Effortlessly Chuck

This is our ninth American Thanksgiving and we have come a long way from November 2010 when we ate small turkey breast in soggy green beans in our Columbus OH (O H I O) temporary housing. Throughout the year I have learned how to better prepare each dish although I have never committed to replicating a recipe year over year except for my favorite chocolate pecan pie. Variety is the salt of life so here is what I am planning on making this year. Pictures to come and tune in to my Instagram on Thursday for live cooking updates! Gobble Gobble! Happy Thanksgiving!

TURKEY

This is an area where my partner David is reluctant to change. He grew up only eating Butterball turkey so I lost this battle years ago. We season the bird with a dry rub the night before and slow roast all afternoon on low temperature per his family tradition.

GRAVY

Nothing too complicated here since it is to be made in the short time window between when the turkey is done and serving. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/classic-gravy-1-7526253

CRANBERRY SAUCE

This Alton Brown recipe uses honey in lieu of sugar which is a win and was recommended to me by my best friend Jean from Cleveland OH. https://effortlesslychuck.com/2019/12/01/cranberry-sauce/

STUFFING

I love Brussels Sprouts as a side but thought it would be fun to incorporate them in the stuffing this year. And can’t go wrong with some bacon! https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/brussels-sproutsbacon-stuffing-7526628

SIDES

Garlic Mashed Potato Gratin https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/garlic-mashed-potato-gratin-7526934

Haricots Verts with Hazelnuts & Dill https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/haricots-verts-with-dill-and-hazelnuts-5498506

Thanksgiving Salad https://foxeslovelemons.com/thanksgiving-salad/

DESSERTS

Chocolate Pecan Pie with Bourbon I have been making this pie for years and it is always a standout. Very easy to execute and my trick is using Trader Joe’s pie crust to save time! https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/chocolate-pecan-pie-bourbon

Sour Cherry Apple Pie Excited for the sour cherry apple combo and this will be my first attempt at executing a lattice crust. Expect pictures soon! https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/sour-cherryapple-pie-7525203