I’m all about making stuff from scratch. But sometimes it just doesn’t work out. Maybe you’ve been working too late. Maybe you forgot that Thanksgiving was right around the corner. Did you procrastinate too much? In any case, here are some ideas for easy Thanksgiving contributions that’ll be tasty and won’t cause you stress.
The relish tray is extremely popular this Thanksgiving with the resurgence of people making their own preserves and relishes. But, that doesn’t mean you have to make your own. Just buy some good quality already made things and embellish them. Go to the deli section or the salad bar area of your grocery store and find some marinated olives (or buy a couple of jars of pitted Kalamata or Manzanilla olives).
Buy about 12 ounces worth of olives, and add a couple of bay leaves, 1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 6 tablespoons white vinegar. If you want to add some color, add about 1 cup of chopped jarred or fresh red peppers. Let this marinate in your ‘fridge for a couple of hours and serve with some nice crackers, goat cheese spread, pickle spears, and some jarred marinated artichokes.
Need more ideas for what to serve? …
- Buy some already prepared mashed potatoes and stir in some sour cream and top with chopped chives.
- Get a bag of frozen green beans, steam it in the microwave and toss in some toasted almonds, chopped shallots, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Buy a can of whole berry cranberry sauce. Warm it in the microwave, zest some lemon or orange over the top or stir in some raspberry or blackberry (maybe homemade?) preserves.
- Mix melted butter with onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Brush this over the top of store-bought bread rolls that are fresh from the oven.
- Try using a can of gravy and adding a shot of bourbon and a swirl of sour cream.
