Thanksgiving is one of the many highlights of the fall season, bringing about good food and treasured time with family. However, as much as all of us love spending time with our families, Thanksgiving break is also a time to spend time with our friends both from college and back home. Most of us are not lucky enough to be attending the same college as our old best friends, but a great way to reconnect with them during this holiday season is to throw your very own Friendsgiving. Whether celebrated either before or after the actual holiday, there is nothing better than spending some time with your closest friends eating great food. Friendsgivings are usually done potluck style with food inspired by the holiday but without the hard work and time spent making an actual Thanksgiving feast. Here are a few ideas for easy, but festive foods to bring to your Friendsgiving this year.
1. Festive Veggie Platter
https://www.smartschoolhouse.com/collections/thanksgiving-recipe-ideas/2
This adorable platter is easily prepared, but is surely a crowd pleaser. Simply buy a pre-made veggie platter from a grocery store, or pick and choose from your own favorite vegetables. Try to stick to vegetables that are fall colors, such as carrots and bell peppers. Once you have your veggies picked out, arrange them on a plate to mimic a turkey. Serve with any dipping sauce of your choice.
2. Pumpkin Spice Popcorn
https://www.cakieshq.com/recipe/pumpkin-spice-popcorn/
Fall is the season of pumpkin spice everything from Starbucks coffee drinks to cookies. What snack for your Friendsgiving is better than pumpkin spice popcorn? Melt down 3 tbsp of butter in a sauce pan. When melted add in ¼ of sugar, 1 tbsp of water, ¼ tsp of salt, and ¼ tsp of vanilla extract, and 1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice. Stir together until the sauce has a caramel-like consistency. Once everything is thoroughly dissolved, pour the mixture over your popcorn. After the popcorn is completely coated in the sauce, place the popcorn onto a cookie tray and pop into the oven, stirring occasionally until the sauce absorbs into the popcorn and dries into a crispy coating. If you want to add a bit more fall flair, you could make this into a sort of trail mix by adding in yellow, orange, and brown m&m’s, pretzels, and peanuts.
3. Grilled Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sandwiches
https://www.foodiecrush.com/turkey-cranberry-brie-grilled-cheese-sandwich/#more-3216
This entree is especially great if you need a way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers. Take whatever bread of your choice and butter both sides. You’re going to be making this sandwich like a grilled cheese. Fill your sandwich with turkey, cranberry sauce, brie cheese (or any cheese on hand), and avocado. Heat up a pan on medium heat, and place your sandwich in the pan, butter side of the bread down. Flip the sandwich when the bread is crispy and brown, and repeat with the other piece of bread. Best served hot with the cheese melted.
4. Turkey Cupcakes
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/313352086552924570/
These cute cupcakes are the perfect dessert to end your Friendsgiving feast. You can either make your own cupcakes or buy store-made ones. This dessert is also a great way of using up old Halloween candy. Simply decorate the top of the cupcake with oreo cookies, m&m’s, candy corn, or any candy you have on hand. Assemble the candy into the shape of a turkey and this delectable treat is finished!
5. Fall Cocoa
http://its-pumpkin-season.tumblr.com/image/96649430086
There is nothing better than cozying up by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. To add a fall twist to this traditional festive drink, simply add cinnamon. Pour milk into a pot and add at least 2 cinnamon sticks, depending on the amount of cocoa being made. Heat the milk and the cinnamon sticks until hot. Stir in your hot chocolate mix of choice until dissolved. Serve with marshmallows or whipped cream. If you go the whipped cream route, top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder to finish it all off.
This season only comes around once a year, so make sure to indulge in these festive foods and to make the most out of your Friendsgiving.