Thanksgiving Dinner Menus 2012

Due to work and flight schedule complications we’re scheduling two days of Thanksgiving dinners to celebrate with our small family this year. I love the idea, but there’s no way I’m roasting a bird for each occasion. Nope, no way, uh uh. Not that anyone else cares, but I felt I had to get that small declaration out early. It helped relieve some of the decision-making, menu-planning stress that’s often part of The Day, at least for this cook.  Last year we were the traveling relatives and joined the other side of the family for a large gathering in Boise, Idaho. My small contribution to the 2011 Thanksgiving dinner was a double batch of cranberry relish - how easy was that? 

This year I chose some of my favorite things for Thursday's dinner, and I'll cook a more traditional Turkey Day big bird meal on Friday when Grandma arrives. Here’s the plan… and I’ll get back to you later with a reality check.

Thursday:

Prosecco cocktail

Deviled eggs in a nest, spiced nuts and puff pastry cheese straws

Roasted Brussels sprouts with potatoes, onions and bacon

Grilled steaks with compound butter

Mixed greens with grapes and walnuts 

Parmesan Puffs

Ice cream (Root beer floats?) and assorted cookies (link, link or maybe link or link)

Friday:

Prosecco cocktail

Pickled vegetables, fruit and nut crisps, assorted cheeses & spreads

Green beans with caramelized onions, pine nuts and a balsamic reduction

Smashed gorgonzola potatoes

Stuffing muffins with turkey gravy

Roasted turkey parts

Zesty cranberry relish a la Martha Stewart

Trader Joe’s Mini Bites or homemade sweet potato tartlets and ice cream  

Happy Thanksgiving!