The flashing lights and Starbucks red cup are obvious signs of the coming of the holiday season. This year, many people are cautiously adapting to a new normal—planning face-to-face gatherings, booking restaurants, and booking flights to meet relatives. But the new normal is not exactly the same as the normal situation around 2019.
Continued concerns about COVID-19 are not the only reason this holiday season looks different. Many people are reducing their holiday celebrations because they worry about food waste when so many people are still struggling. For others, living in a pandemic has inspired more creative cooking that needs to be shared.
Regardless of the lessons learned from the pandemic, the key to an amazing Thanksgiving in 2021 is to do what you want without apology.
Here are 10 very different ways to have the best Thanksgiving.
On the eve of Thanksgiving, head to one of the most festive bars in Phoenix and experience the festive atmosphere. Although some bars and restaurants light up Christmas lights throughout the year, some bars and restaurants cut off Christmas trees and decorations on the eve of Turkey Festival. Whether you are looking for an old-fashioned dive with a little Christmas cheer or a funky cocktail bar on the top of the tree, there are holiday bars for every atmosphere.
Instead of stressing the slow-thawing turkey the night before Thanksgiving, it’s better to take a rest. On important days, your guests will appreciate your festive atmosphere.
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If your traditional holiday meal includes a 20-pound stuffed turkey, freshly made gravy, a side dish "casserole" designed for 12 people, and several desserts, then the big bird is probably not necessary at all. Yes, turkey leftovers are great, but food waste is not. You can use perfectly roasted turkey breasts to create an elegant, extremely satisfying, and very relaxing feast for your dinner party. It can be cooked from freezing without thawing, which makes it easier.
success! : Chef Robin Miller explains how to make the perfect roast turkey breast
When you are hungry, any feast will taste better. After being virtual most of the time due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, Turkey Trot is back. Many of these casual, non-competitive runs benefit local charities. They range from short distances for kids to 10K for older children and adults, so there is a choice for every family and fitness level.
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Of course, turkey is the highlight, but having a little snack to let everyone get through the storm can reduce stress and make everyone have a more enjoyable day. The trick is to provide appetizers that don't increase the workload of the kitchen too much.
Robin Miller proposes emergency appetizers that require minimal ingredients and no preparation. From tender pork slices that sparkle in a sweet and savory glaze, to juicy steaks dipped in honey, soy, and spicy garlic, and cumin scented with onions, garlic, parsley, mint, and cream Cucumber and dill yogurt meatballs, as well as buttery crispy phyllo shells filled with creamy hummus and roasted peppers, all these snacks bring explosive flavors in every bite and can be done in minutes.
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Home chefs near Phoenix shared various recipes, from black eyed peas and fried cabbage to crispy Indian murukku and cream cafe de olla. Thanksgiving is a great time to try new recipes to share with friends and family and celebrate the delicious diversity of the valley.
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According to chef Robin Miller, the solution to impressive dishes is simple, just drizzle with sour vinegar or sprinkle with nut cheese. This is her top flavor-enhancing ingredient, which can refresh any side dish.
Balsamic glaze: a thick, rich syrup, very suitable for drizzling on vegetables, salads, cheese, meat, seafood and poultry. Sold next to ordinary balsamic vinegar.
Pink or gray salt: It is more delicious than ordinary salt and adds a good crispness.
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Grated Parmesan: I'm talking about high-quality Parmesan (it can be domestically produced, and it's not expensive). Freshly ground before serving adds a nutty flavor to various dishes, including condiments.
Citrus juice and peel: The acidic juices and peels of lemon, lime, and orange not only increase the flavor of the soup, but also help to enhance and balance the flavor.
Fresh herbs: The leaves of parsley, coriander, basil, oregano and thyme — sprinkled on the dishes before serving — add color and unparalleled freshness.
Delicious condiments: horseradish, spicy mustard, chutney, mustard, salsa, pesto and olive sauce can transform any dish from plain to delicious.
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Wine columnist Amelia Goe believes that it is important to have a range of fine wines on hand, but there are some particularly festive things about cocktails. In other words, high-alcohol or high-intensity cocktails may be a bit too much, which is why she serves wine cocktails, many of which can be made in advance.
The key to making a beautiful wine cocktail is to choose the right wine. Ideally, white wines used for sangria should be light-bodied, may be a little sour, and have moderate acidity. If there are a lot of crisp apples or pears on the palette, add points. It's all about balance, and these characteristics complement the addition of freshly baked spices and ginger beer. Choose a drier (read: not so sweet) Prosecco style for any recipe that needs a touch of sweetness. Mulled wine? You can choose one of two ways: go all out with a wine that already tastes like a winter wonderland, or choose a dry red to balance the flavors of citrus and brown sugar.
Mix it up! : Check out Amelia Goe’s three favorite wine cocktail recipes
As our media columnist Bill Goodykoontz discovered, you don’t have to be a good chef to enjoy the joy of cooking.
He wrote: If I can prepare a main dish, several sides, and prepare something similar at the same time, then I have accomplished something. To accomplish something—anything—has never been so important. It's all trivial now. There are many big things outside, just outside the kitchen. Cooking will not make them disappear. But for me, it pushed them away, at least for a while.
#Relatable: Read how Bill finds comfort in cooking-not always great
If you hate cooking, please don't torture yourself or unsuspecting guests. Holidays are about spending time with loved ones, remembering everything we must be grateful for and sharing delicious food. There is no requirement that delicious meals must be homemade. Many restaurants around the valley offer turkey, side dishes, desserts and full meals, which can be taken or heated up so you can pick it up and take all the responsibility.
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Or, you can skip the cooking and cleaning work and go straight out. Restaurants near the Phoenix Metro offer everything from casual plates of classic turkey and fillings to hearty buffets. You can spend your energy to dress up for a sumptuous dinner, or choose Thanksgiving brunch, and then spend an afternoon in a blissful turkey and mimosa sleep.
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Unfortunately, we haven't gotten out of the predicament yet, and COVID-19 is still a safety issue. If you plan to host a large gathering, please consider each person's vaccination situation when planning, and consider how to ensure the safety of your family and guests. Outdoor gatherings are safer than indoors, but experts agree that the best way to prevent transmission is to get vaccinated. If you are hosting a party and some guests have not been vaccinated or are at high risk, it is a good idea for everyone to be tested for COVID in advance.
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