The Thanksgiving Feast

Thanksgiving: the Comforts of a Traditional Table

The splendor of a traditional Thanksgiving table rewards us with vibrant fall colors and many favorite foods. They are comforting as well – packed with warm memories of past family gatherings and expectations of those to come.

The standards remain in many homes, which mean a large browned turkey with all the trimmings. Differences lie in the region and our diverse heritages, of course. Here, we're going to pack your pantry and fill your fridge with the favorites of Thanksgiving. Timeless recipes that will fill your heart with anticipation and, eventually, your table with a spread of fabulous proportions.

Gather 'round and enjoy the finest foods from turkeys to pumpkin pie.

Turkeys are the star attraction. In New England, they'll receive a honey glaze, while in the south it will be a simple baste of the bird's own broth (and in Kentucky, there'll be a strong hint of bourbon!).

Roast Turkey

Roast Turkey with Chestnut Filling

Roast Turkey with Wild Rice Stuffing

Roast Turkey with Pan Gravy

Stuffing and Dressing – regardless of what you call it, it's delicious. Cook it inside the bird or separately as a casserole.

Turkey/ Chicken Stuffing

Sausage Apple Stuffing for Roast Turkey

No traditional table is complete without cranberries. Recipes abound to please any palate. Their tartness is a perfect foil for the bird, especially dark meat.

Brandied Cranberries

Cranberry Fruit Salad

Killer Cranberry Sauce

Gravy – you can choose your weapon: cream or brown sauce. Either one will pool in potatoes, smother slabs of breast meat, and drown the dressing in rich and flavorful juices.

Perfect Giblet Gravy

Threadgills Brown Gravy

Side dishes – you know them well. Sweet potatoes covered in marshmallows and green beans camouflaged with crunchy onion rings. The mashed potatoes are simple and wonderfully fluffy.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Favorite Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Basics Boiled and Mashed Potatoes

Baked Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean and Wild Mushroom Casserole

Green Bean and Onion Casserole

Creamed Onions

Acorn Squash with Creamed Onions

Creamed Onions and Celery

Pies (pumpkin, pecan, and mincemeat, of course).

Traditional Pumpkin Pie

Pecan Pie

Mincemeat Pie

When planning your own traditional Thanksgiving dinner, keep colors, textures, and tastes in mind. They work together to please the eyes and the palate!