Tag: Thanksgiving

Easy Cracklin’ Cornbread Muffins with Cheddar and Creole Spice

When it comes to Southern cooking, few things evoke more warmth and nostalgia than cornbread. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty bowl of gumbo, a steaming pot of beans, or simply enjoying it on its own, cornbread has a way of bringing people together. But these aren’t just any cornbread muffins—these are Cracklin’ Cornbread Muffins from Louisiana Cookin, and they’re packed with crushed pork rinds, sharp Cheddar cheese, and a hint of Creole seasoning. Perfectly golden with a crunchy topping, these muffins are a flavorful twist on the traditional recipe and are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F.. Take out a 12-cup muffin pan and give it a good coating of cooking spray. This will prevent the muffins from sticking and help you achieve that golden, crusty exterior.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, baking soda, and black pepper. This combination forms the base for your muffin batter. Once mixed, make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients; this is where you’ll pour the wet mixture in the next step.
  3. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sour cream, whole milk, melted (and slightly cooled) butter, and lightly beaten eggs. The sour cream adds a rich, creamy texture that balances out the crunch from the pork rinds and the texture of the cornmeal. When all wet ingredients are thoroughly mixed, pour this mixture into the well of the dry ingredients.
  4. Carefully fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing; it’s okay if a few small lumps remain, as this will help keep your muffins tender rather than dense. Next, fold in the crushed pork rinds, thawed corn kernels, and shredded Cheddar cheese. The pork rinds add a unique texture and salty flavor, while the corn and cheese create a depth of flavor that makes each bite more interesting.
  5. Using a spoon or scoop, evenly divide the batter among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle each muffin with a little extra crushed pork rinds to create a crispy, golden topping that makes these muffins truly irresistible.
  6. Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know the muffins are ready when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of these muffins will fill your kitchen, tempting everyone who walks by. Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about five minutes.
  7. To finish, sprinkle a light dusting of Creole seasoning over the tops of the muffins while they’re still warm. This final touch adds a bit of spice that enhances the savory elements of the muffin. Carefully remove the muffinsfrom the pan and serve them warm for the best experience.

Serving Suggestions

These Cracklin’ Cornbread Muffins are delicious on their own, but they truly shine when paired with other classic Southern dishes. Here are a few ideas to complement your muffins:

  • Red Beans and Rice: This classic dish, often seasoned with andouille sausage or ham hocks, has a rich, savory flavor that complements the cornbread’s slight sweetness and crunchy texture.
  • Fried Catfish: A crispy fried catfish filet served alongside Cracklin’ Cornbread Muffins and a side of coleslaw is an ideal Southern meal. The tender fish pairs well with the muffins’ crunchy exterior and moist interior.
  • Chili: Serve these muffins with a hearty, spicy bowl of chili. The slight heat from the Creole seasoning in the muffins complements the flavors in a well-spiced chili.
  • Collard Greens: Braised collard greens seasoned with smoked meat bring an earthy flavor that pairs well with the cornbread muffins’ richness.

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Creamy Browned Butter Sweet Potatoes with Toasted Pecans

With the holidays around the corner, this Browned Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe from Louisiana Cookin offers a rich, flavorful side dish that promises to add warmth and comfort to your dining table. Imagine creamy, golden-brown mashed sweet potatoes infused with the nuttiness of browned butter, complemented by the rich sweetness of brown sugar and a subtle kick of fresh thyme. It’s a cozy, yet elevated twist on traditional mashed sweet potatoes that pairs beautifully with classic holiday dishes and serves as an irresistible addition to any fall or winter feast.

