thanksgiving round-up

The big day is right around the corner. Are you starting your prep today? We actually host a Thanksgiving for our small group tomorrow, so we’re getting ready for the first big meal of the week. I’m already wearing spandex at the thought of what’s coming. I thought I would share some of the recipes/ideas that caught my eye around the interwebs this month in case you’re looking for a little something extra to add to your table this year:

• I love everything about Dinner A Love Story: I love how Jenny and Andy write, I love how unpretentious they are (seem?), I love how passionate they are about getting families back around the dinner table. They love Thanksgiving, so read through their archives on the topic for all sorts of great ideas. One idea I’ll definitely be stealing this year: a Mad Lib of gratefulness. (Oh and, if you’re looking for a wonderful Christmas gift, grab Jenny’s cookbook/memoir/treatise on family dinner).
• Deb from Smitten Kitchen has never led me astray. Check out all of her side and dessert recommendations here.
• If you have any vegetarians you’re cooking for, check out The Curvy Carrot’s holiday collection. I think I’m making that pumpkin gnocchi for the vegetarian that’s coming tomorrow (and, who am I kidding? For me too!).
• I’m not Martha’s biggest fan. She’s just too orderly and…perfect for my tastes. But I do like her website, especially around the holidays. I usually use it for ideas to start off from. So, for example, this year I brainstormed her meatless Thanksgiving collection just to get some ideas, and then I went searching around some of my cookbooks and favorite blogs for similar recipes from a trusted source.
• My best tip for your turkey = make sure the skin is dry and the bird’s at room temperature before you throw it in the oven. It makes a world of difference when it comes to that crispy, delicious skin.
• Orangette has an old round-up of recipes, but we made those sweet potato biscuits a few years ago and now they’re a family staple.
• Have you seen pictures around from this new The Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book? I’ve been hearing raves about it all of the internets. I’ve only made maybe two pies in my life, but I think I might try my hand at this one for Thanksgiving at my parent’s house. If it goes well, I might have to ask for that gorgeous book for Christmas!
• Back to DALS, who turned me on to Sam Sifton to begin with (I ordered the cookbook for my mom, The Thanksgiving Expert, so I’ll keep you posted on what she thinks), with the 10 Laws of Thanksgiving. My favorite? “You should make turkey. Turkey is why you are here.” I want that on a shirt!

Is it weird that I think the planning it at least as much fun as the actual eating?