Monday, November 21, 2011

Mini Thanksgiving Stuffings with Cranberries and Apples, My Way!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!  We just had an early Thanksgiving, with the newly weds, Cherise and Todd, yesterday.  Everything was wonderful.  Here was our menu:
  Turkey cooked in the roaster oven
Bread stuffing cooked in the turkey
Garlic mashed potatoes with turkey gravy
Roasted Vegetable Medley
   with Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Red Onion, and Turkey bacon
Roasted Pear Salad
Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce (Thank you, Liv Life)
Pumpkin Pie
Door County Cherry Rum Pie
We even forgot the rolls, but we didn't them. I ate way too much, but everything was so good. Remember, I didn't have any cute ramekins, but I wanted Santa to bring some,  Well Santa came early:)  I saw these cute little ramekins at World Market for a really great price, $2.99!!! These are great stocking stuffers for foodie friends.  Now back to the stuffing.

My husband always make the traditional bread stuffing.  He used French bread this year,  sauteed celery, onions, and mushrooms in butter, and an egg.  I always wanted to add apples and cranberries, but he never wanted those.  I finally got my chance this year, because all of stuffing wouldn't fit in the stuffing bag inside the turkey.  I took the little amount left over, added a handful of fresh cranberries and chopped apple to the stuffing, and put the mixture n my cute little ramekins and popped them in the oven, Voila! I had my own Mini Bread Stuffing with Cranberries and Apples, Yum. I did add a splash of chicken stock to the stuffing before I baked them.  Those little ramekins will be getting a lot of use, I know.
When I made my pumpkin pie, Libby's famous recipe,  I had a little custard left over, so I got out my little ramekins, love 'em, and made mini pumpkin custards.  Now, there are so many uses:)  Thank you, Santa!

Since I have already cooked Thanksgiving dinner, I'll be thinking about all of you the rest of week as you plan, prepare, and clean up your wonderful Thanksgiving feasts.  All I need now are those kitchen fairies to clean up the kitchen, which is the worst part of Thanksgiving, I believe. We are going to my husband's side of the family on Thankdgiving, but I only have to make Vegan Chocolate cupcakes.  Since I saw Lora@CakeDuchess's Vegan Maple Pumpkin Pie, I may be trying that out now for the vegan side of the family.

17 comments:

  1. I love ramekins and I love pumpkin pie! I think my favorite thing that I look forward to every year for sentimental reasons is my dad's stuffing. So immediately when I saw your stuffing I felt that whole comfort-food rush come over me. :) Lora's recipes are absolutely delicious I know the Maple Pumpkin Pie will be great!

    I hope you have a good start to your week!

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  2. What a great way to use your early Christmas gifts! They really are adorable. I love the thought of using up extra stuffing by individualizing servings according to taste. Hapy Thanksgiving, Becky!

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  3. I love ramekins for pies without crusts, one of my daughters won't eat crust at all, so I've been making hers like that for years. I'm kind of jealous you already had the big feast, I just can't stop thinking about it. I should just go make a turkey tonight and get it over with, he he. So glad you got to share it with the newly weds. Just wanted to wish you Happy Thanksgiving before I get too busy cooking.
    -Gina-

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  4. I have a couple of those ramekins too! I can never pass by them when they are on sale without picking up a couple and I totally don't need them. But I really like them! With my husband's travel schedule, we have often had Thanksgiving dinners on days other than Thanksgiving. Somehow they become even more special that way. I'm so happy you enjoyed the cranberry sauce!! It's become my favorite part of Thanksgiving and knowing someone else made it really makes me happy!

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  5. Yum! It definitely sounds like I missed out on a wonderful dinner! Lucky you that you get to share a second meal with other side of the family. Hmm-I am wondering about that cherry rum pie, sounds awesome. Ramekins are a great addition to the kitchen cookware, cool idea using them for the stuffing. I have never had a stuffing with fruit, that may have to change, sounds tasty. Enjoy the holiday

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  6. Dionne-Isn't it funny how food can evoke emotions and memories, especially at holiday time. I can't wait to try Lora's pie.

    Christiane-I love the ramekins just for that idea, that everybody can have a "custom"mini dish. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    Gina-It does feel good, that the big meal is over, and now we have lots of leftovers. I hope that your daughters will help you cook your fabulous meal. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Kim-We really enjoyed your cranberry sauce recipe, and now I want t make the cookies, too.
    I just love my new ramekins. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Aarthi-The recipe for the stuffing in the ramekins is a good one and it can be changed up to suit your needs.

    Tina-I always wanted to add the fruit in the stuffing, but was always voted down. This year I could make the stuffing my way in the the little ramekins, but then I love fruit. It was so good!

    Happy Thabnksgiving

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  7. Yum, Becky! Love the stuffing with cranberries and apples in individual sizes. Automatic portion control!

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  8. Carolyn- That's another reason that I love the little mini ramekins, especially for desserts.

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  9. I love the individual servings Becky!

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  10. Tiffany- Yes, it's like instant portion control, as Carolyn said.

    Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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  11. Looks good. Portion control!

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  12. That looks really good and I love your Thanksgiving menu! And yes, I love those ramekins from World Market, I have a few myself! :)

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  13. Sounds like you & your family had a fantastic meal! Glad you finally got to make stuffing your way, I love the idea of adding fruit to it! I hope you and your family have a lovely Thanksgiving :)

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  14. Oh, I'm so glad you treated yourself to these ramekins! Bill is the same way about stuffing...he likes it basic. I've snuck a few apples in before, but heaven forbid a cranberry join in! LOVE your idea of leftovers in ramekins! And BTW, I almost always have some extra pie filling and do just the same with it :) Glad you had a fun celebration, Becky!

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  15. Christine Yes, it is a good way for portion control, unless you eat two, or maybe three, he, he.

    Manju- I like the stuffing my way, so Next year I'll just make mine in the ramekins, which I love. Thank you for stopping by my blog, and hope to see you again, soon.

    Meghan-Fruit is good in the stuffing, and next time I'll add some walnuts, too. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

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  16. Lizzy- My husband is a traditionalist when it comes to stuffing, too. I'm glad that I had the ramekins to add the fruit. Next year I'll be adding walnuts, too. sometimes, you just ahve to push the envelope:)
    Have a wonderful thanksgiving with your family.

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  17. This looks beautiful, Becky! I love your recipes"your way":)) Very tempting photos! Hope you had great Thanksgiving, and I am wishing you fantastic Holiday season!

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