Sweet potatoes themselves bring a natural sweetness, and their smooth, creamy texture makes them an ideal ingredient for mashing. When paired with browned butter, which has a uniquely nutty and deep flavor, they create a wonderfully harmonious dish that’s as impressive in taste as it is easy to make. In this recipe, toasted pecans and fresh thyme add texture and an earthy finish, making these mashed sweet potatoes a complete crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4 large potatoes), peeled and cubed
  • ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans for garnish
  • ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream for added richness
  • 2 cups chicken broth to infuse the potatoes with savory flavor
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter for browning
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper for a subtle spice
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt for seasoning

Directions:

  1. Start by melting the butter in a medium stock pot or a Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir continuously with a whisk for about 7 to 10 minutes until the butter turns a deep golden brown and releases a rich, nutty aroma. Once the butter has browned to perfection, transfer it carefully to a heatproof bowl. This browned butter will be divided—some will be stirred into the mashed sweet potatoes, and the rest will be used as a decadent topping.
  2. In the same pot, add the cubed sweet potatoes, chicken broth, and kosher salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should become very tender and easily mashed, with the broth enhancing their natural sweetness and deepening the overall flavor profile.
  3. Once the sweet potatoes are soft and fully cooked, add the heavy whipping cream to the pot. Begin mashing the potatoes directly in the pot until they reach a smooth, creamy consistency. If you prefer a rustic texture, leave a few chunks for a bit of bite. Stir in half of the browned butter, letting it melt and infuse the sweet potatoes with that nutty warmth.
  4. Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving bowl, then drizzle the remaining browned butter over the top. Sprinkle with the toasted pecans, which add a delightful crunch, the light brown sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, the freshly ground black pepper, and the fresh thyme leaves. The result is an eye-catching dish with layers of flavors that are bound to impress.

These Browned Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes deliver comfort and decadence in every bite, making them perfect for holiday feasts, family gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight meal. The process is straightforward, and the final dish is loaded with warmth and texture that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. The browned butter imparts a nutty, deep flavor that elevates the sweet potatoes, while the pecans and thyme give the dish an added crunch and burst of freshness. Serve it alongside your favorite roast or enjoy it as a stand-alone dish—either way, these mashed sweet potatoes will likely become a new family favorite!

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What to do on a New Orleans Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving serves as a time to gather together to be completely humbled and thankful for all the blessings and benefits of the past year. This is often done over excellently prepared meals, so it stands to reason that there’s no better city to gather for the celebration than New Orleans, Louisiana, and thanks to this excellently compiled holiday resource from NewOrleans.com, you’ve never been in a better position to enjoy the Crescent City in all its bounty.

Before we give an overview of the food offerings in the city on the infamous Thursday for those of us wishing to take the day off, sit back, and enjoy the world-class cuisine of the various chefs and culinary artists found in the city, you should know about the various Thanksgiving Day activities that are available city-wide this autumnal holiday season.

Particular events that are positioned to be a large draw on Thanksgiving Day are the horse races at the Fair Groundsand the annual Turkey Day Race at Tad Gormley Stadium in City Park. Outside of athletic racing events, the New Orleans tourism site suggests digesting your Turkey Day meal with a carriage ride across the French Quarter so that you can learn about the elaborate history of the city. And of course, there are always plenty of movie theatres open throughout the city on Thanksgiving Day for those of us wanting to digest amidst amazing narratives and visuals.

However, if you prefer the holiday season that begins immediately following your Thanksgiving Meal, then you’ll be delighted to hear that Celebration in the Oaks will return to New Orleans City Park from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Thursday the 25th, and it’s set to last until January 2, 2022- with tickets costing $35. This annual holiday festivity is always heralded as a must-see of the New Orleans holiday tradition, as this incredible, breathtaking holiday light show transforms the already beautiful grounds of City Park into 25 acres of dazzling lights and impressive festive displays. In total, the winter wonderland is spread throughout the Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with millions of lights scattered throughout the 2.25-mile expanse.

Now it’s time for the food. On Thanksgiving, you’re essentially left with two options in New Orleans if you want to take the day off from cooking or organizing a family potluck: you can dine out or order catering from the many restaurants offering to do the cooking for you. If catering, some suggested favorites are Deanie’s Seafood, Mother’s, Brigtsen’s, Desi Vega’s Steakhouse, Blue Oak BBQ, Central City BBQ, and Cochon Butcher for your savory meals and Willa Jean, Bywater Bakery, Beth Biundo Sweets, Camellia Grill, La Boulangerie, and Levee Baking Co. for sweets.

