Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Menu
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The Menu
Here are time-saving shortcut recipes that free you up without compromising taste. The genius lies in the simplicity of every dish.
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Chive Sour Cream
- Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash
- Three-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce
- Mocha Pie with Coffee Whipped Cream
- Fennel and Cumin-Roasted Turkey Breast with Thyme Gravy
- Sautéed Haricots Verts with Bacon Breadcrumbs
- Apple-Sage Stuffing Cups
- Pecan-Pumpkin Drops
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Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Chive Sour Cream
These potatoes deliver the best of both worlds: creamy, starchy center and crisp, golden edges. To smash, place the back of a wide spatula over each potato, and then press with the heel of your hand.
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Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash
This side is simple and fabulous. The cooking is mostly hands-off, and the prep is easy. Serve the tender butternut squash in large pieces to catch every last bit of the honey butter drizzle.
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Three-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce
You can "spike" your cranberry sauce by stirring in 1 to 2 tablespoons orange or black currant liqueur at the end. If you like it spiced, stir in ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground allspice.
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Fennel and Cumin-Roasted Turkey Breast with Thyme Gravy
A breast takes less time and serves just enough for a smaller gathering. Leaving the skin on adds only 20 calories and 1g sat fat per serving.
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Sautéed Haricots Verts with Bacon Breadcrumbs
Slender haricots verts get delightfully browned and crisp in the pan. A bacon breadcrumb topper makes them an instant crowd-pleaser.
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Apple-Sage Stuffing Cups
The muffin cups give you crispy edges and a tender interior in half the time, though the stuffing won't hold its shape like a traditional muffin. Presliced bread and prechopped onion and celery save time.
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Pecan-Pumpkin Drops
Take canned pumpkin out of the pie shell realm and stir into tender drop biscuits. Making turkey soup after Thanksgiving? You can serve these alongside, spread with a little honey butter.
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Mocha Pie with Coffee Whipped Cream
This pie comes together quickly and won't hog oven space as it chills and sets in the fridge (a great make-ahead option). You can use decaf instant coffee granules instead of regular, or leave them out entirely for a silky-smooth chocolate pie with vanilla topping.