Tag: Thanksgiving

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Cottage Life

Everything you need for your dream Thanksgiving table

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With fall in full swing, Thanksgiving marks the start of this year’s holiday season. There’s no better way to get in the festive spirit than to shop the latest table-top must-haves, so your friends and family can celebrate in style. We’re rounding up the top essentials you need to create the ultimate Thanksgiving table, just in time for the upcoming holiday season.

Set of 10 coloured glass coupes

Cheers the holiday season with this beautiful 10-piece glass coupe set from OUI, which features a modern design that’s perfect for wining and dining guests. It’s also the ideal glass to accent your festive Thanksgiving toast, and there are an array of thoughtful colour options for guests to choose from.

Buy from Indigo
$65

Our Table Locklin napkins in teal (set of 4)

Dress up your tablescape with this set of napkins featuring a delicate chambray weave and hemstitch detailing. This is a must-have essential for gravy-covered fingers. Choose the colour that best suits your fall theme.

Buy from Bed, Bath & Beyond
$30

Our Place dinner plates (set of 8)

No Thanksgiving tablescape is complete without a set of beautiful dishes, and these ones from Our Place are the perfect addition to any festive feast. They’re porcelain, hand-painted, and super easy to stack, making set up and clean up a breeze.

Buy from Our Place
$130
$100

Gold flatware set (24 pieces)

A dream tablescape for this Thanksgiving season must include a stunning cutlery set to help guests enjoy their meals. In this particular set, the gold-colour detailing is super on-trend and will be sure to add a chic touch to your festive holiday dinner table.

Buy from Amazon
$39.99

Buffalo check cotton blend tablecloth

Nothing says “cozy cottage” more than plaid. Whether you’re at home or at the cottage for Thanksgiving, this plaid tablecloth from Home Depot will make you excited for cool fall days.

Buy from The Home Depot
$47.13
$37.70

Holiday Living 16-in pumpkin decor centrepiece with harvest florals

Don’t forget to decorate your Thanksgiving table with some fall decor! This beautiful centrepiece features a festive floral design that looks like you went outside and collected the most beautiful fallen branches, leaves, and berries.

Buy from Lowe’s
$39.99

Acacia wood serving board

Bring the outside in and serve your guests in style with this acacia wood server exclusive to Indigo. It’s a dream entertainer’s piece, measuring 12″ in diameter,—you can use it to plate and serve everything from appetizers to snacks to desserts.

Buy from Indigo
$29.50

Amazon Basics 5-piece stainless steel serving set

With the holiday season upon us, you’ll need to ensure you have the perfect serving utensils to share and serve your delicious Thanksgiving meal with all of your hungry guests. This set from Amazon is functional and stylish without breaking the bank.

Buy from Amazon
$23.18

Foliage vines artificial garland greenery

When we think of Thanksgiving, we usually picture reds, oranges, and browns—but why not bring a little greenery to the table? Put this garland down the middle of your table and place acorns and pumpkins around it to evoke an upscale woodsy theme.

Buy from Amazon
$34.55
$23.59

Kuraidori Select 4-piece mason jar set

If you’re looking for a rustic feel at your Thanksgiving table, try serving drinks in mason jars. From mulled mine to your favourite pop, these cute glasses can hold it all. Plus, the little chalkboard plaque gives everyone a place to write their name.

Buy from Home Hardware
$29.99
$8.97

White and black marble hexagon coasters

Coasters are a must-have for housing hot cups or plates, so you don’t have to yell to Uncle John about the rings he left on our favourite table. Plus, these coasters are ultra-chic so they’ll amp up your Thanksgiving vibe.

Buy from Rona
$28.99

OUI rectangular serving platter

Dinner is served! This stoneware platter is perfect for sharing your go-to dishes this Thanksgiving. It’s handcrafted in Portugal, features a warm glaze, and is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. It’s a functional and fashion-forward must-have for your tablescape.

