Mmmm...Mmmmmm...MMMMMM

Hey Hey,

So I promised I'd do a post about interesting Thanksgiving recipes. Now, I am by no means a gourmet cook, but I do like good food.

Below are a few items to make Thanksgiving a little less traditional and a little more epicurious. Sorry for the links, I'm being lazee today.

Appetizers
~ Bacon-wrapped dates. Served warm. The girls and I had this at General Greene last week and they were scrumptuous.
Recipe here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/tapas-baconwrapped-dates/25031.html

~ Oysters. Yum. I prefer mine raw but here is a recipe for Roasted Oysters with Leeks and Bacon: http://nymag.com/restaurants/features/51811/index2.html

Starter Drink
Mulled cider. Spiked of course. I made this for a potluck the other night and it was a big success. And it's super easy!
Recipe: Bottled Cider, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, brown sugar & Allspice. Bring cider to a boil with all these ingredients. Once at a boil, lower the temp and put in some orange rinds, Cointreau and your choice of Bourbon or Brandy. YUM!

Main Course
Well, obviously turkey is the traditional choice, but some people also go fancy with duck or goose. I'm not a big fan of either of those, so I'd say, try a new take on turkey! I found this in a cooking mag and it looks yummy--Stuffed Turkey Rolls with Cranberry Glaze
Recipe: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1860107

And for you Vegetarians, Gourmet Magazine has some yummy main courses that will leave even the carnivores jealous. My favorite one they had was Pumpkin stuffed with Vegetable Stew. Recipe here: http://www.gourmet.com/recipes/2000s/2008/11/tgving-veg-mains?slide=7#showHeader

Side Dishes
~ Acorn squash. I recently had some of these at a party and they were divine.
Recipe: I believe you half some acorn squashes, put sugar and sweet spices and raisins in the middle and bake them. Sprinkle later with lemon juice. For a more detailed recipe, try http://nymag.com/listings/recipe/autumn-squash-in-maple-v/

~ Brussel Sprouts. This is one of my favorite side dishes ever. For an interesting and easy take on it, try http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=222318

~ Cabbage. Say it loud and say it proud. Polish people love cabbage, and it's cheap. Here is a recipe for Braised Savory Cabbage: http://nymag.com/restaurants/features/51811/index6.html

Dessert
I think the general rule is anything Pumpkin is the right choice. But try doing something that's not the regular pumpkin pie.

~ Pumpkin Flan: http://www.gourmet.com/recipes/2000s/2005/11/pumpkin-flan

~ Fried Pumpkin Layer Cake: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/fried-pumpkin-layer-cake-with-cream-cheese-and-orange-frosting-recipe/index.html

Whatever you eat or do for Thanksgiving, have fun and eat lots. Bon Apetit!!!