Thanksgiving

Pressure Cooker Turkey Stock

1 roasted or pressure cooked turkey carcass, cut into 6 to 8 pieces OR 2 roasted hindquarters*
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
2 large carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves, smashed
1 bay leaf
5 sprigs fresh parsley
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
10 cups water

Put all of the ingredients in the pressure cooking pot. Select High Pressure and a 30 minute cook time.

When the cook time ends, turn the pressure cooker off and use a natural pressure release. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid.

Allow the stock to cool slightly. Pour the stock through a fine-mesh strainer set over a very large bowl or pot. Discard the solids.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate. When chilled, skim fat from the surface.

NOTES
Note: Turkey stock will keep 3 days in the refrigerator or can be frozen for up to 6 months. Freeze stock in 1 cup containers to use as needed.

*Roasted Turkey Hindquarters:
If you want to add extra flavor to your stock, roasting the hindquarters is a great option. The hindquarter includes the drumstick, thigh, and part of the back. It is entirely dark meat. For , you’ll need 2 turkey hindquarters, approximately 5 lbs.

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Place the turkey hindquarters, skin side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Season with salt and
pepper. Roast for 30 minutes until skin begins to turn golden brown.

Reduce the temperature to 350°F and loosely cover (tent) turkey with a large piece of aluminum
foil. Roast for about 45 minutes more, or until a meat thermometer registers 170°F in the
thickest part of the thigh. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Reserve any juices from the roasting pan to add to the pressure cooking pot when making the stock.
When cool, remove most of the meat from the bones.

Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast

6.5 lb. bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 can (14 ounces) turkey broth or chicken broth
1 large onion, quartered
1 stalk celery, cut in large pieces
1 sprig thyme
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water

Season turkey breast liberally with salt and pepper. (You can also season with dried thyme or your favorite spice blend under the skin if you prefer.)

Put a trivet in the bottom of the pressure cooking pot. Add the broth, onion, celery, and thyme. Add the turkey to the cooking pot, breast-side up.

Lock the lid in place. Select High Pressure and set the cook time for 30 minutes.*

When the cook time ends, turn off the pressure cooker and allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then use a quick pressure release.

When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Use an instant read thermometer at the thickest part of the breast to check if the turkey is done. It should be 165°F. If needed, return the lid and cook at High Pressure for a few more minutes.

When the turkey is done, use the trivet to carefully remove it from the cooking pot and place on a platter. Cover with foil to rest.

To make the gravy, pour the juices in the cooking pot through a strainer and skim off the fat. (I like to use a fat separator.)

Whisk together cornstarch and cold water; add to broth in cooking pot. Select Sauté and stir until broth thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.

If you’re not planning to brown the turkey: Remove the foil and discard the skin. Slice the turkey and serve immediately.

If you would like to brown the turkey in the pressure cooking pot: Transfer the gravy to a serving dish and rinse and wipe out the cooking pot. Carefully transfer the turkey on the trivet back to the inside of the cooking pot. Lock the air fryer lid in place. Set the temperature to 350 degrees F and cook until the skin is crispy and browned. (For a 5.5 pound turkey, this took me about 15 minutes in the Ninja Foodi. But be sure to check regularly!) Slice the turkey and serve immediately.

Perfect Mashed Potatoes

1 1/2 pounds (680 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut lengthwise into quarters
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons (60 ml) heavy cream
2 tablespoons (30 g) butter
1 tablespoon milk (or more)
Salt and pepper

Cook the potatoes: Place the peeled and cut potatoes into a medium saucepan. Add cold water to the pan until the potatoes are covered by at least an inch. Add a half teaspoon of salt to the water.

Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer, and cover. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until you can easily poke through the potatoes with a fork.

Prep the butter and cream: While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter and warm the cream. You can heat them together in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.

Drain and mash the potatoes: When the potatoes are done, drain the water and place the steaming hot potatoes into a large bowl. Pour the heated cream and melted butter over the potatoes.

