Today, my husband and I had a quiet Thanksgiving dinner at home, just the two of us. This was the first year where I felt totally prepared. We selected all the recipes in advance and went to the grocery store early in the week. I didn’t forget anything so I didn’t have to go back and fight crowds!

While I do have some family recipes that we’ve used in the past, I decided to try some new ones to potentially add to the tradition. Here’s what we had, which is pretty typical of an American Thanksgiving:

Jalapeno, Sausage, Jack, and Egg Breakfast Braid

Jalapeño, Sausage, Jack, and Egg Breakfast Braid – we had this for breakfast, to give us energy to cook all morning! It was so good and can easily be made with different ingredients. One of these days, I’m going to make it with calzone fillings.

Naked Grape, Pinot Grigio – this too helped provide energy for cooking!

Classic Herbed Bread Dressing – the fresh sage and thyme really make this recipe wonderful! I have a family dressing recipe that I sometimes use, but I like to alternate years with this one.

Green Bean Casserole – this was my first time making this recipe. I really like the use of fresh green beans. And even though I am a cheese head, it really does not need the cheddar on top. Next time, I’ll just add a few more French fried onions to the top for extra crispiness. Either way, it was very good!

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes – I just made this one up along the way. Red and russet potatoes, roasted garlic, butter, dollop of sour cream, milk, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper. Came out pretty good!

Turkey – I made the mistake of buying a run of the mill bird. My husband wasn’t pleased. But I had made up my mind that when I was done doing the food shopping, I was truly done. I bought turkey bags and twine though so that made up for us not brining the turkey first. I also used a random mix of spices from the cupboard which worked out great. Now time to make turkey chili!

Homemade Cranberry Sauce – I made this last year and will never again buy canned cranberry sauce! 1 cup sugar, pinch of salt, 3/4 cup orange juice – bring to boil in small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium, add 12 oz of cranberries and watch them pop over the next 5-15 minutes. Viola!

Sweet Potato Pie – my brother-in-law always made these each year but this time my husband decided to learn how to make them so that he can master a recipe for years to come. It turned out delicious!

I am thankful for my husband, family, and health, and thank God for it all. I wish you and yours Happy Thanksgiving!