At Long Last, A Thanksgiving Menu

Last year I let my family vote on what they wanted for Thanksgiving.  And then I prepared a menu.

This year, I was going to make Russian foods, until I realized how much work it would be to make a well-balanced meal that included piroshki.

Finally, I have settled on what I will make.  I will combine some old stand-bys with a few new items. I have tried to find foods that I can make in the slow-cooker along with those last minute items or the ones that need an oven.  Fortunately, my new microwave has a convection cooking feature.  I tried it out on dessert bars and pumpkin muffins and it works as well as my large oven, so this will be great for holiday cooking.

I've provided links to some of the foods I will be preparing.  If you're looking for ideas, you can start here.  It is never to early to plan, IMHO.

Pickled Salmon on Toast Points

Buttermilk-Brined Roast Turkey

Mushroom and Leek Bread Pudding

Potato and Cheese Pierogies

Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut and Mushrooms

Winter Squash and Fennel Roast

Brandied Cranberry Chutney 

Rolls w Orange Butter

Pumpkin Mascarpone Pie

Russian Apple Sharlotka

The pickled salmon is new to the family.  I've made it for friends and parties, but never for a family dinner.  I'll post the recipe with a picture after the holiday.

I'll also type up my recipe for the fresh sausage, which is great since it goes in the crock pot.

My hardest decision was picking a vegetable.  I'm saving the traditional Brussels sprouts for Christmas, I think.  And have decided that a salad is not really necessary.  So, a new recipe for squash.  We'll see who likes it.

My recognition of all things Russian lies with the sauerkraut and mushrooms. The apple dessert is new to me, never having made it before, but the timing of the recipe in my email was perfect.

I can't wait to get started.  With my baby-sitting duties, planning is everything.