Mash the potatoes with a potato masher. Then use a strong wooden spoon (a metal spoon might bend) to beat further.

Add milk and beat until the mashed potatoes are smooth. Don’t over-beat the potatoes or the mashed potatoes will end up gluey.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Notes:

Always put potatoes in cold water to start, then bring to a boil. That way the potatoes cook more evenly.

This recipe is easily doubled.

Spicy Red Pepper Cranberry Relish

1 cup sugar
2 large jalapeños, preferably red, seeded and finely diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 tablespoon grated ginger
12 ounces cranberries

Put sugar, jalapeños, lemon juice, salt and cayenne in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup water, then stir with a wooden spoon to dissolve sugar, and simmer 2 minutes.
Add ginger and cranberries, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and let mixture cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries have softened and no liquid remains in pan, about 15 minutes.
Let cool and taste. Add more cayenne or jalapeños if desired. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Creamed Corn

6 ears fresh corn
2 tablespoons butter
Sliver of garlic
Sea salt
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
Fresh sage leaves or chopped parsley, for garnish

Scrape corn kernels from cobs, running knife edge along cobs to squeeze out juices. (If the corn is not very fresh, then blanch in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes before scraping kernels from cobs.)
Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Drop in butter and melt until foamy. Add corn, garlic and juices. Season with salt and cook until kernels become tender. Pour in milk and simmer until milk is almost gone. Pour in cream and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve.

Notes: Fresh corn is best for this, but frozen corn would work as well. If using the latter, add a bit of water when cooking before you add the milk.

Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Puddings for Two

FOR THE PUDDINGS:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, plus more for greasing
1/4 cup/55 grams pitted, chopped dates
3/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons boiling water
1/2 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/4 cup/55 grams dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom or ginger
Pinch of ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup/65 grams all-purpose flour
Flaky sea salt, for serving
Crème fraîche, sour cream or plain yogurt, for serving

FOR THE SAUCE:
1/4 cups/55 grams dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Large pinch of fine sea salt
1/4 cup/55 grams unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cubed
1 tablespoon bourbon or brandy (Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 (8-ounce) ramekins or a small, shallow gratin dish with a 2- to 3-cup capacity (see Note).

Prepare the puddings: In a large, heatproof bowl, combine the dates, butter, lemon zest and baking soda. Stir in the boiling water. Let sit for 10 minutes or until cool.

Whisk in pumpkin purée, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamon, cloves and fine sea salt until well combined, then whisk in the flour.

Scrape batter into the prepared ramekins and bake until just firm when pressed in the center, 28 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a rack until ready to serve. (Pudding can be baked up to 8 hours ahead.)
Prepare the sauce: In a medium pot over medium heat, combine the sugar, pumpkin puree, heavy cream and salt. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat. Whisk in the butter, and bourbon (if using). If the sauce separates, use an immersion or regular blender to blend it together.

Just before serving, heat the broiler. Pour a little of the sauce over each pudding. Broil until the puddings bubble, 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle tops with flaky sea salt, and serve at once, with more sauce and crème fraîche dolloped on top.

Tip:
If your ramekins hold less than 1 cup (8 ounces) each, you can divide the batter among 3 or 4 of them and reduce the baking time. This recipe makes two very substantial servings, with leftovers. You can also double or triple the recipe. If doubling, bake in an 8-inch pan; if tripling, use a 9-inch pan. If you make any of these adjustments, start checking for doneness after 20 minutes.

Maple Roasted Squash with Sage and Lime

3 tablespoons maple syrup
Large pinch of ground cayenne or chile powder
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Large pinch of coriander seeds
1 pound winter squash, such as dumpling, delicata or butternut, halved, seeded and sliced into 1/2-inch thick (you don’t have to peel it)
Fresh lime juice, for serving
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves, for serving

Heat oven to 425 degrees. If you like, line a rimmed baking pan with parchment paper or foil. (It’s not necessary but will prove helpful when cleaning up.)

