Thanksgiving Dinner Done! Emeril Lagasse's Holiday 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 Emeril Lagasse 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!
Emeril's Brined, Herb-Roasted Turkey
At Thanksgiving, it's all about the bird. Chef Emeril Lagasse's brined and herb-roasted Thanksgiving turkey recipe is sure to please your holiday crowd. This recipe shows you how to make the brine, the broth, the gravy ... and cook a delicious turkey!
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Spiced Baked Ham with Potatoes
Not feeling like turkey? Emeril's Spiced Baked Ham brings together molasses, orange juice and cayenne plus a side dish of sweet potatoes. Not only is this good straight out of the oven, the ham makes amazing sandwiches the next day.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Let soup solve your pumpkin vs. pecan pie problem! Get your pumpkin fix before dessert with this creamy soup courtesy of the chef from the Big Easy. And hope you saved your seeds from carving pumpkins during Halloween. You can use them as garnish.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni
Macaroni and cheese is a staple side at many holiday dinner tables and you can't go wrong with this one, combining cheddar, Monterey Jack and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses. This is sure to be a hit and is an easy dish to make ahead at Thanksgiving or any time of year.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Roasted Beet Salad with Walnut Dressing and Cheese Crisps
Ditch the traditional cranberry sauce and try this fresh salad with red and golden beets. And don't forget the cheese crisps. Your guests will love them.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Pear Tartlets with Homemade Creme Fraiche
Rather than a heavy pie or cake, surprise your guests with something light and pear-y. Emeril's pear tartlets can be served with his homemade creme fraiche and some tea. See below.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Spiced Orange Tea
Before you send them out into the brisk air -- after the obligatory football game, seconds and thirds and tons of doggie bags, nonetheless -- serve them a cup of tea.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
The Shopping List
Butcher/Deli:
6- to 7-pound ham
bacon
1 turkey (10 to 12 pounds)
Reserved turkey neck and giblets
Baking Goods:
dark brown sugar
dark molasses
sugar
flour
vanilla bean
lilght brown sugar
Dairy and Juice:
orange juice
buttermilk
heavy cream
3/4 cup sheep's milk cheese (Bianco Sardo)
6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
2 ounces Monterey Jack cheese
unsalted butter
4 eggs
1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
milk
Oils, Condiments and Spices:
Creole or spicy mustard
horseradish
allspice
cayenne
salt
ground cinnamon
black pepper
honey
Dijon mustard
olive oil
vegetable oil
apricot preserves
sherry or Banyuls vinegar
cardamom
pumpkin seeds
cloves
garlic
evaporated milk
nutmeg
bay leaves
thyme
rosemary
sage
parsley
Fruits and Vegetables:
7 sweet potatoes or jewel yams
4 red and/or golden beets
3 pears (Anjou)
3 lemons
shallot
tarragon leaves
1 bunch baby dandelion greens
1 bunch rainbow chard
4 oranges
2 onions
pumpkin cubes
white pepper
ginger
lemon juice
2 large carrots
1 large yellow onion
celery
Frozen Goods:
puff pastry
vanilla ice cream
Miscellaneous:
Orange Pekoe tea bags
walnuts
chestnuts
elbow macaroni
chicken or vegetable stock
chicken or turkey stock, for basting
turkey broth
dry white wine