GET IN HERE!! Full Thanksgiving Menu with Recipes!

The pandemic has changed the standard version of a traditional holiday this year. Imagine sitting next to grandma and grandpa and at the same time fearing you might infect them with the novel coronavirus.

However, if there's something Americans love more than adventure, it's enjoying home-cooked meals. Plus, it's undeniable that fewer attendees will make this holiday feel special. The invention of crock and instant pots has made things easier. As the meal cooks, you can spend more time with your immediate family members, and catch up on what you missed during the lockdown.

Beets, Brussels and Herbed Chicken

Are you looking for a hands-off and healthy Thanksgiving meal? This meal will impress your family and leave them wanting more.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken

1 tsp freshly ground pepper

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tbsp paprika

1 tbsp kosher salt

Fresh rosemary leaves

1.5 tsp Dijon mustard

10 large Brussels sprouts

3/4lb small mixed beets

0.5 lb baby carrots

1 large red onion

4 garlic cloves

1 medium celery rib

Method

1. In a bowl mix the freshly ground pepper, dried thyme, paprika, and kosher salt. Remove the giblets, neck from the chicken, and get rid of them.

2. Place lemon in the chicken's cavity and spread all parts evenly with salt. Tuck the wing tips under the chicken and tie the legs with kitchen string.

3. In a 6-quart greased slow cooker, place garlic, onion, and celery in one layer. Arrange the remaining vegetables around the chicken while tucking some inside. Sprinkle the remaining mixture and vegetables with salt.

4. Cook on low for eight hours while covered. Remove the chicken and place it in a serving dish. Cut the beets into quarters and arrange around the chicken with other vegetables. Whisk mustard into the remaining juice then season with paper and salt. Garnish using rosemary.

Mashed potatoes

Ingredients

Freshly ground black pepper

Half-cup warm milk

1/3 cup freshly sliced chives, and additional garnish

1 cup sour cream

½ tsp salt and some extra seasoning

4 cups chicken stock

4 lb cut and peeled into one-inch russet potatoes

Method

These creamy mashed potatoes will get ready as you prepare other meals.

1. In a 5-quart slow cooker, cook the potatoes with chicken stock and salt. It may take up to 5 hours on low and 2 hours on high before the potatoes become tender.

2. Drain the chicken stock and put the potatoes back in the slow cooker. Add sour cream and mash to your liking. Add in milk and chives, and if necessary, add in more milk to soften.

3. Serve warm then season with pepper and salt, and garnish with chives.

Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Bark

Whether you prefer it as a cocktail or dessert, this tasty treat leaves you with a burst of yummy flavors. Ensure you top it with some homemade whipped cream.

Crushed candy canes

Sweetened whipped cream

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp peppermint extract

1 tbsp vanilla extract

¼ vodka or crème de menthe

3 cups semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips

1 can sweetened condensed milk

8 cups whole milk

Method

1. In a 7-quart slow cooker, put in the salt, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, vodka or crème de menthe, chocolate chips, and condensed milk.

2. Cook on high for two hours while covered, mixing thoroughly halfway to ensure the chocolate melts.

3. Serve when warm and top up with crushed candy canes and whipped cream.

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Laiza Maketso

Blogging about travel, beauty, finance, and cooking, Traveling, Mompreneur, Reading

Nairobi, Kenya

IG name: Laiza Maketso