In a small pot over medium-high heat, combine maple syrup and cayenne in a small pot. Bring to a simmer and let cook until it reduces by a third, 1 to 3 minutes. Add butter and let it melt. Turn off heat and mix in salt, pepper and coriander.

Spread the squash out on the pan and spoon maple mixture over the pieces, turning them to coat. Roast until the pieces begin to soften, 15 minutes. Turn the squash pieces over and roast until glazed and tender, 10 to 20 minutes more. Drizzle lime juice and scatter sage leaves over the top for serving.

Herbed Bread-and-Butter Stuffing for Two

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
1 large or 2 small shallots, diced
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus a large pinch
1 teaspoon chopped fresh marjoram or thyme leaves (or use a large pinch of dried)
1/2 to 3/4 cup turkey, chicken or vegetable broth
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped fresh soft herbs (use 2 or 3 of the following: parsley, tarragon, chives, mint, basil, cilantro, dill or celery leaves)
About 2 1/2 cups torn-up stale white or whole-wheat bread, not too crusty (3 ounces)
Black pepper

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a small, shallow gratin dish, casserole dish or loaf pan with a 3- to 4-cup capacity.

In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in shallots and a large pinch of salt. Cook until soft and just starting to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in marjoram and cook for 1 minute longer.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup broth, egg, chopped herbs and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Fold in bread and shallots, letting the bread absorb the liquid. It should be very moist. (If the mixture seems dry, add more stock a little at a time, using up to another 1/4 cup.)

Spoon stuffing into the prepared baking dish and grind some black pepper onto the top. Cut the remaining tablespoon butter into small pieces and scatter over the top. Bake until golden brown and firm, about 30 minutes. Serve hot or warm.

Hot and Numbing Stir-Fried Potatoes (with Variations)

FOR THE POTATOES:
2 pounds small yellow new potatoes, scrubbed and rinsed
Kosher salt

FOR THE SPICE BLEND:
2 teaspoons red Sichuan peppercorns
1 star anise pod
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon white peppercorns or 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 whole dried hot chiles (such as chile de arból or Japonais) or 1 tablespoon red-pepper flakes
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon powdered chicken bouillon (or replace with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon MSG to make the dish vegan)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

FOR STIR-FRYING:
1/4 cup peanut, rice bran or soybean oil
4 medium garlic cloves, minced
2 scallions, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cool water by 2 inches. Season heavily with salt. (The water should taste like very salty seawater once the salt has dissolved.) Place over high heat, bring to a boil and cook until there’s no resistance when a knife or cake tester is poked through the largest potato, about 10 minutes after they come to a boil. Drain potatoes and spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet to air-dry.

While the potatoes cook, make the spice blend: In a small bowl, shake the Sichuan peppercorns and discard any shiny black seeds, twigs or leaf fragments. Add the husks to a dry wok, along with the star anise, fennel seeds, white peppercorns and half the cumin seeds. Toast over medium heat, tossing frequently, until very aromatic, about 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a small bowl to cool slightly. Return wok to heat and add remaining cumin seeds and the chiles. Toss and stir until very aromatic, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a second small bowl.

When cool, transfer the spice mixture in the first bowl, along with the 2 chiles from the second bowl to an electric spice grinder or a mortar and pestle. Add salt, sugar and chicken bouillon. Grind to a fine powder and return to the empty bowl.

Add the cumin seeds that toasted with the chiles to the spice grinder or the mortar (no need to clean it out) and pound or pulse until very coarsely ground. (There should be large, distinct pieces of cumin seeds.) Add half-ground cumin and the sesame seeds to the rest of the spice mixture and stir to incorporate.

Stir-fry the potatoes: When potatoes are dry, heat 3 tablespoons oil in the wok over high heat until shimmering. Add potatoes and cook, stirring and tossing frequently, until browned in spots, about 4 minutes.

