It’s the Cranberry Superbowl right now and I have three Thanksgiving recipes that you are going to love. All of them feature this tart, tasty berry. With only 7 days until we eat, check out some of these family favorites.
- Cranberry Nut Braid – My bread maker recipe gives you luscious cranberry flavor in every bite. This one uses your dough setting and then you add cranberry filling-sort of like a cinnamon roll. The crazy part is when you cut and braid the pieces to make the beautiful patterned bread. It looks so fancy and no one has to know how easy it was!
- Cranberry Bars – Why not use your cranberries to make a dessert that is both tart and sweet. We love these because they are different. Perfect for the holiday, they are also fun to pack into a lunch. Be ready; they disappear fast!
- Cranberry Orange Jelly – Yes, there is always a place for cranberry jelly out of a can at our table. This recipe is ALSO welcome, and most of us have both on our plates. It’s so easy you won’t believe it.
It’s only one week until Thanksgiving, and by now you should have your meal planned, grocery list at least started, and maybe a decoration or two on the wall. I have been getting some questions sent to me in messenger, and thought you might be interested in them.
Q&A
Q. Dear Farming Wife, I want to put my frozen turkey in the fridge today. Will it spoil by next Thursday?
A. Short answer is NO. Tomorrow is officially the day for pulling turkeys of a certain size out of the freezer and putting them in the fridge, but if past experience has taught me anything, it’s that they thaw slowly…very slowly. In fact, I have to take mine out and put it into the fridge tonight because I won’t be home tomorrow to do it when I normally do.
Q. Amy, can I brine a frozen turkey? Is it necessary?
A. Yes! Brining is always a yes in my book. It adds fantastic flavor that even enhances your gravy (and canned turkey soup if you are so inclined.) I have seen people say that it isn’t necessary because store bought, frozen turkeys are injected with brine, but to that I say, pish posh. Brine is so much more than simply salted water. Your homemade brine (I share the recipe next week) is so much more than salt and water. You will taste it in every bite and it’s so easy to do. Brining isn’t necessary however. If you suffer from dry turkey syndrome, a turkey bag will ensure your turkey remains moist and juicy no matter what.
Q. Dear Amy, I can’t cook at all. Now, I have to make my first Thanksgiving meal for 5 people! Can you help?
A. Of course. First off, good for you for giving it a try. Thanksgiving is all about spending time with loved ones and sharing a meal. It doesn’t “have” to look any certain way, so maybe that will help your stress level. Just do what you want.
I share a Thanksgiving Countdown because cooking is something I really enjoy doing. It doesn’t mean you need to do what I do. I can think of every part of a Thanksgiving meal that can be purchased already made. You don’t have to scratch cook any of it.
Finally, as I always say, it’s a real treat to eat something that someone else has prepared for me. Although I love cooking, it’s fun when I don’t have to as well. So, make a little dinner, give out the hugs and welcoming smile when your family/guests arrive. That’s really what Thanksgiving is all about.
PS Let me know if you need any specific cooking help. I am always available via messenger or email me.
Warmly,
Amy J
The Farming Wife
