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. 

Maple and Sage Glazed Petite Carrots

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. 

Honey Wheat Rolls

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!