Alternatively, if you’re planning to experience the classic and authentic New Orleans dining atmosphere, then you’re left with plenty of options for restaurants open in the city on Thanksgiving Day, leaving you more time to celebrate and less time coordinating, stressing, and planning.

It should definitely be noted that most of the city’s finer hotels offer excellent meals on Thanksgiving, but for those of us who want to enjoy a great meal “in-house,” then the following restaurants are set to be open on Thanksgiving and are recommended for a pleasant, decadent, and well-rounded experience.

Uptown/Garden District

Central Business District/ Downtown

The French Quarter

 Greater New Orleans Area

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Thanksgiving Weekend Getaways

For those with ample time off around Thanksgiving week, the weekend before, the day of, and the weekend after can all present themselves as an excellent opportunity to escape the city for some much-needed self-care or quiet family time. No matter the reason, this article from Travel Off Path for the best getaways to experience in the United States might be just the push you need to enjoy the holiday without the stress traditionally associated with Thanksgiving dinner.  Keep reading for Thanksgiving weekend travel ideas.

New York City, New York

This one may be obvious, but that doesn’t make it a poor decision. As many can attest, the Big Apple transforms into a different place over the holidays, so why not flock to the city and see the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person or simply experience the world-class culinary experiences across the infamous city. If visiting on Thanksgiving Day and starting in an extravagant hotel, then consider the Frenchetter, which will serve as a great choice for those of us wanting to partake in a comforting, traditional Thanksgiving Day feast from the safety and congenial warmth of our hotel room. Stop by the city that never sleeps and breathe in the blessings and beginnings of holiday spectacle by taking a stroll through the wonderful Central Park, witnessing the literal wonderland and skating the ice rink at theBank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, or see an unforgettable performance of Christmas Spectacular by The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Set your sights west this year on Turkey Day by seeing an alternative side to Thanksgiving in Santa Fe, a city that prides itself and is renowned for its focus, origins, and respect for Native American culture, traditions, and experiences. Around this week specifically, the city is home to various festivals and special events that allow you to experience this time-honored holiday through a specific cultural lens that takes focus away from the perspective of the pilgrims. One way to really make the most of your trip is to head over to the Winter Indian Market for some perusing of local crafts, artwork, and wares of the Santa Fe community. Additionally, stop by the Wind River Trading Company and take home some authentic Native American jewelry from local artists, and then top off your meaningful day with a Thanksgiving dinner meal at La Casa Sena, Geronimo, Terra Restaurant, The Compound, Santacafe, or Sassella for an unforgettable and delicious adventure.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Leave the stress emitting from Thanksgiving prep, planning, and organizing behind and surround yourself in one of the most comforting, slow-paced, and extravagant environments imaginable with a trip to Nantucket. This quaint island community located just off of Cape Cod is home to many excellent experiences this holiday season such as a wonderful stay at The Nantucket Hotel and Resort for some of the coziest accommodations in the area. Located in close proximity to the various activities available in the city, this hotel has a special experience in store for guests booking on for the turkey-laden holiday in particular. Guests will be able to enjoy an expertly-crafted Thanksgiving meal at Breeze, the award-winning restaurant located in-house. Book a stay and enjoy all the delicious flavors that Executive Chef Adam Votow has to offer such as the Skillet Roasted Brussel Sprouts or the Four Cheese Baked Macaroni; either of which is sure to knock you on your feet. Outside of this world-class hotel, many visitors flock to this East Coast staple to either observe or participate in the town’s Cold Turkey Plunge, a beloved tradition in which townsfolk and visitors dive into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean in traditional solidarity before warming up by the various fires of the local living rooms, restaurants, and hotels for a communal meal or nightcap.

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Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

Whether you’re practicing for Thanksgiving dinner or complimenting a savory dinner in July, a green bean casserole that’s made from scratch is always treasured and respected, and this simple, yet savory, detailed recipe guide from Gimme Some Oven hits the homemade nail on the head.

