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Friday, November 16, 2012

My Thanksgiving Menu & Giveaway

I hope you all enjoyed this past week's Thanksgiving theme. 

I have been very torn as to what to make for Thanksgiving dinner this year and I actually got a late start planning my own menu.  Should I make the same old favorites? Should I make something new? And if I make something new, do I really want to stop the family fun to take photographs before letting my guests eat? Yes, these are the questions a food blogger thinks about when making anything! So, I have decided to go with some of our old favorites, because after all, isn't Thanksgiving a time to be thankful and grateful for the people you have in your life? Well, at least that is what I'm thankful for!

We're having a total of 14 people this year and this is what I came up with.  The menu items highlighted have been made before here on the blog and you can find the recipe by clicking on the link. 


Appetizers
Stuffed Clams
Made by my Mother in-law. The family loves them but you all know I won't be eating these. =)

Chorizo Bread
This recipe is in the book. ;)

Cheese and Crackers

Stuffed Mushrooms
I'm not sure which ones I'm making yet, but am leaning on a classic bread stuffing. 

Soup
Spiced Pumpkin Soup
Made by my IRLF Jenn from My Daily Jenn-ism
I can't wait to try this I may just have to snap a picture anyway! :)

Pasta
Ravioli with Pumpkin Sage Cream Sauce
This recipe is in the book too. ;)

Tossed Garden Salad

Main Course
Lemon and Rosemary Brined Turkey
My first attempt at brining a turkey..wish me luck!

Sides
Praline Crusted Sweet Potato Casserole 
This is another new recipe I'm trying with a combination of my 
Crown Royal Mashed Sweet Potatoes and 
South Your Mouth's Sweet Potato Praline Casserole

Mashed Potatoes

Portuguese Stuffing
I'm definitely going to take a picture of this one and try to get the recipe this year 
from my Mother in-law. Remember last year she was in the hospital recovering 
from a fall and hip surgery so we didn't get any. 

Classic Bread Stuffing
Yes, I call it stuffing but if you want to call it dressing, go right ahead. 


Green Bean Casserole
This is one of those things I HAVE to have on Thanksgiving or it's not the same. You all know I'm not a huge fan of leftovers, but this is one of those recipes that tastes even better heated up to scalding hot temperatures the next day. 


Dessert
Pumpkin Pie

Apple Crumb Pie

Bailey's Irish Cream Cheesecake
I'll be tweaking my Limoncello Cheesecake recipe that is in the cookbook

Do you think I have enough food? ;)

AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!

I also wanted to let you know how wonderfully supportive YOU have all been to CEK this year as well. And I am completely humbled and grateful to all of you that stop by each day. To thank you, I will be doing a new giveaway.

The winner will receive a Signed Hardcover Carrie's Experimental Kitchen Cookbook along with a Bella Rotating Waffle Maker. The contest will run from Friday, November 16, 2012 through Wednesday, November 21, 2012 and the winner will be randomly selected using rafflecopter.com and announced on Thursday, November 22, 2012. 

This contest has ended. Congratulations to Kathe Burke! 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!



42 comments:

  1. I am thankful for my family. My parents have had some serious health issues this year and all of us coming together have helped them. My husband is very special to me so I am very thankful for him.

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  2. i'm thankful for my little family
    kayleefaith1228@aol.com

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  3. What am I thankful.... this year is that I don't have to work on Thanksgiving. I have lots to be thankful, first that I was able to get may American citizenship and be able to enjoy Thanksgiving for the first time as an American citizen... Many doors will open now that I have this. Have a great Thanksgiving Carrie.

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    1. Congratulations Marlys, that's wonderful! Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

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  4. I give thanks for my husband and daughters. They make my life cimplete.

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  5. I am grateful for my family, my home, my animals and my health. I am grateful to live in the US.

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  6. I am thankful for my very supportive family and friends.

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  7. I'm so thankful for my awesome family and friends. Don't know what I'd do without them!!

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  8. Thankful that I don't have to eat my Ex-wifes side of the familys crazy food dishes. (But I do respect her as the daughter of my child.) I love to cook and I think traditional meals are what make Thanksgiving!!

    Comfort food!!

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    1. oops..."MOTHER" of my child...typed that too fast.

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    2. Oh, and hey Waffle irons are great. I found a few things on Pinterest for making hash browns on them and it turned out great. Also the pop top cinnamon rolls made as a waffle! Genius. Made them and the kids loved them...no batter, no mess and much better than an EGGO on school days!!

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    3. LOL When I first read it I thought it read a little strange, thanks for the clarification! I'll have to look those other items up on Pinterest too, thanks for the tip! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  9. I am thankful for my family and friends. XO

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  10. Your menu sounds delicious and varied. I love the idea of multiple stuffings (that's my favorite part).

    If you run out of room on your fridge shelves--try brining your turkey in a crisper. Works for me!

    I'm thankful every day for my family.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Kirsten and that's a great tip!

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  11. I am thankful for my family, my kids, our health, and the new opportunities awaiting us.

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  12. I am thankful for my family and for hubby being almost done with nursing school!

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  13. I am most thankful for feeling well, after 17 yrs of non stop suffering, due to Crohn's Disease. I can finally be the Mom my kids deserve, rather than being grouchy and laying on the couch, because I was constantly in pain.

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    1. Oh Cindy I'm so happy for you. It's such a horrible disease and I'm so glad you're feeling better. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  14. I am thankful that my husband has a great job that he loves and for the time we will be able to spend with family around the table.

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  15. I am thankful for my marriage. My sis just separated from her husband two weeks ago and my bff's husband came back from Afghanistan mentally unstable. It reminds me to appreciate what I have.

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    1. I'm sorry to hear that Shiloh and you're right. I think we all forget from time to time to appreciate what's right in front of us. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  16. I am thankful that so far Baby #2 looks to be healthy, growing, and doing well!

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    Replies
    1. That is a lot to be thankful for!!! Can't wait to see him/her. Happy Thanksgiving! :)

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  17. I'm thankful for the new members of our family. I gained two new daughters and a grandson! They live too far away to join our table this year but they are always in my heart :-)! Wonderful giveaway. Mr. B has been eyeing one of those waffle makers lol!

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  18. Wow what a meal plan!! I am thankful for my health

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  19. I am thankful for being my sisters caregiver during the end of her journey. She gave me such a wonderful gift.

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    Replies
    1. That is a truly special gift for the both of you. I'm so sorry for your loss Beverly.

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  20. My great friends that stood by me, pulled me up and kept me strong during my difficult divorce.

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    Replies
    1. There's nothing like having great friends, hang in there. You're stronger than you know. :)

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  21. I am thankful that I have a job, family and food on the table.

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  22. I am Thankful for friends, family, and food! ;)

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  23. I am thankful for my friends, family, and the memories of those who have passed that we honor with the traditions they have left us during the holiday season, and all year round.

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  24. YAY!!!!! I hope I win! Sharing on my fan page too!

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  25. I am thankful for just being able to spend time with my family. I am also thankful that I am healthy enough to cook for my in laws since my mother in law is bed ridden and can't do it. But I am most thankful for my Lord, Jesus Christ, my husband, my two beautiful daughters and my grandchildren!

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    1. That is certainly a lot to be thankful for!

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  26. I'm thankful that after a long, serious illness, I am recovered and able to spend another holiday season with my family.

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    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you're feeling better Shelly, enjoy the holiday!

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  27. I am thankful that I have a loving husband who takes care of me :)

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