of leftovers. But it was the first year I finally put all these recipes in one place. November 2012, we headed up to Mom and Dad's in Livermore. It was awesome to be able to cook alongside Mom and learn from her. November 2013, though it was only last year - I don't really remember - but I think we were just home here in LA! Needless to say, I think I've finally got the hang of this whole Thanksgiving dinner thing. So I thought it about time to update these recipes, though not much has changed.

The Turkey - I've tried a few different techniques, but the safe bet - just put it in a bag. Rub it all over with butter (even under the skin), stick some herbs there too! I put some celery under my turkey to hold it up a bit off the bag. Ooh, and don't forget to flour the bag before you put the turkey in. Did I forget something? Probably. But there's the basic gist. Be SURE that turkey is thawed. Or just buy one that isn't frozen. And let it rest a bit on the counter, to take the chill before you prep it too, helps with a more even cook. 

Crockpot Stuffing (the link is where I got the idea from)
I use Mom's Recipe with fresh sage, and I do stuff my turkey (even though it's all the rage not to these days), and then I stick the rest in my crockpot since my oven is always occupied. Using a similar method as the one referenced above, I just keep an eye on it. I add chicken broth as needed to keep it moist. As a note, I've added cranberries and apples to dressings in past years, not a huge fan of the cranberries, but the apples were a nice touch. 

30 minute Rolls
These are quick, easy and although they are 45 minutes for me start to finish, totally worth it. I put them in as soon as the turkey comes out and keep them warm with tin foil while the asparagus cooks.

Honey Butter
(Using my Mom's recipe - the obvious honey and butter, and a bit of vanilla!)

Frozen Strawberry Jam
Just follow the recipe on the Sure-Jell box. I always stock up when strawberries are in season at Costco.

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
This is a staple dish at our house now. I like thicker asparagus, just drizzle with olive oil, coarse salt, pepper and Parmesan (I've use both shredded and grated, either work great). Cook at 450 for about 15 minutes, just until they are that pretty bright green. If you put tin foil down on your pan it makes for really easy clean up.

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
(Mom's secret: butter and warm milk for the potatoes!)

Cranberry Sauce
Mom and I laughed the other day that Aunt Marguerite put 4 cups of sugar in hers - but I'm a big fan of this recipe: bag of cranberries, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of OJ, a bit of orange juice. YUM. Dissolve the sugar in the OJ over medium heat, add your cranberries and cook till they burst, then let it thicken up in a bowl! I always make mine the day before.

Macaroni and Cheese
A side we're adding this year for the kiddos. I was going to make homemade, until I discovered Costco's. Done and done. Homemade-ish.

Pumpkin Pie 
I use the recipe on the back of the Libby's can; amazing. And I always bake pies the day before. Gotta have pie for breakfast on Thanksgiving Day! 

Lemon Pie
My Mom's secret recipe: Use Jell-O Cook and Serve Lemon and follow the recipe on the box, but rather than put the meringue on top, fold it into the lemon filling - resulting in the most delicious light and fluffy pie.

Martinelli's 
(I'm a huge fan of the Apple Cranberry flavor)