Halloween is over and it is now time to think about Thanksgiving! I love Thanksgiving and all the food. Even though we don’t celebrate with a traditional meal on Thanksgiving day (we travel for Mid-America Oireachtas, Irish dance regionals in Kentucky) we will be together eating appetizers somewhere enroute. It is about being together more than food for me (though my children think differently).

So, enjoy your family (actual or chosen) and do the things you love!

This has been a hit for years on my blog. Green Beans with Brown Butter and Sliced Almonds (or Toasted Pecans) (click for link to recipe) is delicious! It takes ordinary green beans to another level. You have to be super patient to make the brown butter but it is worth the extra time to make it. Prepare your beans ahead of time, have the sliced almonds ready to go and this is an easy dish to prepare.

I love serving different vegetables on Thanksgiving, especially something like these Brussels sprouts with Balsamic vinegar (click for link to recipe). They are are given a slightly sweet coating after you roast the in the oven and are so easy to make! Have your Brussels Sprouts cleaned and cut and when you are ready to go it is mostly hands off except for a few stirs and making the dressing.

A simple oven roasted Turkey can be such a delicious item on your Thanksgiving table. I use only butter, salt and black pepper in cooking my turkey. It turns out gorgeously browned every single time. Finally the turkey.  We go super simple and it always turns out great.  Melt butter and brush over the turkey before baking and salt and pepper the skin well. Baste consistently throughout the baking process and remove the pan cover 45 minutes before it is supposed to be done for a nice crispy skin. Isn’t it lovely?

This recipe for Mashed Turnip with Bacon (click for link to recipe) has grown in popularity over the years. Looking for a side that is different from mashed potatoes? The bacon and vinegar in this dish lift the turnips to a whole new level. I couldn’t stop everyone from eating them right from the pan!

Traditional Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese (click for link to recipe) is creamier and more custard like than stove top Mac and cheese. This is delicious addition to any dinner!

Hope you find some helpful ideas here!