Thanksgiving Menu Traditions
Growing up in an Asian household, Thanksgiving was never really celebrated. We roasted a duck once when my uncle came to visit, but that was the extent of our celebrations. haha I wasn’t introduced to a true Western Thanksgiving until my early college years, when I was invited to my then boyfriend’s Thanksgiving dinner.
After being introduced to the wonderful world of Thanksgiving foods and desserts (all the pies!), I made certain my friends and I get together for Friendsgiving, before Friendsgiving was even a thing! To alleviate the stress from any one person hosting, we normally pitched in potluck style, with everyone responsible for their own items. Although, once I had my own place, without roommates, I started hosting myself. Yay!
After getting married and starting a family, I began our own Thanksgiving tradition. Thanksgiving was reserved for family. The weekend before or after would be reserved for Friendsgiving. However, the Friday after Thanksgiving was our own Thanksgiving feast!
Over the years, I’ve gathered an inventory of recipes for Thanksgiving. It consists of both Western and Eastern dishes to fulfill my personal cravings. These aren’t the exact recipes I use since I’ve tweaked them here and there over the years. Sadly, my own recipes are handwritten with splatters from being used often!
I’m currently in the process of finalizing my Thanksgiving menu this year to do some shopping this week. I know, so last minute! Thanksgiving snuck up on me this year! One of these days, I’ll post up my own recipes. Until then, please enjoy these suggested recipes if you’re still on the hunt for some last minute Thanksgiving menu ideas! Enjoy~
Prosciutto Wrapped Turkey by Vintage Mixer
Turkey with Stuffing by Alton Brown - I’ve made this my second year and use this recipe for Alton Brown’s stuffing.
Cranberry Sauce by Alton Brown
Cantonese Roast Duck by The Spruce Eats
Crispy Roast Pork Belly (脆皮燒肉) by Christine’s Recipes
Roast Pork / Cha Siu (叉燒) by The Woks of Life
Candied Yams by Southern Living - I make something similar, but add butternut squash, Japanese sweet potatoes, and yams
Green Bean Casserole by The Pioneer Woman
Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon by A Family Feast - I like to add garlic and shallots in mine
Parmesan Garlic Ranch Butter Smashed Potatoes by Table for Two - I’ve made these for regular dinner before, with or without the ranch and these are amazing! I’m adding this as a side dish for Thanksgiving this year!
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes by Alton Brown - Can you tell I really like Alton Brown? He’s my favorite!
Thanksgiving 2016 - Clockwise - Proscuitto Wrapped Turkey, Cantonese Roast Duck, Roast Pork aka cha siu 叉燒, homemade stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, gravy, green bean casserole, candied yams