That’s why it’s okay to use shortcuts. Thanksgiving Day should be reserved for spending time with family, catching up with relatives you haven’t seen in a long time (probably since last Thanksgiving), and getting to savor the food you’ve spent days making. Here’s what can be store-bought without sacrificing too much on taste. There are a few things I cannot sacrifice homemade, however. Here’s a list of things that have to be made from scratch in my house because the alternative is just not good enough.
Mashed potatoes
Those instant mashed potato flakes that come in a box taste like paste. Add a little Southwest flavor to your Thanksgiving meal with this recipe for Tex-Mex mashed potatoes.
Sweet potatoes
I can do canned pumpkin, but canned sweet potatoes, even in a casserole, just doesn’t cut it. Let those sweet potatoes shine with this recipe for roasted sweet potatoes with cinnamon pecan crunch.
Macaroni and cheese
If you serve macaroni and cheese, it better be homemade. Here’s a killer recipe to impress your guests: Pumpkin beer mac and cheese with caramelized onions.
Soup
If you’re serving a soup as a starter or appetizer, you have to go homemade. Your guests will enjoy this recipe for extra cheesy french onion soup, and you can make it ahead of time in your slow cooker to save the stress.
Don’t feel bad about taking a few shortcuts on Thanksgiving Day. Odds are your guests won’t even know the difference, and you’ll be able to enjoy the holiday.
