This is personally my favorite time of year. The cold weather is upon us, the leaves are falling, and pretty soon, the end of the semester will be consuming our lives. But, there is one holiday that stands between us and the mental break down we all deserve: Thanksgiving. I love this holiday because my mom is the MVP when it comes to cooking, but also because this is that time of year where all my friends come around. We all are busy doing our other things, but we know if we don’t spend the time with our families, we’ll be dead before we get trampled at Target come 4 A.M. on Black Friday.
My mom is super chill when it comes to holidays. She loves getting people together, and with knowing the background of the kids and people I work with, she wants to make sure everyone is fed. Which, my friends are all super excited about. But, some can’t go to my mom’s house but want to spend the time together. That’s why we’re initiating Friendsgiving this year. A common tradition that has been happening for the past couple of years.
In every major dinner party, it’s essential to have an appetizer, a veggie, starch, a dessert, and of course, the drinks. For the main meat, to save money, going to the store and picking up a rotisserie chicken might be your best bet. They’re cheap, and they keep the Thanksgiving vibe. Also, a box of Stove Top stuffing will also help you get into the mood, but everything else, you can make yourself!
THE APPETIZERS
Garlic-Parmesan Knots
Who doesn’t love bread, especially on Thanksgiving? These bread twists will be an instant favorite with your friends and something you’ll be making year round! They are perfect for an appetizer or to go with your meal. With it being done in under 20 minutes, it’s the ideal last-minute idea to serve to your friends.
To find the recipe, go here!
Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks
Buffalo chicken dip is a staple at every family/friend event I attend. Everyone has their way of making it or their little twist (my fantastic sister-in-law has added red peppers to hers and the little extra is a fantastic addition). I love dipping celery in the dip (so I can use the calories somewhere else), so this is perfect for the person who wants to indulge but not completely! Super easy and super yummy, they’ll want you back at parties with these!
To find the recipe, go here!
THE VEGGIES
Honey-Roasted Carrots
Carrots are one of those foods that just scream holidays. I always find it my mission to find the best carrots at holiday dinners and these are topping my list. These are not too sweet, but just good enough to satisfy any palette. To kick it up a little bit, I also like to add a shot of Jack Daniels before cooking them for an extra kick.
To find the recipe, go here!
Maple Glazed Brussel Sprouts With Bacon
Brussel sprouts are one of those vegetables that go unnoticed. They’re easy to pick on, and if not cooked right, they can be pretty gross, but trust me on this, bacon and brussels sprouts are the best combination since like peanut butter and jelly. These have been my go-to veggies for any occasion, and people are always begging me to make them! If you haven’t tried them this way, you need to!
To find the recipe, go here!
THE STARCHES
Mac and Cheese Casserole
Mac and cheese is a typical side dish on many peoples' Thanksgiving spreads, so bring your friends a little comfort by putting a bit more effort than just a plain box version! Once you make it this way once, you won’t go back to the box stuff unless you’re stuck in the dorms and can’t do anything else.
To find the recipe, go here!
Honey Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
My favorite thing about Thanksgiving is my mom’s sweet potatoes. Even though this isn’t her recipe and she adds marshmallows, this is a way to keep it simple and great. Sweet potatoes are honestly my favorite, so I can’t wait to make these, like literally all the time.
To find the recipe, go here!
THE DESSERTS
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
These peanut butter bars make me feel like I'm five years old again. They are very nostalgic with the Rice Krispies and cookie dough and they’re the absolute best comfort food. Why not fill up on these when you’re done with dinner? Or, stick them in a to-go container for the rest of the week. You’ll be thanking me later!
To find the recipe, go here!
Apple Cinnamon Bread
When I think of Thanksgiving, the holidays, and Fall, I think of apples and cinnamon. Dessert bread is one of my favorite foods in the world, because honestly, who doesn’t like a great, sweet bread? Making this for your friends will make you one of their favorites. This also makes a great last-minute gift for people if you are low on money around Christmas!!
To find the recipe, go here!
THE DRINKS
Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria
Sangrias are a classic drink that most people will drink because they’re a perfect blend of sweet and savory. This drink is precisely that. With the tartness of the cranberry and the sweet from the apple mixed with the flavors of the red wine, this will be one of your favorite holiday drinks!
To find the recipe, go here!
Drunken Pumpkin Latte
Ready to get your basic white girl on? This is the best version of a PSL that you’ll ever have, not only because it has vodka, but the best liquor that was ever made: Rum Chata. You’ll be drinking these all night and until Christmas -- you’re welcome!
To find the recipe, go here!
I hope you have a fantastic Friendsgiving and a great Thanksgiving! I hope y’all try at least one of these recipes and it makes your holiday a little more relaxed!