With rich flavors, unexpected ingredients, and not one, but two main courses (a bourbon-glazed turkey, plus a wild card), this delicious Thanksgiving menu is sure to wow your food-obsessed friends.
Brie With Caramel Sauce and Almonds
Caramel-sauce-drizzled brie [1] is supersimple to prepare but far from basic.
Mashed Potatoes With Brown Butter, Goat Cheese, and Sage
Nutty brown butter, tangy chevre, and woodsy sage add intrigue to a rustic mash [2].
Candied Acorn Squash Rings
Marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes may have their loyalists, but now is not the time to bust out that classic. Instead, serve up a side that's just sweet enough, like these whiskey-brown-sugar acorn squash rings [3].
Green Beans With Caramelized Onions
Balsamic caramelized onions are all that farmers-market-fresh haricot verts need [4] in the way of enhancement (well, aside from a pinch of salt and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil).
Cornbread Stuffing With Bacon and Chestnuts
Bacon, chestnuts, leeks, plenty of fresh herbs, and maple syrup ensure that this cornbread stuffing is unforgettable [5].
Bourbon-Glazed Southern-Spiced Turkey
Southern food is continuing to have a moment throughout the country; tap into this [6] by rubbing your bird with a bold mustard, paprika, and garlic paste and basting it with a bourbon-honey glaze. Make sure to reserve the turkey neck and giblets to make a simple stock [7]; it takes gravy from good to great.
Caramelized Onion Cranberry Sauce
Caramelized onion cranberry sauce [8] is about as far from the jiggly canned stuff as you can get.
Pan Gravy
Made with from-scratch turkey stock and plenty of cream, this pan gravy [9] is simply superlative.
Pumpkin Tian
Even if there will be no vegetarians at your table, consider serving up this custardy pumpkin tian [10]; it's a real showstopper both in appearance and taste.
Pumpkin-Pecan Pie
Show off your pastry prowess by baking off a double-decker pumpkin pecan pie [11].
Cranberry Gingerbread Cake
A slice of cranberry-swirled sticky gingerbread cake [12] served with a dollop of billowing whipped cream is simply irresistible.