Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving
Hosting Tips for the Holidays
Thanksgiving is finally here, and we are reveling in the brisk air and the warm apple cider. We hope this holiday finds you gathered around the crackling fire and surrounded by loved ones while enjoying family recipes and traditions.
Are you ready to take your holiday hosting to the next level? Good! This month I’m sharing some of my tried and true recipes and tips to make hosting (or helping with) your family’s Thanksgiving dinner more blissful than stressful. From drinks and dessert to a gorgeous table setting, you’ll be the talk of your social and family circles for holidays to come.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 2 lbs button mushrooms - 1 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild) - 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp green onion, chopped - 4 oz cream cheese - 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
Wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and remove the stems. Arrange the mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet and preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium-high heat. Drain the grease once fully cooked, then add the garlic and green onion to the skillet with the sausage.
Add the cream cheese, 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and parsley to the skillet, and stir until all ingredients are well combined and cream cheese is completely melted. Remove mixture from the skillet and let cool.
Stuff each mushroom with some of the sausage mixture and top with the remaining parmesan cheese.
Bake for 15 minutes and enjoy warm!
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs frozen green beans - 12 oz white or cremini mushrooms - 2 cloves garlic
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter - 1/4 cup all purpose flour - 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth - 1 tsp soy sauce. - 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg - 2 cans fried onions
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F and arrange rack in to the middle.
Thaw and drain the green beans. Thinly slice the mushrooms, and mince the garlic.
Melt the butter in a large, straight-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes or so. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup AP flour evenly over the mushrooms and stir to combine. Cook until no longer dry. Add the milk, chicken broth, soy sauce, pepper, and nutmeg and bring to a simmer. Stir until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the green beans to the mixture and half a can of the fried onions. Transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread into an even layer.
Sprinkle the dish with the remaining fried onions and bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Enjoy while hot!
The table setting is nearly as important as the menu. (Even Mac'n Cheese seems fancy when you put it on fine china, not that I'm suggesting you forego the traditional Thanksgiving fare for something much easier... ;)
I love this particular setting because of its simple elegance. The mixed styles create an eclectic feel and will remind your guests of yesteryear, bringing warm familiarity and happy memories along with it.
To you and yours, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Design Tip #1: Hosts Set the Mood
If you are calm and relaxed despite the bustle of the holiday season, your guests and family will be too. Remember, you are the tastemaker of your own home.
Design Tip #2: How to Decorate
Invest in high-quality, seasonal decor that you can use year after year. Avoid plastic or cheap glass pieces. Ceramic, crystal, metal, and wood decor will stand the test of time.