5 Quick Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving can be overwhelming, but here are 5 quick Thanksgiving recipes that can save you some time, money, and aggravation. With so much to prepare and think about during the holiday season, any time that you can save is surely beneficial. Most of the recipes are for appetizers or side dishes, as the turkey is pretty straight forward.

1. Green Beans and Garlic

• 2 lbs fresh green beans
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste (at least a 1/2 a cup) 
• 3 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Boil a large pot of water on the stove.
2. Snap the ends off of the green beans. Discard the ends, and rinse the remaining beans.
3. Slice the garlic and place in a large mixing bowl
4. Boil the green beans for 5 minutes (or less depending on desired tenderness).
5. Drain the beans; run cool water over them.
6. Add the green bens to the bowl. Then add salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir and serve!

2. Candied Sweet Potatoes

• 6-8 Louisiana sweet potato
• 1/2 stick of unsalted butter cut into pats
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dark brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon per sweet potato
• Crushed pecans

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Wrap the potatoes in foil (double wrap to avoid leakage).
3. Bake the sweet potatoes for 35 minutes. (Check for softness).
4. Slice the sweet potato open and place in a baking dish.
5. Put a dab (or desired amount) on each potatoes as well as the brown sugar and crushed pecans.
6. Lower the temperature on the oven to 350.
7. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake approximately 15-20 minutes or until the sugar bubbles. (DO NOT BURN!)

3. Bacon Wrapped Bread Sticks

• 1 package thick bread sticks (any brand will do)
• 1 package bacon (again, any brand will do)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Wrap each bread stick with one slice of bacon. Start at one end and wrap around until the stick is almost covered.  (Angle as you wrap)
3. Place bread stick on a pan and cook until the bacon becomes crispy about 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately.

4. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

• 1 bunch of asparagus
• I package of sliced prosciutto (8 oz should do)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (just to drizzle)
• Grated Romano cheese (enough to sprinkle, about 1/2 cup)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Wrap the asparagus with a piece of prosciutto; start at one end and keep wrapping. Just the stalk itself should be covered.
3. Place asparagus on a cooking pan. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil
4. Sprinkle cheese over all of the asparagus.
5. Place in the oven and bake until crispy, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

 5. Roasted Garlic Spread

• 3 Heads of fresh garlic
• Tinfoil
• Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle
• Bread or Crackers

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cut the top off the garlic (leave the skin on).
3. Drizzle with olive oil (the exposed part of the garlic bulbs).
4. Wrap with tinfoil
5. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until garlic becomes soft.
6. Use a knife to spread the garlic. Serve with bread or crackers.