Food is the center of attention at Thanksgiving. Hard work in a new world led to success and to this celebration. Every year it’s a traditional meal. Turkey, sometimes ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, rolls or bread, pumpkin pie and apple pie, and a variety of other trimmings adorn the holiday table. It’s a time when families get together to celebrate history. But just like the colors of the leaves, Thanksgiving dinner recipes can be an amazing variety.
How about this recipe for a delicious appetizer? Move the pumpkin from the pie to the soup. Butter and oil simmer over a medium heat. Add leaks to saute, only the white portion, until soft. Pumpkin puree, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and salt join the party. Now stir in some vegetable broth. Next comes brown sugar. Bring it to a low boil then let it simmer for 10 minutes. Cream or half and half are optional, along with a pinch of cinnamon on top of each bowl. Mmmm boy that’s delicious.
A turkey can be fried instead of broiled. It won’t get greasy. The oil can’t penetrate the skin after the hot oil sears it. Get a big drum and a propane burner, otherwise known as a deep fryer. A meat thermometer is also needed, along with a deep fry thermometer to check the oil for the correct temperature. Make sure to fry outside in a clear area. Get that oil hot, up to 350F. It’s finished cooking when the breast measures at 170F, which will take about three minutes per pound. Frying a turkey doesn’t involve cooking the stuffing inside the bird, but it does include spices directly injected into it.
Try hazelnut pumpkin soup or a butternut squash stuffing. But there are other good appetizers for the meal. Cheese wrapped asparagus is delicious. Both sliced and spread cheese go into this one. One idea is swiss cheese slices with a softer blue cheese spread. Wrap the asparagus with the slices spread with the soft cheese, then bake until tender at 230C. The asparagus prepared this way loses its health appeal. But Thanksgiving isn’t a time for a diet. Live a little!
More Thanksgiving dinner recipes can be found online.
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