Recipes

On Thanksgiving, I don’t think any dish inspires quite as much love and jealousy as classic stuffing. Or, for that matter, technical debate over stuffing vs. dressing. Sure, if it’s baked inside the turkey it’s stuffing, and if it’s not, it’s dressing. But to me, it will always be stuffing — it sounds so much more satisfying than dressing, which brings to mind vinaigrette. And on my table, the stuffing is always some version of this classic sage and onion mix.

Everything’s bigger in Texas.

Lentil soup is comforting, simple, and easy to throw together. It’s my go-to meal when I want something hearty but healthy, or when I’m planning a vegetarian dinner with friends on a chilly fall day. This pared-down red lentil version is the one I make most often, and it never fails to please. Red lentils are perfect when you’re in a hurry to get a meal on the table.

There are a number of reasons why it’s a great idea to have a festive non-alcoholic option on hand for Thanksgiving. Maybe there are guests who have a long way to drive home after dinner, or perhaps there are simply a few friends or relatives who don’t imbibe. Whatever the reason, having something special for everyone to sip on rather than leaving those who don’t drink to rely on just water or seltzer adds to the celebratory nature of the holiday.

Lentil soup is comforting, simple, and easy to throw together. It’s my go-to meal when I want something hearty but healthy, or when I’m planning a vegetarian dinner with friends on a chilly fall day. This pared-down red lentil version is the one I make most often, and it never fails to please. Red lentils are perfect when you’re in a hurry to get a meal on the table.

A big bowl of classic mashed potatoes make any meal a little better. Sadly, I come from a long line of mashed potato forgetters. A familiar cry heard each Thanksgiving was, “The mashed potatoes!” This could mean one of three things: Someone forgot to start them, someone forgot they were cooking, or someone forgot them in the kitchen and they were cold by the time they hit the table. This always bummed me out. I mean, we’re talking mashed potatoes here.

The air fryer has become the latest indispensable appliance and is now a staple in many home kitchens. Besides making your favorite foods perfectly crisp without using much oil, air fryers are also incredibly handy for quickly roasting vegetables in a matter of minutes. It is a great tool for when the stovetop and oven are occupied with other dishes, or for those times when you just don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

This sauce is everything.

It tastes like childhood.