The Thanksgiving Feast

Out of the Can and into the Oven – Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Meals

When it comes to preparing a Thanksgiving feast, we always want it to be "just right." For some, that may mean weeks of preparation; for others, it involves worrying about when to purchase what foods and finding the quickest way to go about warming and serving.

Remember the important part of Thanksgiving is the gathering of family and friends. Even if your kitchen schedule is out of kilter, you can find plenty of ways to prepare a delicious dinner with no-fuss, no-fretting goodies from the fridge, the pantry, your local bakery, and a quick trip down the grocery aisles. Never feel guilty when you're keeping it simple and quick.

We are happy to provide a few ideas for finding a short route to delivering delectables straight to the table.

Let's start with the turkey.  A breast will cook much faster and can easily be thawed beginning the day before with a final cold-water bath on Thursday morning. It's easy to dress up this choice part of the bird, too. 

Turkey Cutlets with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Grove's Honey Roasted Turkey Breast

Turkey Tenderloins with Carmelized Onions

Don't worry about gravy. As long as there is a can of chicken broth or a packet of gravy powder in the pantry, you're in good shape. It may not have the depth of a homemade stock, but adding a little extra milk and pepper will help. 

Gravy, Fat Free

 
Canned mandarin oranges and pears are lifesavers for many dishes. Mix them with cranberries or even green beans and almonds for a terrific taste sensation. In fact, you can pair green beans with many flavors and textures. If you purchase them fresh, rather than using canned products, they're very quick to blanch.

Green Bean Almond Rice

Southern Green Beans And Pecans

Green Beans with Mustard Vinaigrette

Wild, brown, and white rice varieties are also filling and less trouble than peeling and mashing potatoes. They can be fancy or plain.

Perfect Brown Rice

Easy French Rice

Breads are a must-have part of the meal. Frozen selections can always be dressed up with a little extra parmesan and butter.

Super Easy Garlic Bread

Quick and Easy Cheese Bread Sticks

Pumpkin-flavored desserts are easy, too. The first one will require about an hour. The second, just a few minutes and then back into the freezer.

Crazy Crust Pumpkin Pie (Makes Its Own Crust)

Pumpkin Delights

Now you have a few Thanksgiving meal ideas that are quick, a little out of the ordinary, and will have your guests asking for that treasured "family recipe."