Right before thinking about the Thanksgiving holiday menu, it’s time to start planning food for houseguests that weekend. In all the hubub around the turkey, it’s easy to forget that people staying with you will also need other meals and a well-stocked refrigerator. Here are two favorite breakfasts and two favorite dinners or hearty lunches, all perfect to make-ahead with a friend for your holiday guests (you’ll be glad you did this, trust me!): Zesty Breakfast Casserole and Meaty Ziti Caprese (both found in our newsletter archives), Festive and Fruity Granola and White Chicken Chili (both in our recipe section on the website).
I also plan to use my Vita-Mix Blender to whip up morning smoothies–plain yogurt, frozen strawberries, ice, and a bit of honey, and it’s an easy healthy breakfast! I’d love to hear some of our members’ plans for cooking or planning ahead for the meals surrounding the “big” Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, the days following will have some creative turkey dishes and I’d like to hear about those too.
Jennifer says
I like to make cookie dough ahead of time, form them into balls and freeze. Then right before my guests’ arrival, I pop a few in the oven. Then I put a small plate of these freshly baked cookies in the guest room to greet the weary travelers!
I also find that freezing soup ahead of time is great because a light meal of soup and salad seems to be perfect after a long drive or plane ride.
Alison says
I am a HUGE fan of cookie dough balls. In fact, my friends and I make them often together in large batches for the freezer. In fact, I just popped a few in the oven for my son to eat after he got home from a hard workout at gymnastics. Nothing beats a homemade chocolate chip cookie in 10 minutes!
Trish says
Great ideas! Can you direct me to your Meaty Ziti Caprese recipe?
Shannon says
Hi Trish, Meaty Ziti Caprese is in the October 2009 newsletter, which I hope you subscribe to! If you can’t find it in your inbox, go to our home page, click on learn more about the newsletter, and then you’ll be able to access the archive.
It’s delicious and a winner for a crowd!
beth says
What a timely email! I am expecting a very full house (inlaws from Uk) for a full two weeks and I am anxiety ridden about what to feed them daily. I’ll check the past newsletters for the recipes mentioned and also use the Vitamix tip. Thank you. Any and all tips welcome.
Beth Guthrie
Alison says
While cooking with my friend Lisa today, we talked about making a variety of sweet breads to keep on hand for breakfast during the holidays. An assortment of breads is also a really nice gift to bring and leave with the hostess! It’s something she’ll enjoy for days after you leave. My friend Kathe and I make a delicious cranberry bread every year together that freezes great! Everyone looks forward to nibbling it through the holidays, especially on Thanksgiving morning before we head out to the Macy’s parade!