As Thanksgiving approaches, many groups of friends organize a “Friendsgiving” gathering where they share delectable dishes and express appreciation for each other. When planning an ideal Friendsgiving menu inspired by the Northeast culinary scene, choosing the best dishes can be a challenge. The Northeast boasts tons of irresistible holiday favorites, from delectable sweets to savory offerings. By incorporating any of the eight local recipes provided below, you're sure to have a happy (and delicious) Friendsgiving.
1. Best stuffed with oysters (Delish) — Oyster stuffing (also referred to as oyster sauce) has a rich history that can be traced back to the East Coast and is still a popular side dish among New Englanders today. This recipe retains the familiar, earthy ingredients of the filling, such as breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, and sage. However, it introduces a delightful twist by incorporating plump, aromatic oysters. The oysters infuse the filling with a unique ocean flavor, contrasting with the savory herbs and making this a flavorful dish your friends didn't see coming. See the full recipe here.
2. Maple Sweet Potato Mash (Once and a chef) — With Vermont being the leading producer of maple syrup in the United States, there's no doubt why this recipe is a crowd favorite in the Northeast. This dish combines the natural sweetness of the sweet potato with the rich, warm flavors of pure maple syrup. It's important to note that baking the sweet potato—rather than boiling it—creates a fluffier consistency. While the preparation for this take on mashed potatoes is rather simple, it still requires about an hour of hands-free cooking. So, you might want to consider cooking this dish the day before, as it can easily be reheated in the microwave. See the full recipe here.
3. Cranberry Sauce (Simple Recipes) — Cranberry sauce is a popular addition to Northeasters' Thanksgiving turkey — the majority of cranberries are grown in just five states, with Massachusetts and New Jersey among the top producers — enhancing the overall meal with the spicy, its fruity notes. To make cranberry sauce, fresh or frozen cranberries are cooked with sugar, often orange zest or juice, and sometimes spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. After cooking, cranberries transform into a delicious, jammy texture, balancing their natural bitterness with sweetness. You can customize your homemade salsa with additional ingredients such as pecans, raisins or blueberries for a more complex flavor. This classic can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to two weeks, making it a convenient recipe that you won't have to worry about on Friendsgiving day. See the full recipe here.
4. Ultimate Green Bean Casserole (The daring gourmet) — Prepare your taste buds for the ultimate green bean casserole recipe that puts a twist on the classic American side dish — created by a Campbell Soup Company employee at its Camden, NJ headquarters in the 1950s. Start by frying the bacon, onions, mushrooms and garlic. Once done, make a new mixture of flour, butter and chicken broth in a pan, mixing with the previous mixture. Fold in fresh green beans and add crispy fried onions before baking. See the full recipe here.
5. New England Roast Turkey (New York Times Cooking) — This adaptation of a classic Yankee Magazine recipe takes a little prep time, but the results are worth it. Start by rinsing the turkey in cold water, then brine it with salt, sugar, bay leaves, pepper and herbs for at least 12 hours. After broiling, roast the turkey at 425 degrees for the first 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees for another three hours. turn your bird every 30 minutes until the internal temperature is 165 degrees. Once you've let your turkey rest for at least 30 minutes, sit down with your friends and enjoy a dish that's juicy, flavorful, and perfectly golden. See the full recipe here.
6. Northern Sweet Corn (The Soccer Mom Blog) — This version of cornbread deviates from its competitor, Southern Cornbread, by having a sweeter flavor and a fluffy but moist texture. This from-scratch recipe takes about 30-35 minutes to prepare and stands out by using sugar, regular milk, and a mixture of cornmeal and flour. Prepare this mixture in a baking pan or cake pan (instead of the southern tradition of cooking in a cast iron skillet), with a generous pat of butter on top to keep the cornbread moist. If you have leftovers after your meal, the bread can be stored on the counter for a day or two and then transferred to the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. See the full recipe here.
7. Roll with pumpkin cream cheese (NewEngland.com) — If the idea of baking a cake or pie isn't your cup of tea, try this pumpkin roll recipe, which has natural fall flavors and is versatile enough for year-round dinners, but stands out when brought to the Thanksgiving table . While the cake mix includes flavors like pumpkin and cinnamon, the cream cheese filling is a separate ingredient consisting of sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and butter mixed with cream cheese. Chill before serving and watch this simple 20-minute recipe disappear from your Friendsgiving table. See the full recipe here.
8. Cheddar Cheese Crust Apple Pie (Cabot Creamery) — Popular in Vermont, this apple pie has a rich, cheddar cheese crust that adds a unique twist to the classic dessert. Combine all-purpose flour, salt, Cabot salted butter, one egg, apple cider vinegar, cold water, and grated Cabot Vermont sharp, extra-sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese for the pie crust. As for the filling, apples, sugar, maple syrup, spices and optional fresh cranberries are tossed into the pie plate. Add thin slices of cheddar cheese before covering with the rest of the pie crust. Once the pie is baked and ready to serve, fill it with Greek yogurt. This unorthodox, yet iconic combination will surprise your guests and leave them wanting more. See the full recipe here.
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