Thanksgiving is a time to gather together with family and friends with tables groaning under the weight of large meals with lots of people gathered around. While this is the image of Thanksgiving, it isn’t always the reality. There are many reasons why it may just be the two of you at Thanksgiving.
You may have been transferred or moved away from where your family lives or you may just not have any family left. Your children may have all moved away or it may just be the two of you by choice. No matter what the reason, just because you are having a Thanksgiving for two doesn’t mean that it should not be just as special.
The first thing to decide is what you want to have for your protein. Not all turkeys are twenty pounds. If the thought of even an eight-pound turkey is more than you can handle, there is always a turkey breast. If it doesn’t need to be turkey then you can choose to go with a roasting chicken or Cornish game hens.
If you want something traditional, you can still have stuffing, you just won't make as much as when you stuff a turkey. So many great recipes are available. You can choose to add sausage, chestnuts, fruit or just about anything that sounds delicious to you.
Take extra care in setting up and decorating your table. Take out your best linens, dishes and silverware. Use your serving dishes and add a festive centerpiece. Just because it is only the two of you, there is no reason to make it any less about being thankful and special.
Vegetables and side dishes lend themselves very well to smaller portions especially if you are using fresh vegetables. You don’t have to peel and mash five pounds of potatoes; you can do two or three large potatoes. Make them extra special by using real butter and a little cream and chives. You can buy just a couple of small turnips, pearl onions, green beans or whatever you love for sides. Consider roasting some root vegetables with some Brussels sprouts for a taste of the season.
When it comes to desserts, having an entire pie may be too much for you. Consider making tarts. You can make the crust yourself with your usual recipe and just make little pies. You can do several in a variety of flavors like pumpkin, apple, sweet potato and pudding pies such as chocolate or banana cream. You might also choose to make or buy a galette; this is smaller and much more appropriately sized for just two people.
Try not to skimp, splurge a little on what you choose for this special day for just the two of you. Sit back and enjoy the good food, the companionship of your partner and the beauty of the season.
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