Williams-Sonoma the best of Thanksgiving : recipes and inspration for a festive holiday meal

78 Pages·2015·1.79 MB·English

by  The Editors of Williams-Sonoma

The Best of
THANKSGIVING

Contents
Time for Thanks
Setting the Scene
Drinks & Appetizers
Main Dishes
Stuffings & Breads
Sides
Gravies & Relishes
Desserts
Leftovers
Menus
Wine Pairings
Turkey Know-How
Basic Recipes
Index

Time for Thanks
Although we all gather around a table to give thanks on the fourth
Thursday in November, there’s really no single way to celebrate
Thanksgiving. That’s why we’ve put together this abundant collection
of Thanksgiving recipes that help you blend inspired new dishes with
your most dearly held traditions. In these pages, you’ll find more than
80 recipes for cocktails and appetizers; main dishes, including six
imaginative ways to cook turkey, plus a glazed ham and a tempting
vegetarian potpie; stuffings and breads; twenty sides of all kinds;
gravies and relishes; holiday-themed desserts, including the iconic
pies (pumpkin, apple, and pecan) and other tempting sweets; and four
standout sandwiches for making the most of the leftovers.
Most of the work of Thanksgiving, as with any kind of entertaining,
should be done in advance of the event itself. With a good plan in
hand, you will be able to join the party and share in the fun. Look for
useful tips about creating a realistic timeline for a stress-free meal on
see recipe, pointers on setting the scene on see recipe, ideas for
pairing wine with your meal on see recipe, tips and tricks for roasting
and serving a beautiful bird on see recipe, and recipes for staples such
as stock and pie dough on see recipe.
With this book in your arsenal, you’ll have everything you need for a
wonderful holiday meal. But remember, cooking what you love and
serving your feast with joy are key to giving your family and friends
something to be truly thankful for: a celebration to remember.
Timeline
The key to stress-free entertaining is to plan ahead—especially when
it comes to the Thanksgiving meal. This timeline will help you stay on
track. You can do much of the prep work beforehand, so you’ll have
plenty of time to enjoy the company of your family and friends on the
day of the feast.
1 TO 2 WEEKS BEFORE THANKSGIVING
• Confirm the number of guests and plan the menu • Order the turkey
• Plan the table setting, serving dishes, and decorations • Read through all your
recipes to determine the food and cooking tools you will need • Make the
shopping and to-do lists
A FEW DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING
• Prepare the turkey brine (if using) but do not add the turkey; cover and
refrigerate • Prepare any food that can be made a few days ahead of time, such
as pie dough and cranberry sauce THE DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING
• Complete the food shopping
• If you ordered a fresh turkey, pick it up or have it delivered • If you are brining
the turkey, place it in the brine and refrigerate • Prepare dishes that can be
made in advance, such as soup and pie • Chop vegetables for side dishes;
refrigerate them in covered bowls or zippered plastic bags • Peel and cut the
potatoes; place in cold water and refrigerate • Set the table
THE DAY OF THANKSGIVING
• Refrigerate wines that need chilling, or place on ice in a cooler if you need
refrigerator space • Prepare the stuffing and other side dishes
• Prepare the turkey for roasting and put in the oven at the determined time. If
you plan to stuff the bird, do not stuff it until just before you put it in the oven •
While the turkey is resting, make the gravy and cook or reheat the side dishes •
Arrange the dishes on a buffet or the dining table • Carve the turkey and serve
your guests