Buy from Indigo
$29.99

OUI smooth taper candles (set of 8)

Maintain a cozy ambiance this Thanksgiving with this set of candles from OUI. The tapered look creates a modern vibe for your table. Just be sure to pop them into a secure holder so they stand strong throughout the hours of eating and drinking.

Buy from Indigo
$32.50

Categories
Cottage Life

How to make gravy (the easy way)

Photo by stockcreations/

 

gravy boat being poured

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How to make gravy (the easy way)

Stressed about the gravy? Relax. Gravy is not alchemy; it’s not heart-attack-in-a-boat; and anyone claiming divine right to make it every year has a bad attitude, not a secret skill. Gravy is liquid, usually flavourful broth, thickened with starch. That’s all.
Course: Thanksgiving
Keyword: gravy, Turkey, Turkey dinner

Instructions

  • Start with chicken, turkey, beef, or vegetable broth, homemade or low-salt store bought. Reduce it in a saucepan over high heat until about a third to half has boiled away.
  • Optional flavour boost: if the bottom of the roasting pan looks delicious, not burnt, strain drippings into a heat-proof measuring cup. Slowly skim off fat from the cup, leaving just enough to feel naughty. Place roasting pan over medium-high heat, pour in a healthy glass of wine (or broth), and scrape up stuck-on brown bits. Add this wine mixture and the liquid in the cup to the reduced broth.
  • Gravy is usually thickened with roux: for each cup of reduced broth, melt 1 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat, and add an equal amount of flour. Cook the roux, stirring, until it smells a bit like toast. More browning adds flavour and colour but reduces thickening power. Whisk roux into the hot broth, and simmer a few more minutes. 

Notes

Now, adjust. Add salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste. Too thick, add broth. Too thin, whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water, a bit at a time. Lumpy? Strain it. If a secret ingredient gives you a thrill, a little soy sauce, miso, nutritional yeast, or even MSG will add a savoury, umami boost. Just be careful; it’s not secret if everyone can taste it.
Categories
Cottage Life

Who says potatoes are boring? Potato puffs, two ways

Photo Liam Mogan

Whether you are “Camp Scalloped” or “Gotta be Mashed”, you’re covered with these two tasty spud dishes with a twist. These potato puffs can be made ahead and offer portion control. Or you can just eat a lot of them, portion control be damned.

Hash Brown Puffs

David Grenier

Ready to try something new in the potato department? This crowd pleaser might just be a new favourite. ”Every family gathering of ours involves at least one (or three) casserole dishes of cheesy potatoes,” says editor-in-chief Michelle Kelly. ”I’ve heard them called ‘funeral potatoes,’ but we just call them ‘schwartzies.’ No idea why. What they lack in elegance, they make up for in taste—my favourite thing to eat, full stop.”

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Prep Time 30 mins
Baking time 35 mins

Course dinner, Fall, Side Dish, Thansgiving
Cuisine Canadian, classic, Cottage, Fall, Family, Thanksgiving

Servings 12 puffs

Ingredients

  

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1
  • large yellow onion coarsely grated (about 2 cups)
  • 4 cups
  • frozen hash brown potatoes partially thawed (15-20 minutes)
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 can
  • cream of mushroom soup
  • undiluted 284 ml
  • 2 cups old cheddar grated, divided
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 5 sprigs fresh thyme leaves removed
  • ¼ cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease or spray a 12 cup non-stick muffin tin.
  • In a non-stick skillet, heat butter over medium heat, and sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add hash browns, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, for 10-12 minutes.
  • In a bowl, stir soup and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar until well combined. Fold in eggs and thyme, and then potatoes. Season with pepper to taste. Divide mixture evenly into prepared muffin tin (see Tip), rapping tin on counter to remove any air pockets. Top with remaining cheese, and sprinkle bread crumbs over top.
  • Bake on middle rack for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden. Allow to rest 5 minutes. Run a small knife around sides before removing puffs from tin.

Notes

Tip An ice cream scoop makes dividing the mash faster and cleaner.

Make ahead Store mixture in fridge, and scoop when ready to bake. Or bake, cool completely, wrap well with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to two days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes, loosely covered in foil to prevent drying.

