Thanksgiving Dinner

[Attempting]

Not having any American friends here right now to invite us, and loving Thanksgiving, I've decided to make Thanksgiving dinner myself this year.  Besides turkey what should we have on the table?  It's my first attempt at this - easy dishes if possible please. 

[some ideas]

Sweet potatoes, regular mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry relish and, of course, pumpkin pie

Cranberry Recipe:
One bag (12 oz.) Cranberries (they have these at Tanglin Marketplace)
1 seeded orange with rind
1/2 - 1 cup sugar - sweeten to taste
chopped pecans or walnuts

Use the food processor to chop everything up & stir in the sugar to taste.

Sweet Potato Casserole:
2 cans of sweet potatoes or yams (if you can find them, otherwise use boiled sweet pototoes - 3-4 good sized ones should do it)
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs beaten

mix altogether with a mixer so it's smooth & put in a buttered casserole dish

Topping:
1 - 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
1/3 cup soft butter
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar

mix together and crumble & sprinkle on the top of the potato mixture. Bake at 325 degrees F for 30 - 35 minutes.

[Thanksgiving novice]

I, too, would like to attempt a Thanksgiving dinner for the first time since my hubby and kids are Americans. It has always been that we would be invited to a potluck dinner (and my contribution has always been one of the sides) so to attempt it from beginning to end seems like such a daunting task.  Also, my oven is not an American size oven - my roasting pan cannot fit in it so I doubt that a turkey will.

Any tried and tested places to order a cooked turkey (and maybe even some of the trimmings) aside from the American club?

[Gourmet or Bon Appetit]

Seriously, go buy the November issue of either of these if you can still get them.  Lots of ideas and recipes.

[Yes.....AND ???]

.........what did you do in the end & how did it go?  We're all dying to hear! (I think I need to get a life)

[Splat]

did i miss thanksgiving? I thought it was the last thursday in the month    i usually make a pumpkin pie.

[this week]

Above poster is correct, US Thanksgiving is always the last Thursday in November, so it is this coming Thursday.

[CalBorn Auntie]

Google "Sunset Magazine". Their Food section has a great list of ideas for the perfect Thanksgiving dinner. Their recipes are usually pretty easy and tried and tested! Good luck on your dinner this Thursdays! Happy Thanksgiving!

PS: Turkey and gravy, cranberry sauce, mash tates are the staple. All the other sides dishes are
        just good: green bean casserole, yams and marshmallows, etc.

[Attempting]

Thank you for asking.  I will let you know how it goes but our thanksgiving will be delayed to the first week of December.  Unfortunately this week does not work with our schedules.  I've got recipes together now, including the sweet potato casserole given above.  Have to figure out how to ration the oven since the turkey will be in it.  Can I make the casserole in advance and reheat it in the microwave?  Our oven will only fit the turkey. 

[Turkey Schmurkey]

"Our oven will only fit the turkey. "

Welcome to Singapore!

You will be fine. pre-cook and reheat. The bird has to rest after its thorough roasting. Then you have to carve the blessed thing, yadda, yadda, yadda. This will provide ample time to brown the roast potatoes, whip up your dream gravy and  bake any dessert pies you may have lurking on the periphery.

[some ideas]

Can I make the casserole in advance and reheat it in the microwave?  Our oven will only fit the turkey. 

Yes, that's no problem - been there & done that

[Attempting]

Just reporting back - had the dinner and all went well.  Everyone overate, as it should be at thanksgiving dinner.   Thank you for all the suggestions and help.   

[scoobydoo]

Whats's up for Christmas?

[Not the last Thursday!]

Thanksgiving is NOT always the last Thursday of November - it is always the fourth Thursday which is usually the last, but there are some years when November has 5 Thursdays!

[Attempting]

Scoobydoo: Christmas dinner is out but want to do breakfast at home for all the family visiting and kids.  But I don't want to spend the morning in the kitchen.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.