Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

In one month, many of us will celebrate Thanksgiving and I suspect some of those people have already begin thinking about their menu. What size turkey will you buy? How will you cook it? Which sides will you make? What desserts will you have? How will you handle the allergies and preferences of your guests? Lots of questions to consider. 

Let me begin with some general advice, a sentiment you should embrace. Stop worrying that everything needs to be perfect because it will never be perfect and it doesn't have to be perfect. This is a holiday where family and friends gather, to share everything they are thankful for and not to complain and nitpick about silly and irrelevant issues. It's a time for fun and enjoyment, to relax and chat, to eat and drink, to savor the day together. As long as people enjoy themselves, as long as the food and wine is good, no one will complain or even care about whether it was "perfect" or not, whatever that term might mean. Just everyone being together is perfect enough.

If you're cooking at home, or need to bring a dish to someone else's home, then let me suggest some relatively easy, but quite delicious, recipes. I've compiled a list of five such Easy Thanksgiving Recipes, including:

Drink:

• Sangria: Based on the recipe from Dali, a famed Spanish restaurant in Somerville, this is a compelling drink and you'll probably end up with an empty pitcher by the end of the evening. It's fruity and thirst-quenching, and as it can be prepared ahead of time, you won't have to rush around on Thanksgiving making a drink.

Appetizer:

• Buffalo Chicken Dip: This always seems to be popular whenever I bring the dish to a party.  Lots of cheese, spicy sauce and chunks of chicken.  Get a big bag of tortilla chips and just let your guests scoop up some of this tasty dip. You can make it the day before and just warm it up before it's served. 

Sides:

• Double Corn Pudding: This is an easy substitute for home-made corn bread, and there are never any worries that it'll be too dry. It's very adaptable too, and you could easily add some of your own special ingredients, such as jalapenos or even bacon.
• Special Potato Casserole: Rather than the usual mashed potatoes, or even mashed sweet potatoes, try something which has a little of both. With the addition of goat cheese, these potatoes become especially creamy and tasty. 

Dessert:

• Swedish Apple Pie: Making pie crust can be a chore, so why not make a pie which creates its own crust?  This recipe is a big time saver, and it does not skimp on taste. Top it with your favorite ice cream, whipped cream or cheese. 

Just about anyone can make these easy recipes and your family and friends should really enjoy the results. Plus, these recipes aren't just appropriate for Thanksgiving and you can enjoy them at any time. Buffalo Chicken Dip while tailgating? Sangria for your next wine party? Swedish apple pie for Sunday dessert? We regularly prepare their recipes during the holidays as well as the rest of the year and they always earn raves.

And I have to add that you should bring back a 200+ year old tradition of serving Doughnuts on your Thanksgiving table. Who doesn't love a fresh doughnut? Pick up some cider donuts from your favorite farm stand, or get a dozen or two from your favorite donut shop.

Whatever you do for Thanksgiving, enjoy yourself and appreciate all that you have, rather than worry about what you do not.