One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is enjoying family recipes that have been passed on by generations. This is the first year I’ll be hosting Thanksgiving completely on my own. However, I have a helpful husband who’s agreed to be on turkey duty, which takes a major load off my plate. He’s pretty brilliant with all types of meat, so I’m confident it’ll be a turkey to remember. I also took a shortcut by picking up a frozen apple pie last weekend at Abel’s Acres in Apple Hill, but they do such an amazing job with their pies I really don’t feel guilty — I’m basically doing my family a favor. I LOVE to cook but don’t have much interest in baking desserts. Plus, every other item on this menu is made from scratch.
If you’re still searching for the best recipes to use, I highly recommend all of the ones below. I pulled from some of the best of Ryan’s family dishes as well as mine, then threw in some of my own flare. Everything on here is guaranteed to leave your guests satisfied and Thanksgiving stretchy pants full, which is what we all strive for isn’t it?

The Turkey

Brine Recipe

Roast Recipe

The Sides

Danelle’s Bread Stuffing

Great Gram’s Sweet Potato Casserole

Chive and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Parmesan Peas 

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn 

Cranberry Sauce **I hate every single cranberry sauce I’ve ever had – trying this one out for the first time**

Homemade Gravy