holiday – In Good Taste

9 Essentials to Know When Hosting Thanksgiving for the First Time

Maris Callahan — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 04:49:06 +0000

If you are hosting Thanksgiving for the first time this year, you’re probably wondering where to start. Hosting Thanksgiving for the first time is a big milestone whether you’re hosting three people or 30, especially if you’re taking over hosting duties from a family member who has established some long-standing traditions. The first time I cooked Thanksgiving dinner was for a “Friendsgiving” in college. It was also the first time I had ever dared venture into the body cavity of a turkey, and it certainly wasn’t the last. As much fun as it can be to cook the big meal, it’s also a daunting task. We asked readers for their best advice on hosting Thanksgiving for the first time and by keeping these tips and ideas in mind, you’ll be able to get the details out of the way so that you can enjoy the big day — and maybe even squeeze in a little time for a shower, too. Make a menu plan When you’re trying to pull off the orchestrated affair, planning ahead is key. When you’re planning your menu, go beyond bookmarking recipes and delegating side dishes. Make a special note of how long each dish takes to […]

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Four Pairs of Stretchy Pants For the Holidays

Maris Callahan — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 06:00:54 +0000

Dressing comfortably for Thanksgiving doesn’t need to mean wearing your college sweatpants and a T-shirt. While I’m sure there are some families that dress to impress for Thanksgiving, I can tell you that mine is not one of those families. I like to joke that if everyone comes to the table wearing pants, then the holiday is a roaring success. When we travel for the holiday, the dress code tends to be a little bit more trendy-casual for all involved, but when it’s dinner at home, stretchy pants are the name of the game. Here are four ways you can skip the skinny jeans but still look chic for your holiday festivities, be it home or away. Neighborhood Pant, Cory Vines, $56 Casual and comfortable, our client Cory Vines is a young brand of stylish and accessible workout attire dubbed “The Warby Parker of Activewear.” The Neighborhood Pant is perfect to stash in your carry on if you’re traveling for the holiday because you can just as easily take them for a run as you can dress them up with a cozy Neighborhood Breeze Top and a fun necklace. Groove Pant, Lululemon, $98 Get your groove on with everyone’s favorite activewear. Though $98 a pop […]

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Thanksgiving Inspired Gold Pumpkin Table Settings

Maris Callahan — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 06:27:56 +0000

Long before you sit down to dinner, your Thanksgiving dinner table will make a first impression with your guests. Even if you’re starting out in your first home or haven’t yet acquired all of the home goods that couples tend to acquire from a wedding registry, you can look to rustic materials with a few embellishments to make a memorable Thanksgiving tablescape. Pumpkins, which are inexpensive and available at farms, grocery stores and pretty much any place that sells seasonal decor, also have the added benefit of being versatile. Turn miniature pumpkins into gold place card holders or even just elegant accents to place on each table setting. Buy larger pumpkins, gourds or squash and make beautiful vases to hold flowers or create a beautiful, organic centerpiece. Today though, we’re talking gilded pumpkins, because isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about? Oh, right. Buy the Supplies: Gold pumpkins look elegant and sophisticated, but they are one of the easiest accents you can make for your table. Miniature pumpkins only cost a couple of dollars each, but you;’ll also need a couple of other craft supplies to pull your project together. Miniature white or orange pumpkins Base coat paint Metallic gold spray Paint the Base Coat: Anytime you’re […]

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Pumpkin Walnut Crostini

Maris Callahan — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 08:45:09 +0000

Delicious and flexible, pumpkin is a highlight of the autumn season, well beyond the shelf life of the pumpkin spice latte. During the holiday season, canned or fresh pumpkin is a great way to add a rich, creamy texture to your favorite hors-d’oeuvres. Pumpkin walnut crostini is a healthy twist on a simple starter that blends seasonal flavors with simple nutrition. The nutrition team at Guiding Stars, an organization that helps take the guesswork out of making healthy food choices, suggests using canned pumpkin purée for a faster preparation, or use your favorite nuts to change the flavor up. You can customize your crostini by mixing up your choice of fresh herbs. Save Print Pumpkin Walnut Crostini Author: Guiding Stars Recipe type: Small Plates & Snacks Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 10 mins Total time: 20 mins Serves: 10 Ingredients 2 pounds fresh pumpkin, roasted 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ medium onion, minced 2 tablespoons fresh mint, minced ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ cup walnuts, toasted and minced ⅓ cup Asiago cheese, grated ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 1 whole-wheat baguette, thinly sliced Instructions Puree squash. Over medium heat, sauté onion in 1 tablespoon oil until lightly caramelized. Add the cooked onion, mint, nutmeg, walnuts, […]

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Gluten Free Quinoa With Pomegranate & Pistachio

Maris Callahan — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 08:00:02 +0000

There are a lot of milestones that we hit during our twenties that prove to our parents and grandparents that we’ve actually become real, live adults. For some, it’s the acquisition of a first job and or the purchase of a first home. For others, it’s the ability to contribute something edible to Thanksgiving without creating a fire or giving someone’s second cousin food poisoning. If you’re in the latter category and you want to contribute to your family dinner, gluten-free quinoa with pomegranate & pistachio is not only a safe bet, but an instant crowd-pleaser. This recipe comes to us from the October/November issue of AARP The Magazine, which, while not a daily read over here (at least not for another 20 years or so…), has some pretty excellent ideas for family gatherings. In this specific issue, Stanley Tucci shares his wife’s gluten-free quinoa with pomegranate & pistachio recipe that makes a perfect side dish to complement the traditional offerings at this year’s Thanksgiving meal. Healthy and full of flavor, the recipe is ideal for parents and kids alike who are following gluten-free diets or simply want to eat a little lighter at this year’s Turkey Day feast. It can easily be customized to add favorite cheeses (feta, goat, etc.) and/or spices. […]

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