If you ask us, the biggest and best food holiday of the year deserves a prequel (or a sequel, depending on when you host) – that’s why we love Friendsgiving just as much as the real deal. It has all the best parts of Thanksgiving without any of the stress of traveling (and staying in your childhood bedroom). So, whether you’re planning on breaking out the nice placemats and hosting or just showing up with a side dish and a nice bottle of mid-shelf red, we’ve got you covered with some recipes that put a new spin on old favorites. They’re sure to impress your friends – or as we like to call them, the family you choose.
#1. Double Sage Vanilla Biscuits
Savory and starchy – two of the staples of Thanksgiving cuisine. These quick and easy-to-make biscuits combine the best of both worlds, as our Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste enhances the rich, earthy flavors in the sage. Add the final staple flavor (sweet) by sprinkling on some brown sugar mixed with Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder for a caramelized crust and you’ve got a Thanksgiving trifecta that people will remember to ask for next year. Haven’t tried vanilla powder before? This recipe is a great way to experiment with its versatility. Tip: make a double (or triple!) batch and set some out for your guests to snack on while the turkey is resting.
#2. Balsamic Green Beans with Candied Bacon
This is one dish we can guarantee that won’t have any leftovers. Adding our Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste to maple syrup creates a deliciously crunchy candied bacon while the mix of Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar blend together in a sauce that perfectly balances tangy and sweet.
#3. Creamy Vanilla Sweet Potatoes
Family sweet potato recipe traditions can be some of the toughest to break. Use Friendsgiving as an opportunity to shake things up with this fresh take on a fan favorite. Combining cream cheese and maple syrup with the delicate flavors in our Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract creates a rich, fluffy concoction that’s reminiscent of sweet potato pie. Top with five (or more…) strips of crispy, crumbled bacon to provide a savory crunch that contrasts and complements the subtle sweet nuttiness of the potatoes.
#4. Orange Honey Glazed Butternut Squash and Beets
Thanksgiving is all about seasonal cooking – take advantage of the abundance of beets and squash at your local farmers market with this colorful, veggie-centric side dish. Adding our Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract balances the acidity of the oranges and cranberries without overpowering the seasonal vegetables to create a side dish your guests will have trouble believing isn’t dessert. Tip: Inviting beet haters or picky eaters over this year? No problem – swap in some Yukon gold potatoes for the beets and squash to create an equally delicious potato dish.
Alright, there is *one* Thanksgiving staple that only needs a few small upgrades – adding Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract to this pecan pie filling and Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste to the crust creates a full-bodied, creamy flavor profile that compliments the buttery richness of the pecans. Tip: One of the best things about this pie (second only to how good it tastes) is that you can bake it one to two days in advance to save time in the kitchen on the day of your big feast.
#6. No-Bake Hazelnut Cocoa Tart
If you’re trying to avoid adding any new items to your oven’s already overloaded schedule or you’re just plain pressed for time, this is the perfect dessert for you. This easy, no-bake tart lets you spend more time socializing while also allowing you to share a beautiful, tasty treat with your friends. The Pure Coffee Extract adds an amazing depth of flavor to the hazelnut-cocoa filling, and we doubled the chocolaty goodness by mixing cocoa powder into the crust, too.
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Dessert Pro-Tip: If you find yourself with leftover cranberry sauce after Friendsgiving, don’t throw it away! Make these Cranberry Cream Cheese Jelly Rolls for a sweet, delicious dessert.
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