drinks

With thanksgiving just around the corner, are you panicked with what to serve? This meal came together in minutes, looks wonderful, and will take on any “traditional” t-day meals out there! Using thyme and cranberries in the dishes as well as decor means you have more time to enjoy the holiday.  My gang was thrilled to help with this post, a delicious pre t-day warm-up.

So what’s on the menu? How about Gardein Turk’y cutlets and gravy, shallot and thyme mashed potatoes, green beans with cranberries, almonds and thyme and we top it all off with a cranberry ginger cocktail.

I’ve always loved Thanksgiving and was content eating all the side dishes, but the Gardein Turk’y cutlets and gravy are SO good they took center stage of this meal. They also have a Gardein Holiday Roast which I am hoping to get soon and tons of  healthy vegan recipes on the website!

Now for the recipes…
Gardein Turk’y was prepared per package directions in the oven.
Shallot and Thyme Mashed Potatoes

Green beans:

Ingredients: 8 servings

1 1/2 pounds organic green beans, trimmed
1 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 Tablespoon fresh organic thyme
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice – optional
salt and pepper – to taste

Method:

in a large pot, bring water to a boil, enough to cover green beans. add beans and boil 4-6 minutes, just until tender,  drain and immediately place in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. drain again and set aside. in a large dry skillet, toast almonds over medium low heat until lightly golden. add olive oil, green beans, and cranberries tossing to coat and until warmed. drizzle with lemon juice, add salt and pepper. may be served warm or at room temperature.

Cran-Ginger Cocktail: * I made a virgin one for the kids, simply omit the vodka

Ingredients: per 1 serving

1 ounce vodka
2 ounces organic cranberry juice
2 ounces natural ginger ale
fresh cranberries and thyme for garnish

Method:

in a glass of ice, mix vodka, cranberry juice and ginger ale. garnish with fresh cranberries and thyme.

A few tips to make your Thanksgiving stress free and enjoyable
1. dress the table with beautiful herbs and berries used in your meal
2. stick with a few great fresh ingredients, I chose to highlight thyme and cranberry
3. assign a dish to a guest if possible, the meal is always better when everyone helped to make it
4. get the kids involved, each of my girls is responsible for one dish on the table
5. make a pitcher drink, like the can-ginger cocktail above, in a larger scale that everyone can pour on their own

What Thanksgiving tip tops your list? I’d love to hear all about it!