It goes without saying, really, that 2020 was a different kind of year. And while we had so much going against us, I found happiness in things I never really thought about twice. Like how fun grocery shopping could be when it was the only thing I could do for months on end. Thanksgiving 2020 is no different. When I started content planning for this menu, I had really lofty goals of putting together this stunning, thoughtfully crafted menu with recipes that I had tried and tested to be absolutely perfect for you. WELP….this is 2020, and not everything went as planned. A few of my cooking days turned into nap sessions, family visits, and one or two Harry Potter movie binges…let’s not get into how much GBBO I’ve watched either.
So today as I write this menu for you, I am sharing a collection of my own personal recipes with some tried-and-true recipes from other amazing cooks. I’ve got everything from the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever eaten to the softest gooiest cinnamon rolls that will ever come out of your oven. Plus recipes for cocktails and desserts that are a must, must, must.
This year’s theme? Cozy Classics, but make it fashion. Get your aprons, and let’s get cookin’!
Breakfast
Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Icing
Sweet Potato, Sausage & Kale Breakfast Hash
Drinks
Brûléed Orange Old Fashioned with Rosemary Maple Syrup
Appetizers
Homemade Boards
– Veggie & Hummus Board: Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, Broccolini, Carrots, Cilantro Hummus
– Salmon & Cream Cheese Board: Smoked Salmon, Spreadable Cream Cheese, Herbed Crostinis
– Cheeses & Assorted Fruits, Veg and Nuts Board: Extra Sharp Cheddar, Goats Milk Cheese, Candied Pecans, Pickled Green Beans, Strawberries, Herbed Crostinis
Mains
Perfectly Glazed Roast Chicken (can replace for turkey too, but I prefer chicken)
Why-Is-It-So-Good Gravy (recipe from Bon Appetit, featuring stock from roast chicken)
White Pesto Spinach Lasagna (essential veggie main, recipe from Half Baked Harvest)
Sides
Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Sweet & Spicy Pecans
Silky Smooth Golden Mashed Potatoes
(recipe inspired from Bon Appetit’s, minus the cruncheties and halve the milk. Enjoy with the Why-Is-It-So-Good Gravy.)
Roasted Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Salted Honey (recipe by Half Baked Harvest)
Braided Honey Challah Bread (recipe by Lion’s Bread)
Desserts
Salted Dulce de Leche Brownies
That’s a wrap!
I hope this menu has helped with your Thanksgiving planning this year. Can’t wait to hear all about what you make! My Thanksgiving will certainly look different this year, but I know one thing for sure – it will be absolutely delicious.
Below, I’ve shared some photos of Thanksgivings past that I am reminiscing about!
