Thanksgiving dinner canceled—WWYD?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it was just going to be the four of us, we’d sleep in, then have brunch while we watched the parade. Then we’d go for a walk/hike somewhere beautiful. Then we’d play games. In the evening, we’d watch a movie together while we ate a snacky dinner that doesn’t involve cooking: charcuterie, baking a few frozen apps, veggies and dip. Late in the evening we’d have pie.

I don’t think the OP wants to go out this day.

[Anonymous]

It’s often just DS and I. We get tons of takeout the day before and just veg out.

[Anonymous]

I’m planning to bake a chicken, make homemade applesauce, a veg or two, homemade bread maybe, and some kind of cranberry. I’m alone this year and working the actual day, so decided to make comfort food that will make decent leftovers.

What about favorites comfort foods for each family member and a nice dessert?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Neither of you want to cook yet you don't want to get take-out, but you also want to make it special?

I don't know about you, OP, but for me, as we get closer to a special day, the urge to cook that wasn't there before suddenly emerges. I don't like turkey, so we've done other things. DH has done roasted duck or duck comfit. We've done goose and pheasant. In my home country, the easiest but yummiest fowl to roast is capon. It's like a juicier, larger chicken. I have not found it here, sadly, otherwise we'd have it at every Thanksgiving. On various occasions, we've also made sushi.

But it's all time consuming. Maybe quiche? Lasagna? Stew?

OP here! Definitely not opposed to takeout, just don’t want to go out to eat. Also, don’t mind cooking something lite, but don’t want to fool around with a bird and all of the traditional accoutrements.

we are in the same situation but all 4 of us are working on making one thanksgiving recipe that we want to eat, so it'll just be a bunch of sides and I think a pecan pie/ pumpkin cream cheese muffins. I'm making pimento Mac & cheese (zinger mans recipe) & box of stovetop with chopped hazelnuts and one of my kids wants Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes, my other kid wants something else- hasn't decided yet and my husband is making green beans and I think something with chanterelles since we saw those at the farmersmkt and then they'll be gone. With just us four in the house- im sure that'll be enough food.

[Anonymous]

We have usually got ready made food from whole foods every Thanksgiving. Beef wellington / fish pie then the sides. Usually serves more than they say it does and lasts a couple of meals.

[Anonymous]

I would go to the beach for a long weekend. Or go to nyc to see the holiday decor. Or pick another place. Your kids will launch soon, so go make some memories.

[Anonymous]

Steaks on the grill, asparagus and baked potatoes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a Thanksgiving dinner from honey baked ham. They have a 4 person one.

This. I’d buy a ready to serve meal.

[Anonymous]

I would do Julia Child’s beef bourguignon or a variation of it and just serve it over mashed potatoes with some french bread on the side. Could do some apps the kids like and a fun dessert as well.
https://cafedelites.com/beef-bourguignon/

[Anonymous]

I get not wanting to cook a whole bird. It’s a lot of work. If you buy a cooked turkey from Wegman’s or Honey Bsked Ham, the hard part is done. We have a turkey farm near us that smokes turkeys, that are amazing. After acquiring turkey, all you really need to make is two or three sides and buy a pie or two for work.

[Anonymous]

“We also don’t want to out if we can help it, so I’m only looking for ideas for things we can do/eat at home.”

Why? Is There a particular reason?

Also, what were you going to bring to the original dinner as a guest?

I would go volunteer with my family then eat something we all enjoy. It is about being Thankful afterall.

[Anonymous]

Don't forget about your host. See of your can start a meal train or being them a nice Thanksgiving dinner

[Anonymous]

Here’s a suggestion for something different : Fondue!
We have teen kids and were in a similar situation last Christmas when a large family dinner got cancelled.
We decided to finally open the two fondue sets we received as wedding gifts many many years ago and made a meat fondue and a cheese fondue. We had the best time preparing it ( relatively easy ) and sharing the meal around the kitchen table. The kids have asked for it a few times since and have also invited friends over to enjoy it .
We also made chocolate fondue for dessert by melting some chocolate chips in a bowl in the microwave and dipping some pre cut fruits in it.
If you don’t have the sets, you’ll need t
2, and they cost about $40 each on Amazon. You’ll likely get a lot of use and happy memories out of them.

[Anonymous]

I would be thrilled and would make dinner reservations today.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“We also don’t want to out if we can help it, so I’m only looking for ideas for things we can do/eat at home.”

Why? Is There a particular reason?

Also, what were you going to bring to the original dinner as a guest?

I would go volunteer with my family then eat something we all enjoy. It is about being Thankful afterall.

volunteer where?