Clear a small space in the center of the wok and add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to it. Immediately add the garlic, scallions and spice mixture to the oil and stir until aromatic, about 15 seconds. Toss everything until the potatoes are thoroughly coated in spices, about 15 seconds. Season to taste with more salt as desired. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.

Tips:
To stick with more traditional Thanksgiving flavors, flavor the potatoes with garlic and rosemary:

Follow recipe steps above, omitting the spice blend and skipping Steps 2 through 4. As the potatoes boil, finely mince 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves. Add the minced rosemary leaves to the wok in Step 6, along with the garlic and scallions, plus 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

For another flavor profile, try the potatoes with blistered cumin and mustard seeds:

Follow recipe steps above, omitting the spice blend and skipping Steps 2 through 4. As the potatoes boil, heat 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 2 teaspoons each cumin seeds and black (or brown) mustard seeds and stir-fry until they sizzle and pop then popping starts to subside. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer set over a small heatproof bowl. Transfer the blistered mustard and cumin seeds to a separate bowl and add 2 teaspoons curry powder and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. This is your spice mixture to be added to the potatoes as directed in Step 6. Use the strained oil to stir-fry in Steps 5 and 6. This version is especially good with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro leaves tossed with the potatoes just before serving.
Thanks

Angel Corn Casserole

Ingredients send grocery list
2 (16-ounce) bags frozen corn (or about 4 1/2 to 5 cups fresh corn kernels)
2 large eggs
2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives, plus more for optional garnish
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup plus a heaping 1/3 cup crumbled Ritz crackers, divided
Salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a large 9×13-inch casserole dish.
If using frozen corn, steam and drain the kernels. If using fresh, scrape kernels off the cob.

Beat the egg, cream, and brown sugar in a large bowl until just blended. Stir in chives and nutmeg. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in corn kernels.

Combine 1 cup of the crumbled Ritz crackers with 6 tablespoons of the melted butter. Add to the corn mixture. Stir until combined. Pour into the casserole dish.

Toss remaining cracker crumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter.

Sprinkle buttered crumbs over the top of the pudding.

Bake uncovered until golden brown and slightly firm to the touch, about 45 minutes.

Optional: Garnish with more snipped fresh chives.

Turkey Pot Pie

INGREDIENTS
FOR THE CRUST
1 1/2 c. (3 sticks) butter, cut into small pieces
3 3/4 c. cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
1 1/2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, chilled
6 tbsp. ice water, plus more if needed
FOR THE FILLING
3 tbsp. butter, plus more for greasing baking dish
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and medium diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. white wine
1 1/3 c. heavy cream, plus 2 tablespoons for brushing
2 1/2 c. shredded turkey meat
1 1/2 c. frozen peas
3 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley
3 sprigs thyme, stems removed
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Flaky salt

Make crust: Place butter into freezer for 15 minutes before starting crust process. In a large food processor, pulse flour, salt, and sugar until combined. Add butter and pulse until pea-size and some slightly larger pieces form. With the machine running, add vinegar and 4 tablespoons ice water into feed tube, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough just comes together and is moist but not wet and sticky or too crumbly (test by squeezing some with your fingers). If the dough is too crumbly and not coming together, add ice water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it does.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and squeeze together. Knead a few times to combine, then divide into two equal balls. Flatten each ball into a smooth disk, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Make filling: Preheat oven to 375°. In a large, deep-sided skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and carrots and cook until softened, 5 minutes.

Add garlic, then stir in flour and cook until golden and beginning to bubble.

Gradually whisk in white wine. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until the smell of alcohol is cooked out, about 3 minutes.

Slowly stream in heavy cream and continue to cook, stirring until mixture comes to a boil and thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Fold in shredded turkey, peas, parsley and thyme. Season mixture with salt and pepper. Let cool until ready to assemble.

