Perfect Thanks and Giving

Perfecting Thanks and Giving! 

There are a million articles, shows and recipes about Thanksgiving this time of the year...Of course all the pro's come out to show you how it is done. There are a few that I have found to to be tried and true turkey wise; plus, a few additions to the table that are unique to us,  but loved by all who try them! So I'll share the turkey methods I prefer, and bring some new additions to the Table as well as a new Thanksgiving table setting! 

Menu- Let's Create a Plan

Perfect Two Hour Turkey
Prepare by defrosting your turkey, if not a fresh turkey. About 24 hrs per 5-6 lbs. So a 22lb turkey can take 4 days in the fridge! I buy at least 18-24 lbs. I find anything smaller is buying a lot of bone weight.

Make Ahead Sides With EasePrepare these sides 1-2 days ahead of time. Remove from refrigerator around 1 hour prior to completion of turkey. As the turkey rests for twenty minutes bake them at 350 degrees. Everything will arrive at the table at the same time, hot and ready! 

• Cranberry, Sausage and Brown Bread Stuffing 

Make a day ahead and stuff this one in the neck cavity, not the body.  

• Perfect Rustic Corn Bread Stuffing 

Make a day ahead and bake in a dish. 

• Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish

Make at least 24 hours ahead of time for optimum flavor. 

• Praline-Orange Yams

Make a day ahead and bake

• Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

The Sour Cream makes them smooth and creamy! Make ahead by roasting potatoes with skins on, in oven, or boiling and letting rest in fresh water earlier in the day. Roasted anything tastes so much better, and the nutrients stay intact as apposed to boiling.

• Buttery Green Beans Almondine with Crispy Leeks

Leeks may sound unusual but the flavors are a mild combo of garlic and onion. So a wonderful, very easy component to Green Beans and almonds!

Make a LOT! I'm telling you I have the perfect foods for the leftovers, which is sincerely my favorite part! 

Locally-Sourced, Artisan Brie baked in Toasted Almonds, French Bread and Red Bosch Pears

Sincerely, I love this food so much I named my daughter after it! It's my special occasion breakfast. Which I wish I had more of now that I think about it!  Very simple, but simply melty, creamy, warm and delicious cheese.


Artisan Brie baked in Toasted Almonds and Sliced Red Pears

2 Tablespoons Butter

7-8 ounce whole Brie or Camembert with Rind

2 Tablespoons Sliced Almonds

1-2 sliced, fresh Red Ripe Bosch Pears (or other variety)

1 Baguette sliced and toasted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread butter over the top and sides of brie. Place brie in oven proof rimmed serving plate and sprinkle almonds over the top. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until cheese begins to melt. Cheese will be raised a bit and have some give when pressed lightly.  Meanwhile slice bread, and lay on a cookie sheet.

When you take Brie out put oven on broil and place baguette slices under broiler. Watch carefully until just browned.

Slice and serve immediately with slices of pear. Soft warm, melting cheese on baguettes and with fresh, local pears. 

Resources for Pacific Northwest and West Coast Artisan Brie And Camembert

Tillamook, Or.- Blue Heron Cheese http://www.blueheronoregon.com/

Santa Rosa, Ca.- Marin French Cheese http://www.marinfrenchcheese.com/Store/Cheese/Overview.aspx

Leavenworth, Wa.- Alpine Lakes Cheese http://www.alpinelakescheese.com/

Artisan Cheese Directory Nationally- Fork and Bottle http://www.forkandbottle.com/cheese/uscheese.htm

Alternatives- 

Serve individual slices of baguette with cranberry sauce and a melting wedge of brie for the holidays!
Or
Drizzle with honey and cook as instructed above