Thanksgiving recipes: 20 ideas

The biggest behemoth of all cooking days is just around the corner.... Thanksgiving! Cut through the clutter of blog, magazine, and cookbook recipes. Stir It Up! has you covered.

We've picked our 20 favorite Thanksgiving recipes from our guest bloggers. This list has something for everyone, with classics like sweet potato casserole, to new takes on old favorites, like spiced cranberry chutney with apricots and pecans. Start with a simple do-ahead appetizer, and end with a bread basket full of surprises.

Whether you're a holiday-hosting pro or a Thanksgiving newbie, you're bound to find an inspiring recipe on our list. And you might just uncover a new a family favorite.

The Runaway Spoon
A bacon-blanketed turkey is not only decorative, it amps up the juiciness of the meat and flavors the juices for the gravy.

Veggies: Roasted Brussels sprouts with walnuts and figs

Kitchen Report
Brussels sprouts roasted with walnuts with a sauce dressing of figs and maple syrup and seasoned with Parmesan cheese.

This recipe easily doubles. Take care not to overwhelm the sprouts with too much of the sauce.

Serves 6 to 8

1 lb. (4 cups) Brussles sprouts, trimmed, halved or quartered

 1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup dried figs, diced

1/2 cup vegetable broth

1/4 cup maple syrup 

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.

Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and walnuts. Spread into baking pan and roast for about 20 minutes until tender and edges just begin to brown. 

Meanwhile, combine figs and broth on the stove top and bring to a boil. Simmer until reduced. Add maple syrup and reduce again until mixture thickens.

Pour over roasted Brussels sprouts. Add Parmesan cheese and combine well. Serve immediately.

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