Keyword hash brown puffs, hash browns, potatoes, schwartzies, Thanksgiving
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Or, if you just can’t do Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes, these potato puffs are a twist on the classic.

Mashed Potato Puffs

David Grenier

In case Thanksgiving isn’t Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes.

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Cook Time 30 mins
Bake Time 35 mins

Course Appetizer, dinner, Potatoes, Side Dish, Thanksgiving, Vegetables
Cuisine Canadian, classic, Cottage, Holiday, Thanksgiving, Traditional

Servings 12 puffs

Ingredients

  

  • 6 medium Yukon gold potatoes (about 2 lbs) scrubbed clean and roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic peeled and minced
  • 1 cup grated parmesan divided
  • ¼ cup 35% cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 3 tbsp chopped chives

Instructions

 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease or spray a 12 cup non-stick muffin tin.
  • Place potatoes and garlic in a saucepan, and cover with water. Cover pan with lid, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until tender, no more than 25 minutes. Drain well.
  • Return potatoes in pan to heat, uncovered, and allow for excess moisture to evaporate, about 1 minute. Remove from heat, and mash potatoes and garlic in pot (about 4 cups purée.) Add 3/4 cup of the parmesan, and the cream, butter, and salt, and mix until smooth. Season with pepper to taste.
  • Fold in eggs and chives until completely combined. Divide mixture evenly into prepared muffin tin (see Tip, above), rapping tin on counter to remove any air pockets. Top with the remaining parmesan.
  • Bake on middle rack for 30-35 minutes until golden, allow to rest 5 minutes. Run a small knife around sides before removing from tins.

Keyword hash browns, mashed potatoes, potato puffs, potatoes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Pair these potatoes with our Grilled Spatchcocked Turkey and Herbed Dressing. These recipes were originally published in the October 2020 issue of Cottage Life. 

Categories
Cottage Life

Roasted fall veggies

Liam Mogan

We love a traditional fall dinner, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make it better, easier, and more fun. No one can argue with roasted fall veggies, such as squashes and carrots, and these ones make the day-of smoother when you prep them ahead.

Roasted Fall Veggies

Add crumbled feta or goat cheese and a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pistachios, for extra flavour.

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Cook Time 45 mins

Course dinner, Side Dish, Thanksgiving
Cuisine Canadian, classic, Fall, Holiday, Thanksgiving

Servings 12 people

Ingredients

  

  • 1 acorn squash halved, seeded, and cut in ½-inch slices
  • 2 bunches carrots trimmed, peeled, halved
  • 2 red onions peeled, each cut into 8 wedges
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 8 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Line a large cookie sheet with parchment. Place all vegetables on the sheet and toss with oil, syrup, and thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. (To make ahead, store dressed veggies in the fridge in a sealed bag for up to a day.)
  • Roast 45 minutes, turning once halfway through, or until tender and caramelized in places. Transfer to a serving platter.

Keyword Autumn, carrots, Fall, onions, Roasted Vegetables, squash
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Categories
Potins

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon to spend Thanksgiving together

Ben Affleck will spend Thanksgiving with Matt Damon.

The ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ star – who has been friends with Matt since their school years – will celebrate the holiday next week (11.27.14) in Brentwood, Los Angeles, alongside their wives, children and Ben’s mother.

Speaking of their plans, Ben said: ”My mother is staying with us now and we’ll all go down the street to Matt Damon’s house.

”We’re all invited. Matt and my family are all like one big extended family for Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to it a lot.”

Ben and Jennifer, both 42 – who have three children together: Violet, 8, Seraphina, 5, and Samuel, 2 – usually spend the Thanksgiving holiday with Jennifer’s younger brother, Casey.

She explained: ”This year we’re going to Matt’s house, but usually I cook and Casey and his family come over.

”This year Casey is going to be in Boston and we’ll be home.”

Meanwhile, the ‘Draft Day’ star also revealed that the couple wouldn’t be showing up to Matt and Luciana Barroso, his wife’s, party empty handed with Jennifer cooking a family favourite.

