Here are some recipes my family has used for years that are sure to make your Thanksgiving meal something you’re really thankful for!
Turkey
Ingredients
2 packets of sweet & low,
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp paprika
(Double or triple any seasonings, as needed).
Directions: Remove the bag from inside of the turkey (which usually has the neck, etc.) and rinse the turkey. Mix all of the ingredients and apply the seasonings inside and outside of the turkey. Cover the turkey and cook it at 350°F. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the turkey, and its time will be listed on the wrapping of the turkey. Uncover it for the last hour to let it brown.
Mashed Potato Supreme
Ingredients
Hungry Jack instant mashed potatoes (milk, butter or margarine, water — add per box instructions)
3/4 of a large box of cream cheese
1 small onion, diced or grated
2 eggs
Durkins fried onions
Directions: Follow the box’s directions to make six servings of potatoes. Mix in cream cheese, onion and two eggs. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Sprinkle Durkins Fried Onions on top and bake for five more minutes.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
6-8 sweet potatoes
1 can of crushed pineapples with juice
1 bag of large or small marshmallows
1/2 cup of sugar (to taste)
Directions: Boil the potatoes until they are “gushy” and peel them. Blend the potatoes, crushed pineapples (with juice) and sugar. Put that in a casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Add marshmallows on top and cook for 15 more minutes.
Sweet Potatoes With Karo Syrup
Ingredients
Dark Karo Syrup
Margarine or butter
Dark brown sugar
Sweet potatoes
Directions: Boil the potatoes until soft (not mushy). Peel and cut them into wedges and place on a cookie sheet. Put small pieces of margarine (or butter) on each piece. Sprinkle each piece with brown sugar and then drizzle karo syrup onto each piece. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until they’re carmelized.
Campbell’s Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This one isn’t my family’s secret recipe, but it’s definitely one we use every Thanksgiving and it definitely makes the meal!
Ingredients
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) of Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 cup of milk
A dash of black pepper
4 cups of cooked cut green beans
1 1/3 cups of French’s French Fried Onions
Directions: Stir the soup, milk, black pepper, beans and 2/3 cup of fried onions in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until the bean mixture is hot and bubbling. Stir the bean mixture and sprinkle it with the remaining onions.
And of course, we can’t forget about dessert! Here’s a classic that everyone should definitely be thankful for this Thanksgiving:
Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients
1 large can of pumpkin
1 can of evaporated milk
6 tbsp of dark brown sugar
2 tbsp of white sugar
3 eggs
1/2 tsp of salt
1 tsp of cinnamon
1/2 tsp of ginger
1/2 cup of dark Karo syrup
1 tsp of vanilla
Whipped cream (optional)
1 9″ pie shell (either store bought or homemade — recipes for how to make a pie crust can be found all over the web)
Directions: Pre-heat the oven to 350°F. Mix all the ingredients together and pour into the pie shell. Bake for one hour or until you can insert a toothpick and it comes out dry. Let it cool. Top the pie with whipped cream just before serving.
Of course, all recipes are made to be adapted and customized, so feel free to take these and make them your own! From my family, and all of us here at Her Campus Mizzou, have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving!