Easy Thanksgiving Centerpiece via The City Sage
Everyone loves something different about the holidays. It might be the scent of the holiday, the evergreen, the pumpkin pie and savory smells of fall candles. You might enjoy the sights – the leaves, vibrant jewel tones and the lights that people decorate with at Christmas. Perhaps you’re partial to the sounds of the holidays, the holiday music, the bustle of people and the laughter of family at various events. Maybe the overall feel of the holidays, the texture of decorations and clothing, the feeling of getting elbow deep in cookie and bread dough. Lastly, maybe you’re like me and you like the tastes of the holiday. The wonderful tempting of the tastebuds by all the wonderful holiday food.
I’ll be the first to admit that I have a selective palate (aka, picky eater). I enjoy certain things and am very definitely opposed to others. Growing up, I very vehemently opposed Thanksgiving fare: I didn’t care for turkey, pumpkin, pecan and mincemeat pies and that green bean casserole? No thanks, I’ll just pick all the french fried onions off the top. (I’m embarrassed to say I actually did that one year, hah! Oh, the innocence of adolescence.) Of course the sweet potato casserole, the mashed potatoes and the bread held my attention but none of the desserts or the veggie tray and dip were making my tongue very happy.
My mom, wonderful person that she is, encouraged me to eat the things I didn’t like of course, but also made it possible for me to enjoy the food of the holiday as well by making my own hors d’oeuvres. It was a way to A) fill my belly B) try new recipes and spend time together in the kitchen. Win-Win!
I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite dishes here, as well as some new ideas from Pinterest I haven’t tried yet. Note that the Beecher’s Mac N Cheese is not necessarily an appetizer, but it makes a great side-dish addition!
Ham & Gruyere Thumbprints (delicious) Beecher’s Mac & Cheese (the best ever) Roasted Butternut Squash Ricotta Dip (this just sounds delicious) Sour Cream Cheddar and Chives Drop Biscuits Recipe (I’ve been dying to make these – so many good flavors) Creamy Tomato Soup Shooters with Grilled Cheese Sticks (can’t wait to try these!) Zucchini Parmesan Crisps (just say yes!) Fig & Blue Cheese Savouries (like four ingredients – super easy!) Smoky Fried Chickpeas (these look different but yummy) Serrano Ham & Manchego Croquetas (more complicated but the flavor sounds amazing)
You can find more delicious recipes on the She’s Intentional In the Kitchen Pinterest board and the following boards: Hey good lookin’ watcha got cookin’ * Appetizers * Yes, We Have No Bananas * Recipes I’ve Tried & Enjoyed *
Happy Holiday Cooking!