Ingredients

Green Bean Casserole:

  • 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed, and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 batch of Mushroom Alfredo Sauce
    • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
    • 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, thinly-sliced
    • 4 cloves of garlic, pressed or minced
    • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup of vegetable stock
    • 1 cup milk
    • ½ cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
    • ½ tsp fine sea salt
    • ¼ tsp freshly-ground black pepper
  • 1 batch Crispy Onion Topping
    • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil, divided
    • 1 medium red onion, peeled and thinly-sliced
    • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
    • 1/4th cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
    • ¼ teaspoon each fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper

Recipe for Green Bean Casserole:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F
  2. Heat a large stockpot of water over high-heat until it’s boiling. Meanwhile, trim and cut your green beans, then add them to the boiling water. Cook them for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preferred level of crispiness, though it’s a good idea to undercook them, as they’ll cook more in the oven. Use a slotted spoon or strainer to transfer the beans immediately into a large bowl of ice water, and give them a quick stir, preventing them from cooking longer. Afterward, set aside.
  3. For the next step of this green bean casserole, melt ½ tablespoon butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, occasionally stirring until the onion is partially cooked, still holding its shape. Transfer the onion to a clean bowl and add the remaining ½ tablespoon of butter to the sauté pan along with the panko and stir to combine. Cook this for 2-3 minutes, occasionally stirring until the panko is lightly golden. Remove this from the heat and transfer the panko to the bowl with the onions. Add in the Parmesan, salt, and pepper, and toss the onion mixture until evenly combined, setting it aside.
  4. Briefly rinse and dry the sauté pan; then return it to the stove. Melt the butter over medium-high heath, and add the mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring it occasionally until lightly browned and soft. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 more minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s Then, stir in the flour and sauté for an additional minute while stirring occasionally. Then, add in the vegetable stock and stir until the flour is evenly dissolved. Then, stir-in to combine the milk and Parmesan, and cook the sauce until it reaches a simmer and thickens. You can then remove it from heat and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine the green beans and mushroom alfredo sauce in the stockpot, and stir the green bean mixture until it’s all evenly combined. Transfer this to a 9 x 13 baking dish, and spread the green bean mixture out in an even layer, wherein you’ll sprinkle it evenly with the crispy onion topping mixture.
  6. Bake this dish for 25 minutes, or until the crispy onion topping is golden and crispy. You’ll want to watch this carefully so that it doesn’t burn, but if it begins to char, lay a piece of aluminum foil on top of the casserole.
  7. Remove from the oven and serve this side (or main dish) warm, by garnishing it with extra freshly-cracked black pepper and parsley while plating.

Once comfortable with the ingredients and procedure for green bean casserole , feel free to spice it up by adding extra cheese, cajun seasoning, bacon, or a little “kick” with crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeno slices. Customize this traditional side dish, and upgrade it to an unforgettable main dish.

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Top 6 Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Recipes

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the real feast begins!  Thanksgiving leftovers are undoubtedly one of the best things about this festive holiday. It’s easy to keep it to the classics when reheating casseroles, turkey, and mashed potatoes, but to get the most out of your favorite dishes reinvent the wheel with these delish leftover recipes.  If you have tons of leftover turkey in your freezer, all of these recipes are perfect for a weeknight meal.

1.  Thanksgiving Sandwich

This tasty sandwich includes all of your Thanksgiving favorites – turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing.

Ingredients

2 tbsp. mayo

2 tbsp. Dijon mustard

4 slices toasted sourdough

2 cup leftover roasted turkey

1/2 cup leftover mashed potatoes

1/2 cup cranberry sauce

1/2 cup leftover stuffing

1/4 cup gravy, warmed

1/4 cup baby spinach, packed

Directions

In a small bowl, combine mayo and dijon mustard. Spread mixture on one side of the two pieces of bread. Then, top each of the slices with 1 cup of turkey, ¼ cup of mashed potatoes, 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce, ¼ cup of stuffing, and two tablespoons of gravy and spinach. Place second pieces of bread on top, slice in half, and enjoy!

2.  Thanksgiving Ring

This pull-apart crescent roll is everything.

