Chow Down Like a Star This Thanksgiving

Nov. 25, 2010 — -- On Thursday, many Americans will chow down on the same sort of meal. Turkey? Check. Mashed potatoes? Check. Pumpkin pie? Check.

But have you ever wanted to celebify your Thanksgiving? Add a touch of what the stars indulge in to your cornucopia of holiday classics?

Check out the recipes below from New York City restaurant Abe and Arthur's. The Meatpacking District hot spot has been doling out modern American fare to bold-faced names since it threw open its doors last year. Alyssa Milano, Nicole Richie, Brandy Norwood, Quincy Jones, Will Arnett and Robin Thicke all call themselves regulars.

You, too, might become a devotee of chef Franklin Becker's cuisine after trying out these dishes. (Swap run-of-the-mill mashed potatoes for his sweet garlic mashed sweet potatoes; score instant Thanksgiving star status.)

Abe and Arthur's Signature Sliders
These sliders are one of the most popular appetizers at Abe and Arthur's. Consider making a few batches to serve as hearty hors d'oeuvres.

Slider ingredients: 2 pounds of ground beef (Pat La Freida) shaped into 2-ounce burgers
1 jar Vlasic bread and butter pickles
2 strips applewood smoked bacon (cut into 16 pieces and cooked)
¼ pound Joe Widmer's Wisconsin Cheddar, four years old (available through mail order, or substitute a similar brand)
¼ cup Special Burger Sauce, ingredients below

Special Burger Sauce

Sauce ingredients: ¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon mayo
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon Thai sriracha sauce (available at Asian speciality stores)
Salt to taste
16 mini slider buns

Preparation: Shape the burgers into mini patties. Grill until cooked rare and top with bacon and cheese, and continue to cook till medium rare. Mix the sauce ingredients together. Top each half of the slider bun with sauce, and place a pickle on top of the burger. Place the burgers on the buns and serve.