Thanksgiving recipes: Make your festival these delicious menu ideas

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and of course, a delicious feast. If you’re looking to spice up your Thanksgiving menu with some new recipes, here are a few delightful options to consider:

1. Herb-Roasted Turkey

image credits: Epicurious

Ingredients:

• 12-15 pound turkey
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• Assorted fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 onions, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 lemons, halved

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rinse and pat dry the turkey. Season the cavity with salt and pepper.
3. Mix the softened butter with chopped fresh herbs. Rub this herb butter under the turkey skin and all over the surface.
4. Stuff the cavity with onions, garlic, lemons, and more herbs.
5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up. Cover loosely with foil.
6. Roast the turkey for about 3 to 4 hours, basting occasionally with pan juices until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving.

2. Cranberry-Pecan Stuffed Acorn Squash

image credits: Mission Health Blog

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush the insides of the acorn squash halves with olive oil. Place them cut side down on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 25-30 minutes until squash is tender.
4. In a bowl, mix quinoa, cranberries, pecans, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
5. Spoon the mixture into the roasted squash halves.
6. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until heated through.

3. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

image credits: AllRecipes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside.
2. In the same skillet with bacon fat, add Brussels sprouts, cooking until they start to brown.
3. Pour in maple syrup and balsamic vinegar, stirring to coat the sprouts.
4. Cook until Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then toss in the cooked bacon before serving.

These recipes can add a flavorful twist to your Thanksgiving meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, trying something new in the kitchen can be a rewarding experience, especially during a holiday centered around food and togetherness.