OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Thanksgiving menus don’t have to be complicated to feel festive. These simple, flavorful dishes and drinks offer classic comfort with just enough creativity to make the holiday meal stand out.
Sweet Potato Mash with Maple Butter
Ingredients:
4-5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped; 4 tablespoons of butter; 1/4 cup of heavy cream; 1 tablespoon of maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; salt to taste; 2 tablespoons of melted butter mixed with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (for topping).
Instructions:
Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, cream, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt. Stir until smooth. Top with the maple butter mixture before serving.
Cranberry-Orange Relish
Ingredients:
12 ounces of fresh cranberries; 1 medium orange, sliced; 1/2 cup of sugar; 1 teaspoon of grated ginger.
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors blend.
Garlic Herb Skillet Rolls
Ingredients:
12-15 frozen dinner roll dough balls; 4 tablespoons of melted butter; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon of rosemary; 1 teaspoon of thyme; pinch of salt.
Instructions:
Heat oven to the temperature listed on the dough package. Arrange dough balls in a greased skillet. Mix butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme and salt; brush half over the dough. Bake according to the package directions, usually 12-15 minutes. Brush with remaining butter before serving.
Apple Cider Gravy
Ingredients:
1 cup of apple cider; 2 cups of turkey or chicken broth; 3 tablespoons of butter; 3 tablespoons of flour; salt and pepper to taste; turkey pan drippings if available.
Instructions:
Place the turkey roasting pan over medium heat. Add cider and scrape up browned bits. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk the roux into the cider mixture until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs; 6 tablespoons of melted butter; 1/4 cup of sugar; 1 can (15 ounces) of pumpkin puree; 1 can (15 ounces) of evaporated milk; 2 eggs; 3/4 cup of sugar; 1 teaspoon of cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon of ginger; 1/4 teaspoon of cloves.
Instructions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix crumbs, melted butter and 1/4 cup of sugar; press into an 8×8-inch pan. In a bowl, whisk pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, remaining sugar and spices. Pour over crust. Bake 40-50 minutes or until set. Cool completely before slicing.
Spiced Cranberry Spiritzer
Ingredients:
1 cup of cranberry juice; 1 cup of sparkling water; 1 tablespoon of lime juice; pinch of cinnamon; optional: 1-2 ounces of vodka or spiced rum; fresh cranberries for garnish.
Instructions:
Stir cranberry juice, sparkling water, lime juice and cinnamon in a glass. Add optional alcohol if desired. Serve over ice and garnish.