Recipe Roundup: Thanksgiving with a twist

It's that time for another Recipe Roundup!  With a big holiday gathering just around the corner, I collected a few Thanksgiving recipes... but, with a twist!

Ready to stray from the canned cranberry sauce and grandma's green bean casserole and venture into a Thanksgiving infused with spice and texture?  If you are part of my family, I can guess that you're thinking, "Probably not, Katie."  Don't worry- I won't be bringing the "Dreamsicle" sweet potatoes to Thanksgiving again!

Enjoy and happy cooking with your family!  Lots to be thankful for!  Including YOU!
    .ryn

Preparing a perfectly-coordinated, flavorful meal for dozens of people who have been dreaming of this meal for a year can amp up the stress levels a tad.  But, not when one of these pear-rosemary cocktails is in hand while you stir, chop and bake!

At this point, you've got the meal prepped and glorious smells are probably pulling people off the couch and into the kitchen by their noses... That's when you pull these mini crocks of baked artichoke dip out of your oven and give them a taste to tide them over while the turkey turns a golden brown.  That leads me to the next item...

Zip up your turkey this year with a crusty rub of Moroccan spices- cinnamon, cumin and paprika- delish!

A side of sweet and tangy cranberry shallot sauce will dress this bird up nicely and pack a punch of antioxidents when the tryptophan kicks in.

Color and crunch are the delightful features of this fresh golden beet salad. 

I cannot exclude the vanilla mashed sweet potatoes.  I love the richness of this side, even though my family does not.  They are missing out on a treat!

Roasted pumpkin and wild rice come together in this fallish cozy dish!

You're probably stuffed like a turkey by now... so pass around a tray of festive dark chocolate-dipped kumquats or orange slices for a sweet treat to conclude the feast!  It is healthy, again with the antioxidents, and low in fat.  Always a plus!

Now, walk it off and repeat a year from now.  Ciao!

What are you cooking this year?  Any family faves that you have to have in your feast? Leave me a comment or link a recipe!