She Strengthens

A Cozy Thanksgiving for Two: Recipes and Tips for an Intimate Celebration

Are you scaling down your Thanksgiving festivities this year? Whether you’re missing family or relieved about fewer dishes, there’s one definite upside to a gathering of two: way less competition for pie leftovers! With a little creativity, you can still enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, minus the stress and chaos.

Sheet Pan Wonders: Easy, Delicious, and Less Cleanup

Ditch the mountain of dirty dishes and opt for a super-easy two-sheet-pan Thanksgiving dinner. These recipes pack plenty of flavor with minimal fuss:

• Sweet Potato, Brussels Sprouts, and Turkey Sheet Pan Dinner: A delicious, one-pan wonder featuring sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, stuffing, and turkey.
• Butternut Squash and Turkey Sheet Pan Dinner: A flavorful, easy-to-make recipe starring butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, stuffing, and turkey.
• Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner: A classic recipe covering all the bases – turkey, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, and more!

Turkey Recipes for a Modest Feast

• Rosemary and Orange Glazed Turkey: Take the traditional route with a smaller bird and add a twist with orange and rosemary flavors.
• Baked Turkey Spinach Meatballs: Ditch the big bird and opt for garlic and spinach turkey meatballs instead.
• Roast Turkey Breast: Scale down and focus on the breasts for a simple, tender dinner.

Mains That Steal the Show

• Simple Oven-Roasted Chicken Drumsticks: A low-stress, high-reward alternative to turkey, featuring buttery rosemary-lemon drumsticks.
• Soy Dijon Pork Tenderloin: Sweet and savory marinade makes this pork dish a standout.
• Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Parmesan Salmon: A special occasion-worthy dish that pairs perfectly with classic side dishes.

Show-Stopping Sides

• Herb Roasted Tri-Colored Carrots: A colorful, flavorful veggie side dish that’s easy to make and impressive to serve.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A versatile, delicious side dish that can be dressed up or down.
• Homemade Mac and Cheese: A comforting, gooey dish that’s a Southern staple.
• Maple Browned Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Sweet and savory mashed sweet potatoes with a hint of maple syrup.
• Cranberry-Orange Relish: A tangy, sweet relish perfect for slathering on turkey or enjoying on its own.

Desserts Fit for Two

• Individual Apple Crisps: Personalized apple crisps make the perfect cap to your dinner.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Rich, pumpkin-y bars with a crumbly graham cracker crust.
• Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies: Adorable, sweet cookies perfect for enjoying over several days.

Tips for a Cozy Thanksgiving Dinner

1. Prep the Night Before: Chop veggies, make marinades, and prep pies to reduce stress and save time.
2. Plan for Leftovers: Consider what you want to eat in the days following Thanksgiving and plan accordingly. Get creative with turkey leftovers and experiment with new recipes.
3. Skip the Turkey (If You Want To!): Don’t feel guilty about opting for alternatives – there are countless options that require less effort.
4. Remember the Gratitude: Take time to discuss what you’re thankful for during your intimate celebration.