Thanksgiving Recipes

Can you remember the first time you cooked the bird? What an awesome task that seemed to be. A marinade is a must on poultry, especially when the anticipated cooking time is over two hours. This Grand Marnier glaze will ensure a moist, exquisitely flavored turkey.

"Drinking cup" is the English translation of the French word "timbale".  This cup-shaped custard with mushrooms and cheese is an elegant appetizer before a holiday meal.

These yams pack quite a punch. Sambuca gives this dish a sweet herbal edge with the essence of licorice.

As an alternative to opening a can, perk up your traditional cranberry dish with this easy compote.

Unfrozen organic, free-range birds (order a few weeks in advance) taste fresher; frozen turkeys require thawing according to package directions and weight. To thaw a bird in the refrigerator, place it breast-side up, in the packaging, on a baking sheet, and allow approximately one day per every 4 pounds.  Whole deep-fried turkey is some of the tastiest meat you will ever eat, if cooked correctly. The process can be time consuming and you must have the right equipment. But it's worth it's weight in gravy! You'll need an outdoor cooker and a 10-gallon pot, preferably one with a basket insert (available in hardware stores and stores where outdoor equipment is sold). The insert keeps the bird off the bottom of the pot and facilitates removing it from the oil.

One of my favorite fall baking recipes - perfect for Thanksgiving or any casual get-together during the season.

Baileys Original Irish Cream is the number one liqueur in the world for good reason. Its superior flavor is an excellent enhancement for this popular Thanksgiving dessert.

Not being a huge fan of celery, I am forever on the look out for stuffing recipes that omit this staple ingredient. I also find that turkey sausage blends nicely with the sweeter flavors of cherry and creamed corn, rather than the pork sausage. This recipe is my little brother Danny's favorite new dish year round.

For Vegetarian Style, omit the sausage. Makes one 18 x 12 inch sheetpan.

A delicious introduction to dinner.

I started my cooking and lifestyles career by building gingerbread houses and creating the how-to baking video, "Gingerbread House Party with Jeanne Benedict." The recipe for these simple cut-out cookies are a nostalgic throwback to my gingerbread days!

Cinnamon flavored shortbread with a delicious streusel topping will fit right in with most Thanksgiving menus.

A batch of whipped, warm sweet potatoes laced with molasses is an ideal complement to a savory Thanksgiving stuffing. 

Take your cue from the traditional holiday Indian corn decor and create a multi-color Thanksgiving potato side dish.

Most of the flavors associated with Thanksgiving - pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato - are easily incorporated into cupcake recipes that make great holiday desserts. Whether you serve them for your big family meal, a school event or a fall festival, the following recipes bring the tastes of Thanksgiving in delicious cupcake form.Spiced pumpkin cupcakes give the essence of pumpkin pie by adding a few additional ingredients to a boxed cake mix. How easy is that?This recipe from the Cupcake Project equates to sweet potato casserole in a cup. It includes a maple syrup filling and caramel frosting. Top with nuts and toasted marshmallows, or decorate with a Thanksgiving theme.If it's not Thanksgiving without pecan pie, you'll love this super-simple recipe for pecan pie cupcakes. Just mix all the ingredients together and bake.Like the holiday side dish, the addition of cranberry topping to lemon cake provides a sweet and tart flavor. If you must have frosting, try creamy homemade lemon.