I planned on just leaving you with a bit of Thanksgiving meal inspiration today.  I did.  But it felt wrong, you know, not sharing a new recipe and all.  It felt like going to a dinner party empty handed.  No dish to share, no bottle of wine or even fresh flowers.  It felt icky.  So it’s not going to happen.  This snack mix is your hostess gift.  I hope you like it 😉

Consider it the flavor of the week around here.  It’s nothing fancy and hardly a recipe but it’s something my kids go nuts for, pun intended.  It’s a total treat and a great snack paired with some fresh cheese.  And also, a pretty decent hostess gift…no?  Just flatter me and say so, if you don’t mind.

It’s great to have on hand and stores well in the freezer or on the counter in an air tight container for a week.  I definitely prefer making my own “trail mix” vs buying the store bought versions, or better yet, letting my kids make it:  We can add whatever we like, know exactly whats in it and it’s a tiny fraction of the cost of purchasing something already mixed up.

Now that you’ve greeted me at the door and I’ve handed over my tiny token of appreciation let’s get down to it.

Are your turkeys brining yet?  Is your grocery list made and purchased?  Got those fabulous elastic wasted pants out and ready (theres a good chance I may break out the maternity ones, just to be safe-I wouldn’t want to run out of room).  It’s Thanksgiving week, friends!  So much to reflect on, so much to be grateful for and SO much to eat.  LOVE.

I’ll be hosting a very small dinner this year.  It will be a tiny, cozy group but I had a tough time dwindling down the menu with only 6 of us….so I didn’t.  We are having a feast with way too much food..but my brain is going crazy with leftover inspiration…and you’ll be the first to know about what I come up with post Thanksgiving feast.  Save those leftovers guys, we will do lots of good with them!

So, without further ado…here are a few of my favorite “Thanksgivingish” recipes that would fit right in, just magically, with a traditional turkey dinner.  I thought I’d share as I have been digging and deciding and contemplating what is going to make the grand entrance on our table this year.

• This is whats for breakfast Thanksgiving morning.  I can assemble it ahead of time and it’s a total sure thing.  It will carry us over just perfectly until an early dinner is served…no lunch needed!
• Or wait, I forgot about this Apple Streusel Bread.  Okay, maybe I’ll add this to the breakfast list, too.
• This turkey is for sure happening.  And guess what?  I have never, ever, in my life prepared a whole turkey.  I know, how exciting is this?!  I’ve researched  my socks off and, well, the bottom line is that Ina just never, ever disappoints me.  So I’ll trust her and hope for the best.  It’s so simple and the flavors are right on par with her roasted chicken recipe that I am so in love with; it’s got to be a winner.
• Cranberry sauce is a no brainer and I love it because I don’t need a recipe-1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water and a package of cranberries is all it takes.  So simple!  But after a little chat with my big brother who made an awesome version just recently, I’ll gladly be swapping the water for apple cider and adding a few aromatic spices like cinnamon and allspice.  I might be the most excited for this one!
• I made this Spinach Gratin  the very  first year I ever hosted Thanksgiving and it’s been worthy of attendance each year since.  TO. DIE. FOR.  Again, Ina.  So no explanation needed 😉
• Definitely making this Green Bean Gratin.  My kids adore it.  Actually, we all adore it.  And it couldn’t be more simple to throw together.  Beats that cream of icky soup in the old traditional version any day.
• This little number just showed up on my Instagram feed and I might just have to find a way to add this to the list.  Cornmeal anything and I immediately salivate…it looks divine!  (btw-find me @nourishedpeach so I can follow you back and stay updated on your turkey day eats!)
• This Charred Brussels Sprout Salad would be perfect for a traditional Thanksgiving meal (minus the chicken).  The flavors are so yummy and it never hurts to have another veggie, right?
• And speaking of veggies, I made a salad last year with mixed greens, goat cheese, sliced apple and these Maple Walnuts (you could easily swap pecans).  So good.
• I’ll also be making mashed potatoes.  Just a quick tip if you don’t already; please add heavy cream and butter to your mashed potatoes instead of milk.  Please.  Just do it.  Holy hannah.
• And if you’re not hosting this year, don’t forget your hostess gifts!  Here, here and here are a few tried and true favorites.

Enjoy your time with loved ones, friends.  As we are sitting around our table sharing what we are especially thankful for this year, please know you will be on my list.  This weird, lovely, internet relationship we have grown into makes my heart sing…and your support means the world to me!  xo

Sweet, Salty + Antioxidant Rich Snack Mix

Ingredients

1 Cup Raw Walnuts

1 Cup Roasted, Salted Pumpkin Seeds

1/2 Cup Dried Fruit (we love a combination of blueberries, apricots and cranberries)

1/4 Cup Shredded, Unsweetened Coconut

1/4 Cup Chopped Dark Chocolate

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in a  medium bowl.  Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.