Let me guess: your inbox is flooded with Thanksgiving recipes for a big gathering of family and friends.

The recipes are beautiful and very appetizing.

However, you have to work, you are a student and cannot go home for the short weekend, or its just you and a couple of friends.

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Alternative Thanksgiving Meals

Making a big dinner frightens you, and it is not feasible in your small kitchen. On to top of all that, what are you going to do with all those leftovers!?

Here is your solution! I have hand-picked, unique recipes that are delicious, easy, fast, and are a perfect alternative to a huge family Thanksgiving feast — but without compromising traditions and flavors.

Perhaps this will become your “go-to” Thanksgiving meal from now on?

APPETIZER

Cheese, Rosemary Breadsticks

Total Time: 20 minutes (10 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook)

This is one of my favorite and “go to” appetizers. It can be prepared a couple of days prior, and stored in a dry container. If you wish, you can warm the breadsticks up before serving. It’s perfect with champagne or any cocktails.

MAIN COURSE

Spatchcocked Chicken with Lemon 

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes ( 15 minutes prep, 1 hour cook)

Rubbing salt under the skin of the chicken, added tons of flavor to the meat. The butter intensified that flavors. Using the wire rack which truly kept the chicken moist and added the bold lemon – garlic – onion flavor, yet not overpowering it at all. The chicken cooking was quicker and more even this way.

Shiitake mushroom Gravy

Total Time: 30 minutes (15 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook)

This shiitake mushroom gravy is heaven and we never have leftovers. It’s so flavorful and we love it during Thanksgiving, as well as a few times throughout the year with chicken.

Cranberry sauce

Total Time: 15 minutes (15 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook)

Even the hardest-to-please family members or guests will fall in love with this cranberry sauce. There’s a burst of flavor with each bite. It’s also good on ice cream and sandwiches. For example, it’s wonderful instead of jam in a peanut butter sandwich.
Note: If you wish, you can always buy pre-made cranberry sauce.

Broccolini and Carrots

Total Time: 20 minutes (5 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook)

This is simplicity at its best, and I bet it will become one of your favorite recipes from now on. It’s so easy to make, and full of flavor. It’s the ideal “go to” vegetable side dish for any meal.

buttermilk mashed potatoes with caramelized shallots

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Total Time: 35 minutes (10 minutes prep, 25 minutes cook)

Lots of butter, with buttermilk and caramelized onions, is a life changer — but then again, I could probably live on mashed potatoes. Trust me, you need to try this recipe.

DESSERT

Pumpkin Tiramisu

Total Time: 25 minutes

No baking, no eggs, but lots of flavor. Making this is so much fun, and tastes so good. Serve it inside small glasses for a more elegant and dramatic presentation.

COCKTAIL

Pomegranate Martini

Total Time: 10 minutes (5 minutes prep)

This is so yummy!!! What more can I say?

Enjoy those few suggestions.

Bon Appetit!!

More recipes and posts for you to enjoy:

25 Traditional Holiday Recipes From Around the World

15 Minutes Dinner Recipes

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