Treats for Turkey Day
November 28, 2017
Let’s be real: Thanksgiving is about the food. Sure, family comes from all over the country–and in some cases–all over the world, but really, what everyone is most excited for is the meal. Of course, seeing grandma and grandpa is nice, but when thinking about the well-seasoned turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and all of the appetizers, mouths water like crazy. This year, start out a wonderful night with these three appetizers to get your taste buds ready for all the different flavors coming your way.
Apple pie bites (recipe used with variation from theblondcook.com)
You know the drill: The whole family is sitting around the table, chattering joyfully, ignoring their bulging bellies that is the ultimate cheat day from their diets. Of course, you have your own food baby to worry about. There is no way you can eat another bite, but grandma comes out of the kitchen carrying these massive pies, and you know that you are going to be held hostage at the table to be force-fed a slice before you can leave. This year, however, take a break from the routine with these apple pie bites, which satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you from exploding from food consumption.
Ingredients: 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, three tablespoons melted butter, one apple that is cored and sliced into eight (1/2-inch) slices, one (8-ounce) can Pillsbury Original crescent rolls, 1-1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 1-1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon allspice. Optional: 1/3 cup chopped pecans.
Procedure: (1) Place ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, brown sugar and allspice into small bowl. Mix until well blended. (2) Preheat oven to 375 F. (3) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (4) Arrange crescent roll triangles on baking sheet. (5) Taking the brown sugar mixture, evenly sprinkle into each roll. Do the same with the chopped pecans. (6) Melt butter in small bowl and toss each apple slice with in it. (6) Place apple slices on the wide end of each triangle, wrapping the dough around each apple. (6) Brush tops of each crescent roll with remaining butter. Sprinkle lightly with additional brown sugar mix. (7) Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Pumpkin’s Progress for Pilgrims (recipe used from creativehomemaking.com)
Imagine all of the scents, sounds and feelings of fall squeezed together and strained into a cup: Now you have an idea of what Pumpkin’s Progress for Pilgrims tastes like. Though perfect for fall weather, this autumn-inspired drink can be wonderful for any time of year when you feel like you need a little more spice in your life.
Ingredients: 1 can of pumpkin puree, 1 can of frozen apple juice concentrate, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon and 2 1/2 of water.
Procedure: (1) Remove the pumpkin from the can into a bowl and freeze for an hour. By the time it is taken out of the freezer, it should be slushy. (2) In a blender, combine the partially frozen pumpkin, the frozen apple juice concentrate, and spices. Blend until smooth. (3) Continue to blend while adding the water.
Optional: To make this drink more of a dessert, put a few scoops of vanilla ice cream into the cups before pouring the Pumpkin’s Progress for Pilgrims to make an ice cream float.
Cheese Presses (recipe used with variation from foodnetwork.com)
Cheese platters are always a hit at parties. No matter the event, the platter of cheese and its accompaniment of meat is constantly flocked with family members. This Thanksgiving, take a break from the usual cheese platter and bring these cheesy appetizers to the table.
Ingredients: 1 1/2 blocks 10 oz. bricks of sharp cheddar cheese, 1 stick of softened butter, 1 1/4 of all-purpose flour, and, to taste, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and cooking spray.
Procedure: (1) Grate cheese while cold and leave out until soft. (2) Preheat oven to 325 degrees. (3) Add cheese and softened butter into mixing bowl. Using a heavy duty mixer with its heaviest paddle attachment, mix until creamy. This step will take approximately 5 to 8 minutes. (4) In a large bowl, combine and mix the flour, salt, cayenne pepper, pepper and garlic powder. Gradually add in mixture with large spoonfuls, beating well after each addition. When finished, dough should be stiff, but still soft enough to form. Add more flour if needed. (5) Lightly spray two cookie sheets with cooking spray. (6) Form dough into one inch balls. Flatten each with a fork. (7) Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. (8) When done, set cheese presses individually on a wire rack until cool.