Ingredients

  • 1 8-oz. tube crescent rolls
  • 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup leftover stuffing
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded leftover turkey
  • 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
  • 1 tbsp. melted butter
  • 1 tbsp. garlic powder
  • Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
  • Leftover warmed gravy (for a dip)

Directions

First, preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Unroll the crescent roll and separate each triangle. Then, arrange the crescent roll on a baking sheet in a starburst pattern, with the pointy end of the triangles facing outward. Make sure the bases of the triangles are overlapping.

Then, spread the mashed potatoes over the triangle bases, creating a ring. Then add the stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sauce on top of the mashed potatoes. Fold the triangle tips over the filling. Gaps where the ingredients peak out between the triangles are okay.

Brush the melted butter over the crescent dough and sprinkle garlic powder over it. Place in oven and bake until golden, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Top with parsley and serve with warmed gravy as a dip.

3.  Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup

This simple and easy soup is everything your classic chicken noodle soup is – just with your leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 leek, cleaned and chopped, whites and light green parts only
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups turkey stock(or low-sodium chicken broth)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 12-oz. package egg noodles
  • 3 cups cooked shredded turkey
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • Small bunch thyme
  • Small bunch rosemary
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

First, using a large pot over medium heat, add and heat oil. Once oil is hot, add carrots, celery, onion, and leek and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Next, add broth, water, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, oregano, and pinch red pepper flakes into the pot. Bring mixture a boil, add egg noodles, and cover and cook until pasta is cooked through, approximately 7 minutes. Remove rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf and discard.

Add turkey and simmer until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper to taste, then sit back and relax with a bowl of soup.

4.  Friendsgiving Nachos

These Friendsgiving nachos are perfect for sharing and getting rid of the massive amounts of leftovers taking over your fridge.

 Ingredients

  • 1 bag Ruffles potato chips
  • 1 c. Gouda
  • 1 c. cooked, shredded turkey
  • 1 1/2 c. leftover stuffing
  • 1 can cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 c. turkey gravy

Directions

First, preheat oven to 375° Fahrenheit. As it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and spread potato chips on it. Top the chips with half of the cheese, turkey, and stuffing, then add more chips and add remaining cheese, turkey, and stuffing. Bake until the cheese has melted, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Top with cranberry sauce and drizzle turkey gravy over it. Enjoy!

5.  Turkey-Bacon-Avocado Grilled Cheese

Because who doesn’t like turkey, bacon, and avocado together?

Ingredients

  • 3 slices bacon
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 2 slices bread
  • 2 slices turkey
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 2 slices cheddar

Directions

First, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp, approximately 6 minutes. Drain the excess grease on a paper towel, then wipe the pan down and reduce stovetop heat to medium.

Next, spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the non-buttered side of one slice, layer turkey, bacon, avocado, and cheddar, then top the sandwich with the other slice of bread.

Place sandwich in the pan, cover, and cook until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until cheese is melty and bread is golden brown, approximately 2 minutes more.

Slice in half and serve.

6.  Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza

This recipe combines two of America’s favorite things – pizza and Thanksgiving. It’s a win-win.

Ingredients

  • 1 puff pastry sheet (thawed according to the instructions on the package)
  • 1/2 cup mashed potatoes
  • 5 tbsp gravy, divided
  • 1/4 cup corn
  • 1/4 cup green bean casserole
  • 1/2 cup chopped turkey
  • 1/2 cup stuffing
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup French fried onions
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Basil, parsley, or thyme for garnish

Directions

First, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, gently press puff pastry sheet into a greased 9-inch pie pan. Trim the corners of the puff pastry and use the trimmings to fill in any empty spaces along the sides of the pan.

Next, spread the mashed potatoes over the bottom and drizzle with two tablespoons of gravy, then top with corn and green bean casserole. Add the turkey, stuffing, and three tablespoons of gravy, and finally, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake the pizza at 400 degrees for about 18-20 minutes. Once finished, sprinkle with French fried onions and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes. Top with basil, parsley or thyme and freshly ground black pepper.

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