There are many ways to scale back the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Cook a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey. Cook other parts of a turkey, like the tenderloin or cutlets. You can combine some flavors in one dish; make a cranberry-laced stuffing or serve a gratin of roasted vegetables. Pick and choose your favorite dishes and make just one or two, supplementing the meal with purchased items, like a bakery pie or refrigerated mashed potatoes. And of course, the crockpot comes into play to cook one or two dishes; all you have to do is serve!
Mix and match the following recipes from these menus, choosing the recipes that fit your cooking skill and those your family likes. And there may be one or two traditional recipes that you must make or it just won't feel like Thanksgiving! If you have time, please post those family recipes on the Busy Cooks Forum.
Turkey Breast and Stuffing Menu
Turkey Cutlets
Turkey cutlets can be found in your grocer's meat department. They cook in just a few minutes and are a great item to have on hand for quick meals. This delicious and beautiful cranberry sauce makes the meal festive.
- Turkey Cutlets with Cranberry Pistachio Sauce
- Sweet Potato Stuffing
- Overnight Ginger Fruit Bowl
- Butter Pecan Turtle Cookies
Stuffed Turkey Tenderloin
Turkey tenderloins are quick cooking, juicy, tender, and just plain delicious. You can omit the ham if you like, or use your favorite cheese to stuff these tenderloins.
Chandler's Thanksgiving Meal
Fans of Friends know all about Chandler's Thanksgiving problems. This is his preferred menu, but I've made it gourmet! The recipes are still easy, but each uses more indulgent ingredients; after all, this is a holiday dinner!
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- simple green salad
- Lemon Truffle Pie
Calvin Trillin's Thanksgiving Dinner
Since Columbus 'discovered' America, Mr. Trillin's ideal Thanksgiving dinner is slanted toward his native country.