To assemble: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a large round about 1/4” thick. Place into a greased, shallow 9″ pie dish or deep skillet, trim edges to leave a 1″ overhang and then add cooled filling.

Roll out second disk of dough into a large round about 1/4” thick and place on top of filling. Trim and crimp edges, then use a paring knife to create slits on top. Brush with remaining heavy cream and sprinkle with flaky salt.

Bake pie until crust is golden and filling is bubbling, about 1 hour 15 minutes. If the edges of the pie start to darken faster than the rest of the pie, cover edges with foil.

Let pie cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 large eggs
1 can (15 oz.) LIBBY’S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk, (Or substitute with equal amount Lactose-Free or Almond Cooking Milk)
1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell
Whipped cream (optional)

MIX sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.

POUR into pie shell.

BAKE in preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Maple Sweet Potato Mash with Coconut Milk

5 to 6 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped roughly (about 3 1/2 pounds)
3/4 cup cup coconut milk, full fat
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the sweet potatoes and boil for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Drain the potatoes and transfer them back to the pot, or another large, flat-bottomed container. Add 1/2 cup of the coconut milk, salt (about 1/2 teaspoon) and pepper. Mash the potatoes until they’re tender, adding more coconut milk as needed until they’ve reached a desired consistency. Stir in the maple syrup and ginger, if using. Potatoes will keep, refrigerated, for up to four days.

Roasted Kabocha Squash with Maple Syrup

3 pounds kabocha squash—peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch-thick wedges
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger
6 thyme sprigs, plus thyme leaves for garnish
Kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 450°. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the squash wedges with the maple syrup, olive oil, ginger, thyme sprigs and salt. Arrange the squash in a single layer and roast for 15 minutes. Flip and roast for 15 minutes longer, until golden and tender. Discard the thyme sprigs. Transfer the squash to a serving platter and garnish with thyme leaves.

Fried Brussels Sprouts with Maple-Cider Glaze

3/4 cup Run Amok Sugarmaker’s Cut pure maple syrup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup fresh apple cider
pinch kosher salt
1 lb Brussels’ Sprouts
Vegetable oil for frying

Combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, apple cider and salt in a medium sized pot. Reduce by 1/4 over medium heat stirring constantly. Set aside.

De-stem Brussels and cut in half, pulling off any outer leaves that are loose. Fry in 350 degree oil for 1 minute or until brown. If you don’t have a fryer, take the raw cleaned Brussels and toss with oil and salt. Roast in a 375 degree for 20 minutes. Brussels should be tender but still have a bite to them.

Season Brussels immediately with a pinch of salt and toss with one tablespoon of reduction for every cup of Brussels.

Hot Spinach Salad with Apple

6 bacon strips, diced
1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar

9 cups fresh baby spinach
2 unpeeled large red apples, thinly sliced
1 medium red onion, chopped (about 3/4 cup)

In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towels. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings.

In same skillet, combine vinegar, brown sugar and reserved drippings. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Cool slightly.
Meanwhile, in a serving bowl, combine spinach, apples, onion and bacon. Drizzle with warm dressing; toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Green Bean Casserole

2 pounds green beans
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced, divided
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 large sprigs thyme
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 garlic cloves, finely grated
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup French’s fried onions

Preheat oven to 375°. Working in batches, cook green beans a large pot of boiling salted water until bright green and halfway to tenderness, about 3 minutes per batch. Drain and let cool; trim stem ends.

Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook half of mushrooms, without stirring, until golden brown underneath, about 2 minutes. Toss and continue to cook, tossing occasionally, until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes more.

Add 2 Tbsp. butter and 2 thyme sprigs to pan. Cook, tossing occasionally, until butter browns and mushrooms are dark brown and very tender, about 4 minutes longer. Season with salt and transfer to a plate.

Repeat with 2 Tbsp. butter, salt, and remaining oil, mushrooms, and thyme.

