Thanksgiving dinner 2023, recipes and decor ideas

Another great appetizer for any party that takes just a few minutes to assemble is the small Naan dippers, which you can buy at Costco or many supermarkets (or use any bread). 

Add a dollop of cream cheese, sliced tomato, and sliced cucumber. Cut a strip of Smoked salmon and wrap it into a rose. Sprinkle and garnish with your favorite herbs. I picked parsley. 

These appetizers will not last on your table since everyone loves them!

HOW TO MAKE COD LIVER SALAD 

I don’t have exact proportions, but here are the layers. Mayo is a very thin layer, just for flavor and to hold it together.

• Shredded potatoes
• Cod liver
• Mayo
• Thinly sliced cucumber and green onion
• salt/pepper
• Mayo
• Grated egg whites
• Mayo
• Grated egg yolks

Decorate on top as you like.

There are so many different ways to style this delectable salad. You can see it here:

As you can see, we buy Smoked Turkey from Coscto year after year. My family enjoys it, and I don’t have to stress out about making it myself. It does take a few steps for the turkey to look this good! 

HOW TO HEAT SMOKED TURKEY

You do need to reheat Smoked Turkey in the oven. It says to reheat it for 12 minutes per pound. Mine was 10 pounds, so it took 2 hours. I placed the turkey in a large roasting pan and basted it well with melted butter and spices (garlic powder, paprika, Italian spices…, etc.). You can use your favorite spices.

Covered the turkey well with heavy-duty foil and roasted it for 1 1/2 hours at 350F.

I opened it, drained the liquids, and basted it again with more butter and spices. I cooked it open for another 30 minutes.

Previous years’ Smoked Turkey presentations:

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST MASHED POTATOES

You will need:

• 3 Large Baking potatoes
• ½ Cup milk
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 Tbsp cream cheese or sour cream
• 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
• salt/pepper

Directions:

1. Peel, wash and cut potatoes into smaller pieces. Place potatoes into a medium saucepan. Add cold water to the pan until the potatoes are covered. Add a teaspoon of salt to the water. Turn the heat on to high, and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer, and cover. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until soft. Drain water.
2. In a small saucepan, bring to heat milk, butter, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Add hot mix to boiled potatoes and mash.
4. Add salt/pepper to taste.

I have stuffed pumpkin with rice, onions, bell peppers, and beef. 

HOW TO PREPARE STUFFED PUMPKIN

For the filling, you will need:

•  small pumpkin
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 Tbsp Za’atar (or Italian spices)
• salt/pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Wash the pumpkin and cut a circle around the top stem. Remove the top and set aside. Discard the seeds and loose fibers from the inside. 
2. In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion, and bell pepper over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Add cooked rice and spices. Adjust the flavors to taste. 
3. Place the pumpkin in a baking pan. Brush it with Olive oil. Firmly pack the beef mix into the pumpkin. Add the top.
4. Wrap tightly in heavy-duty foil and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour until tender. Time depends on the size and type of your pumpkin.
5. Remove and serve.

Tip: You can also prepare this dish in advance. Just reheat it in the oven on the day of serving.

A friend of mine gifted me a pair of these beautiful and unusual serving plates. I’ve decided to use one of them and serve two different types of vegetables with the smoked turkey.

On one side of the dish, I have pan-seared green beans, red pepper, onions, mushrooms, and corn with Za’atar seasoning and roasted bell peppers with garlic and onions marinated on the other.

There are a few more items on the holiday table. Light and refreshing Mimosa from Costco. 

Additional Naan dippers were served.

For the Dessert, we had our favorite Tuxedo Chocolate Cake from Costco! 

Some of the fruit on the table.

And always Fresh flowers for the celebration.

All the best from my family to yours!