What's for dinner on turkey day at Rancho Maven? Not turkey.

Updated on Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 09:10 by mavenandmeddler

Updated on Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 09:39 by mavenandmeddler

We sort of had a big change of plans when it came to who was doing the cooking and where this time. Our dear friends were going to provide the place and the cooking, but Ronnie has been flat on her back in pain for the last couple days, and it’s just not going to work out.

So I’m doing dinner here at Rancho Maven and then I’ll send Mr. Maven up to their house with a couple plates of food and all the trimmings.

I don’t leave folks out.

We’re not really big turkey fans, other than the occasional turkey sandwich, so I’m opting instead to do the marinated, roasted pork loin ala my nephew, Robert the chef, did down in Florida a couple weeks ago.

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Deliciously easy whole grain stuffing: thrifty and healthy

I really like whole grains for their richer flavor profiles, not to mention the health benefits. Yet, I have not found a satisfactory store-bought, packaged stuffing geared to people like me. That’s why I make my own, and believe me, it’s so darn simple that you’ll wonder why you ever did it differently. All for the price of a batard or baquette of Truckee Sourdough Company - or similar - artisan bread from your supermarket

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Keep it simple until turkey day: Senate bean soup

With the renewed interest in all things political, and in the spirit of trying to pare down the cooking chores not directly related to the BIG DINNER - I’m making a large pot of Senate Navy Bean soup. Well, let me back up for a moment here. I’ll give you the official version which I always enjoy when in Washington D.C. ( although I missed it this time, since NAA was paying for my wonderful dinner elsewhere) - then I’ll give you my LIBERAL, PORK-LADEN version.

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Oven roasted, stuffed turkey breast in under one hour

I was watching Tyler Florence on the television this afternoon during my treadmill workout - yes, that way I can dream about cooking and eating with glorious abandon. I have a vivid imagination which always exceeds my ability to drop that last four pounds. Damn. He did a wonderful roasted, stuffed turkey breast that really captured what I wanted to do on Thursday.

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Mavens' Thanksgiving Dinner 2008 menu

We’re having the daughter and son-in-law to be over from Marin County, and since we want to visit as much as cook, I want to make some of this menu ahead - actually something I always do.

Last year I did a large Capon chicken rather than a turkey, but the turkey just appeals to me this year. Because I don’t need the mess of carving and angst over an under/over done bird, I’m going to butterfly it ( see cooks illustrateds’ website for the technique ) and roast it over the stuffing in my european style electrolux convection oven. The haricot vert is a favorite, and the trifle sounds fun to make.

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Thanksgiving dinner: Easy make ahead turkey gravy

For more flavor, after roasting the turkey you can skim the drippings from the pan and add them to the gravy just before serving. It’s best to discard the strong-tasting liver before using the giblets. This recipe makes enough to accompany a large turkey and still have plenty for leftovers.

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How to make a pie crust and pumpkin pie

A demo of how to make Pumpkin Pie and Flaky Pie Dough by Cindy Mushet, author of the cookbook The Art and Soul of Baking. The Art and Soul of Baking from cooking authority Sur La Table guides readers through the world of baking.

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How to make a simple cranberry relish for your Thanksgiving feast

Cranberry relish is a tangy sauce that is a favorite at holiday meals. Allen Smith shares his recipe for an easy way to make this side dish using just three simple ingredients

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How to make perfect mashed potatoes

The kitchen queen shows how easy it is to whip up perfect, fluffy mashed potatoes.

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