Since our 2020 Spirited Thanksgiving will look different this year, we decided to create new traditions that might even become permanent fixtures. Namely, this holiday season, each daughter is planning what is included in our holiday menus. The eleven-year-old (aka Toodle) picked Christmas and the seven-year-old (aka Twinkle) picked our 2020 Spirited Thanksgiving Menu.
I thought our holiday menus might look like we let the girls run wild in the convenience store. But they selected traditional menu items. And I have to say, the girls are significantly more mature about it than I would have been at those ages. Had I been in charge, I absolutely would have been like a kid run amok in a convenience store. “How about Cheetos, Combos, and a Snapple, Mom?” 😂
But our girls dived right into holiday comfort foods that are easy to make and even easier to enjoy! So, without further ado, I present to you, Twinkle’s 2020 Spirited Thanksgiving Menu!
CINNAMON SWIRL MUFFINS
First up: breakfast. Only the most important meal of the day, the seven-year-old decided we needed muffins to start the holiday off right. Here’s the thing, it’s a genius move because we can easily bake these Cinnamon Swirl Muffins before we need to roast the main course. And we won’t even need two ovens to make it happen.
Cinnamon Swirl Muffins are made with a cinnamon sugar topping, and I’m pretty sure that’s why Twinkle loves them.
OVEN-ROASTED TURKEY BREAST
Now for the main course: Twinkle blew us away when she suggested we make Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast for lunch. It is the perfect choice for a small family gathering because it yields enough for everyone to enjoy but without the long baking times or excessive leftovers.
We flavor our turkey breast with sage, thyme, bay leaves, lemon, onion, and garlic. It’s savory and homey! Save the pan drippings to drizzle over individual slices of turkey, or turn the drippings into the next recipe on the 2020 Spirited Thanksgiving Menu, Gluten-Free Gravy!
GLUTEN-FREE GRAVY
What I love about this Gluten-Free Gravy recipe is you can use the broth and drippings from any number of main dish recipes. We’ll use the drippings from our Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast to make our gravy.
There are two keys to make a successful gluten-free gravy: 1) Let the drippings cool before making it and 2) Use a gluten-free flour you like. Not all gluten-free flours taste the same, and while the flour flavor isn’t detectable in every recipe, it will be when making gravy. So select the flour you like best, and you should be set!
PALEO SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
What about Thanksgiving side dishes? Twinkle has asked for Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole no less than 72 times since October 31st. And who can blame her? She’s all in for the cinnamon pecan topping! So, the side dish is decided. In fact, it was the first item she chose for the menu.
WINTER FRUIT SALSA
If you can believe it, Twinkle suggested a fruit salad, too. But she couldn’t remember the name. We trekked through our Spirited recipes, and she settled on Winter Fruit Salsa. I love this one because it’s sweet and crunchy and the leftovers are tantalizing!
GLUTEN-FREE OATMEAL SUGAR COOKIES
These Gluten-Free Oatmeal Sugar Cookies are not only one of Twinkle’s favorite cookies but also a favorite of our family and friends. Seriously, even when baked, these gluten-free cookies taste like cookie batter. And we never eat just one.
And there you have it! Twinkle’s 2020 Spirited Thanksgiving Menu! Happy Thanksgiving, friends. I hope your holidays are safe and rejuvenating. Twinkle and I (along with K-Hubs and Toodle) are glad you’re here. ❤️
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