Thanksgiving Dinner Made Easy: Sara Moulton's Menu!
Don't know where to start? We've done the work for you -- even a shopping list!
— -- Turkey versus ham? Cobblers versus pie? Pecan versus pumpkin?
Thanksgiving occurs every November and every year it's the same headaches: serving a moist, fully-cooked bird, creating several side dishes that everyone will love and ending the holiday celebration with a dessert or a few that has folks talking into the new year.
This year, "Good Morning America" did the hard work for you. We put together five full-course meals using recipes from some of our most popular guests like Sara Moulton and Rachael Ray to save you the time and the hassle.
At the end of each rundown is a shopping list of what you'll need from the supermarket.
Good luck!
Everything but the Turkey
If you've got the turkey cooking part down but just need help with its preparation or sauces, Sara Moulton has the answers with her pan gravy, turkey broth and turkey gravy.
CLICK HERE for her step-by-step instructions on cutting a turkey.
Southern Country Ham and Pecan Stuffing
Tired of the same old holiday sides? Moulton mixes toasted pecans and country ham. If you or your guests are anti-pork, check out her recipe for basic stuffing, sausage and dried cherry stuffing or Southwest chili and chorizo stuffing.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions on Southern Country Ham and Pecan Stuffing.
Easy, Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Orange juice. Sugar. Cranberries. Water. This refreshing side dish is so easy, it can be made on Thanksgiving Day. So take that can of cylindrical, semi-solid fruit off your grocery list.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Brussels Sprouts
Rumor has it that no one likes Brussels sprouts but Moulton proves that with some lemon juice, pancetta and Parmigiano-Reggiano, you can turn your guests -- and even maybe your kids -- into fans.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Mashed Potatoes
They can be served at dinner all yearlong but the holiday table has a special place for mashed potatoes and gravy -- just like turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy and stuffing.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Pumpkin Flan
No, we at "GMA" don't have anything against pumpkin pie. We just like to change things up a bit. With such a traditional dinner, comes an unexpected twist on an old regular. Give yourself some extra time to make this dessert and your guests will be impressed.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Shopping List
Miscellaneous:
turkey or chicken broth
brioche
pecans
chicken stock
cinnamon sticks
pureed pumpkin
Baking Goods:
flour
evaporated milk
Fruits and Vegetables:
white onions
green onion
small onion
small carrot
celery
juniper berries
allspice berries
cranberries
orange
Brussels sprouts
lemon juice
Oils, Condiments and Spices:
thyme
parsley
Turkish bay leaf
salt
pepper
sugar
cloves
black peppercorns
sage leaves
fresh thyme
bay leaves
tarragon leaves
garlic
dried sage
gumbo powder
vegetable oil
dark rum
ground ginger
nutmeg
crystallized ginger
Butcher or Deli:
12- to 20-pound turkey
country ham
pancetta or bacon
Dairy and Juice:
butter
heavy cream
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
fresh orange, tangerine, clementine juice
eggs
whole milk orange juice