She told Us Weekly: ”I’ll still cook some stuff.

”Ben and the kids want me to take my grandmother’s sweet potato pudding so I’ll make that.”

Her husband added: ”I know I’m not cooking!

”I’ll bring some wine for sure – wine will be flowing – but I’ll be focused on the turkey. I know I’ll be eating a lot of turkey at Matt’s house.”

Categories
Potins

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon to spend Thanksgiving together

Ben Affleck will spend Thanksgiving with Matt Damon.

The ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ star – who has been friends with Matt since their school years – will celebrate the holiday next week (11.27.14) in Brentwood, Los Angeles, alongside their wives, children and Ben’s mother.

Speaking of their plans, Ben said: ”My mother is staying with us now and we’ll all go down the street to Matt Damon’s house.

”We’re all invited. Matt and my family are all like one big extended family for Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to it a lot.”

Ben and Jennifer, both 42 – who have three children together: Violet, 8, Seraphina, 5, and Samuel, 2 – usually spend the Thanksgiving holiday with Jennifer’s younger brother, Casey.

She explained: ”This year we’re going to Matt’s house, but usually I cook and Casey and his family come over.

”This year Casey is going to be in Boston and we’ll be home.”

Meanwhile, the ‘Draft Day’ star also revealed that the couple wouldn’t be showing up to Matt and Luciana Barroso, his wife’s, party empty handed with Jennifer cooking a family favourite.

She told Us Weekly: ”I’ll still cook some stuff.

”Ben and the kids want me to take my grandmother’s sweet potato pudding so I’ll make that.”

Her husband added: ”I know I’m not cooking!

”I’ll bring some wine for sure – wine will be flowing – but I’ll be focused on the turkey. I know I’ll be eating a lot of turkey at Matt’s house.”

Categories
Potins

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas to reunite at Thanksgiving

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas are planning a Thanksgiving reunion.

The estranged couple – who have children Dylan, 13 and Carys, 10 – are hoping to give their 13-year marriage another go during the holiday season and will reportedly spend the day (11.28.13) together as a family at their multi-million dollar apartment in Bedford, New York City.

A source told The Sun newspaper: ”It is baby steps at the moment. They have given each other a lot of space, and at this moment they are planning to be together with the children.

”They are likely to be getting together at their Hamptons estate for a holiday gathering. But Catherine hopes that she may be able to get away with them all to a sunny climate – nothing is finalised.

”They are keeping things very private at the moment. They are not back together as a full-time couple, but are not taking off wedding rings.

”Their focus is spending time with the children and having fun. Alone time could help them move forward.”

Although the ‘Behind the Candelabra’ star fled from the family home in August to take some time apart from his wife and work on their ”issues”, the pair have been in regular contact since.

The 69-year-old actor thanked the Welsh beauty during his Outstanding Lead Actor acceptance speech at the Emmy Awards last month, and told journalists on the red carpet he was hopeful they could save their marriage.

The couple’s union has been rocked by numerous stresses in the last three years including Michael’s battle with throat cancer in 2010 and Catherine, 43, checking into rehab twice to help with her Bipolar II disorder.
 

Categories
Nouvelles quotidiennes

NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade this Thursday

This Thursday (November 24), giant balloons and marching bands will take over the streets of New York City as the 85th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade gets underway, reports About.com.

The show begins at 9 a.m. at Central Park West. From there, the parade will travel along 77th Street to Columbus Circle, then along Central Park South and 7th Avenue, before taking 42nd Street to 6th Avenue, 6th Avenue to 34th Street, and finally wrapping up at Macy’s Herald Square.

Near the beginning of the route, the parade should last about an hour and a half, but will swell to a three-hour show by the time the balloons, bands and floats reach the end of the route.

To ensure a good spot, many parade fans will show up as early as 6:30 a.m. on the morning of the show. For those who prefer to watch from the comfort of home, the parade will be broadcast on NBC from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Revelers can also stop by the Museum of Natural History on Wednesday (November 23) to watch the massive balloons being inflated between 3 and 10 p.m.