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Thursday, November 21, 2013

My Thanksgiving Menu

How is Thanksgiving only one week away?! Jason and I are going to host our 2nd Thanksgiving for his family, this Sunday, and that means I needed to have my menu ready...last week. Guess when I finished it? Tuesday night. Clearly, I like a challenge.

I am wanting to prepare a few cleaner recipes since I am trying my hardest to lose weight, but since my in-laws aren't looking for something other than a traditional Thanksgiving menu, we're just going to omit that small detail. I don't think they'll know the difference, though. Plus, come actual Thanksgiving day, we'll  be at my mom and dad's and able to enjoy all mom's cooking and indulgence then! I don't need to do that twice in one week.

I'm still new to some of this clean eating meal prep, and since this is only the 2nd time I'll be preparing Thanksgiving myself, I am sort of cheating by using several of emeals recipes from their holiday menu. They offer several menus, and I am taking advantage of their Clean Eating Holiday Menu, but totally making a Pumpkin Layered Cheesecake {I need some vices, people}, from the Classic Holiday Menu.



Right now, if you take advantage of their cyber promo, not only can you save 30% on a subscription for their meal plans, but receive their Holiday Menu, free. I also love that they have the shopping list ready for you to print. Just one less thing I have to do.

So unless I almost break the sink again, my meal plan for Thanksgiving is as follows:

Appetizers:
Veggie Tray with Dip
Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
Deviled Eggs

Main:
Brined Turkey with Oranges and Rosemary*
Baked Sage Dressing*
Two-Potato Gratin*
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Bake Apples with Blue Cheese*
Cranberry Sauce
Rolls

Dessert:
Pumpkin Layered Cheesecake*
Mini Pumpkin or Apple Pies
Fruit Salad {because this all my nephew will eat!}

*emeals recipe.

I have never brined a turkey, so I am a tad nervous. Wish me luck!

What is on your Thanksgiving menu?

XOXO,
Nichole



 
*I was given a free one year subscription to use emeals. All opinions are my own. I really do love their site!Image Map

14 comments:

  1. We do the injectables with turkey, and then cook it in a bag. Scott likes the cajun seasoning one. It's the best turkey I've ever had!

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  2. Whoa this is quite the menu. Impressive!

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  3. Brining a turkey could not be any easier. I did it two years in a row with breasts and they were delicious, moist and easy. Call me if you need help sissy.

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  4. This sounds so yummy! Good luck! We only have to bring one dish to my family's Thanksgiving gathering but of course it has to be amazing and memorable if my husband is involved... which he will be since I am allergic to the kitchen. He still hasn't decided!

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  5. Thanksgiving food is my favorite! It broke my heart when Nathan told me he doesn't like any of it. He's so picky.

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  6. I brined for the first time last week and it was freaking amazing. Make sure to dry it out VERY well and you'll be golden!

    I used the huge ziploc bags and it was really easy.

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  7. Your menu sounds absolutely amazing!!!! :)

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  8. can i just come to your house for Thanksgiving? :)

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  9. Oh my goodness, I want to come! hahaha
    The menu looks awesome!!
    Yay for Thanksgiving!

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  10. Yumm I just baked pumpkin cheesecake last night for a potluck at work and it was delicious! I used this recipe: http://www.marthastewart.com/335642/pumpkin-cheesecake

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  11. Sounds very fancy and delicious! We go to my family in the early afternoon where my mom cooks all the traditional deliciousness! and then later in the PM my husbands family orders from a place and we distribute at his aunts house...My Thanksgiving will be 100% cook free.

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  12. This all sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing! That layered pumpkin cheesecake sounds delish!

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  13. I cannot even fathom making that much stuff... ever. in my life. make sure to post some recipes!!!!

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