Thanksgiving is a little different in college, especially if you live in a dorm or an apartment with limited kitchen and fridge space. Here are 5 tips on how to throw a “Friendsgiving” in college, whether you’re staying in town or going home over break.
1. Opt for a potluck dinner.
This way, everyone has to bring something and you won’t have to worry about not having enough food. This will greatly decrease your time in the kitchen and make the meal more unexpected. Don’t be afraid to stray from some traditional recipes in favor of easier dishes.
2. You don’t have to cook a whole turkey.
Instead of trying to cook a whole turkey, opt for turkey cutlets, or even easier, a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. You can make up for the lack of a full turkey by adding a lot of side dishes.
3. Make some festive fall drinks.
Try this Fall Sangria recipe from Tasty:
Ingredients:
- 6 apples (Gala)
- 3 pears
- 750mL cinnamon whiskey
- 1 bottle Pinot Grigio
- 64oz bottled apple cider
- 1 liter club soda
- Cinnamon sticks to garnish (optional)
Dice apples and pears into small cubes. Place them in a bowl or jar and pour in cinnamon whiskey. Cover and let soak for 2 hours. Pour in wine, apple cider and club soda. Serve over ice with a cinnamon stick.
4. Get creative with your side dishes.
Try some different options like a homemade stovetop mac and cheese, or a different version of green bean casserole. Steam some green beans and use almonds for a topping if you don’t have an oven or the time to make the dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of (fresh or frozen) green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
Cook the green beans, then drain and transfer them to a large bowl of ice water if you are cooking in advance. Otherwise, steam the beans for 5 minutes, then move them to the skillet.
Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the fresh thyme, the Dijon mustard and garlic salt to the butter. Add the beans to the skillet and toss for about 4 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with toasted almonds and the remainder of the thyme.
5. Make something non-traditional for dessert.
For dessert, spice it up and try something other than pie. Make one of these quick three-ingredient recipes from Buzzfeed.
6. Go easy on yourself- buy paper plates.
If you want a truly easy Thanksgiving dinner, use disposable plates and silverware so you don’t have to do any cleanup.
Happy Friendsgiving!