My Thanksgiving Pep Talk
Posted: | Categories: Substack Archives | Tags:substackThanksgiving is tomorrow. DON’T STRESS.
My biggest tip: Write out everything you’re serving in advance so you can cross it off as you go. That way you don’t forget anything and you get a little burst of accomplishment when you check dishes off.
When guests ask what to bring, give them something that makes your life easier and saves you a trip to the bakery, the grocery store, or Baked by Melissa (cupcakes are a great dessert to bring if you are the guest).
Most of all, be warm and loving and welcoming to your guests. Don’t sweat the small stuff—only you care about it. And don’t worry that there won’t be enough food. (I always worry and we always have too much.)
But…just in case, here are a few quick and easy recipes to add to your meal, plus what I’ll be making with my leftovers on Friday. (If you missed it, here’s my veggie-packed Thanksgiving menu for some last-minute inspo.)
Happy Thanksgiving. I’m so grateful for you. 💕
Here’s what’s on the menu this week:
For the feast:
String Beans with Almonds & Tahini
Garlicky Iceberg
For leftovers:
Veggies & Eggs
Turkey & Rice Soup
String Beans with Almonds & Tahini
If you’ve written out your list and suddenly feel like you need more greens on the table, make this. It’s one of my favorite dishes. It comes together so quickly—way faster than other green bean sides you might normally serve.
Garlicky Iceberg
The perfect base for your Thanksgiving plate to pile food on top of. It’s crunchy and refreshing, which is always welcome at the meal. And you probably already have most of the ingredients. Just grab a head of iceberg and you’re all set.
Veggies & Eggs
This has been my go-to meal with leftovers lately. You can heat multiple sides in one pan, put an egg on top, and have a high-protein meal in minutes. I like to serve it with garlicky sourdough, but something tells me an egg on top of leftover stuffing would be just as good.
Turkey & Rice Soup
While you simmer the leftover bones and aromatics into a homemade stock, shred any leftover turkey meat and toss it into this soup. It’s the perfect cozy meal to relax with after hosting. You’ve earned it!
