Turkey Day or Bust

First of all, forgive me for being flaky last week posting-wise. It was birthday week! Can't a girl take it easy? And now that my birthday has indeed kicked off the holiday season, I can turn to face what is up next: Thanksgiving!
Yes, folks, it's that time of year when I have to be inordinately cautious not to drool on my keyboard. There are so many great holiday recipes online! Beware the obscene amount of foodie posts about to usurp this blog. I love food, and when it comes to the holidays I become obsessed with it.
This week Sean and I are hosting a tradition started a couple years ago by our friends the Quays, who recently relocated to Colorado. We live in a small college town, so when any sort of holiday or school sanctioned break rolls around, this place empties out like a frat party with a dry keg. That's why the weekend before this particular holiday we like to have what's called Second Family Thanksgiving: a time when we can celebrate Tday with all our friends in town. We provide the turkey and they provide all the side dishes. The only problem is I tend to get a bit carried away looking up recipes and want to make about a million things. Don't worry, I'll control myself. But I have rounded up a few of my favorite, most festive recipes to share with you. I've picked three each as far as turkey, side dishes, and desserts. Click the links below them to get the full recipes. Enjoy! -hil

turkeys

Left to Right: Cider-Brined Turkey with Star Anise and Cinnamon, Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast stuffed with Pear Hash, Pancetta-Sage Turkey

More festive recipes after the jump!

dessert

 Left to Right: Pear Cranberry and Gingersnap Crumble, Candied Mandarin Oranges with Cranberries, Pumpkin Creme Brulee

sides

 Left to Right: Broiled Brussels Sprouts with Hazelnuts, Orange-Fennel Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Acorn Squash with Apple Chestnut Stuffing