Melt remaining 2 Tbsp. butter in a large saucepan over medium-low. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking occasionally, until roux is golden brown and smells mildly nutty, about 4 minutes. Whisk in milk and cream. Increase heat and bring to a simmer, whisking often, and cook until béchamel sauce is thick and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in garlic and Parmesan; season with salt and pepper.

Arrange green beans and mushrooms in a 2-qt. baking dish. Pour sauce over (it may not look like enough, but it will get saucier as it bakes). Cover tightly with foil and bake until sauce is bubbling, 25–30 minutes.

Uncover and continue to bake until casserole is lightly browned on top and around the edges, 15–20 minutes longer. Top with fried onions and continue to bake just until onions are slightly darker and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Let sit 10 minutes to set before serving.

From Bon Appetit.

Sheet Pan Stuffing with Chestnuts and Cranberries

6 tablespoons(3/4 stick) unsalted butter
3 ribs celery, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices
7 ounces vacuum-packed shelled, roasted chestnuts, cut or broken into chunks
8 ounces challah bread (half a store-bought loaf), cut into 1-inch cubes and air-dried (see headnote)
One 8-inch square corn bread, cut into 1-inch cubes and dried (see not)
2 teaspoons dried sage, crumbled between your fingers
1 tablespoon dried herbes de Provence
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large Bartlett pear, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks (not peeled)
1-2cupdried cranberries, some coarsely chopped
1-2cuppacked chopped curly parsley
1 3/4 cupsvegetable broth, preferably no-salt-added, or more as needed
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Position racks in the upper and lower parts of the oven; preheat to 400 degrees. Have one or two rimmed baking sheets at hand.

Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter shimmers, stir in the celery and chestnuts. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the dried cubes of challah and corn bread. Season with the sage, herbes de Provence, paprika and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper, tossing to coat evenly. The mixture should be fragrant.

Transfer to a bowl; add the pear, dried cranberries, parsley and broth, stirring to coat evenly. Add more broth if the mixture seems quite dry. For a moister stuffing, mound all the mixture on a single pan, gently pressing it together. Dot with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, portioned or cut into small pieces. For a drier stuffing, divide the mixture between two baking sheets, and then dot with the remaining butter.

Roast (upper rack for single pan; upper and lower racks for 2 pans) for about 25 minutes, or until browned and fragrant. If you are using two baking sheets, you may want to rotate the from top to bottom and front to back halfway through.

Transfer to a serving bowl; serve warm, drizzled with some oil.

MAKE AHEAD: Dry out the cubes of challah and corn bread by spreading them on a rimmed baking sheet and leaving them to air-dry for a day or so, or bake in a 250-degree oven for 20 minutes, then turn off the oven and let them cool in there.

Cranberry-Pomegranate Relish

12 ounces fresh cranberries (3 cups)
1/3 cup honey, or to taste
3/4 cup chopped pistachios
3/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Place cranberries and honey in a food processor. Pulse until chopped (but not too finely), then taste and stir in more honey if needed. At this point, the relish can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving. If the liquid separates, give it a stir.

Stir pistachios and pomegranate seeds into cranberry mixture and serve.

Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon and Brown Sugar

3 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, pricked with a fork (10 to 12 sweet potatoes)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 to 4 tablespoons dark brown sugar, or to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons bourbon or orange juice
3/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Large pinch of ground cloves

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Wrap potatoes in foil, place on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until tender, about 1 hour. Let rest until cool enough to handle but still warm, then remove the foil and peel off the skins.

Add sweet potatoes to a food processor, along with butter, brown sugar, bourbon or juice, lemon zest, salt, nutmeg, pepper and cloves. Purée until smooth. (Or, for a chunkier texture, mash them by hand.) Taste and add salt, sugar or both if you like. Serve while still warm or reheat before serving.

Tip
This recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat just before serving, either in the microwave or in a pot on the stove over low heat.