There’s something truly magical about gathering around the table with family for a traditional *cena de thanksgiving*. It’s a time when aromas of roasted turkey and warm stuffing fill the air, and laughter echoes through the home. I absolutely cherish this holiday, as it brings everyone together to share stories, create memories, and indulge in delicious food. This recipe captures all the classic flavors that make Thanksgiving special—from the succulent turkey to the sweet pumpkin pie. Trust me, when you serve this meal, it’s bound to become a cherished tradition in your household too! So roll up your sleeves, pour yourself a glass of cider, and let’s dive into the heart of Thanksgiving with this delightful feast!
Ingredients for Cena de Thanksgiving
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients that make this *cena de thanksgiving* a feast to remember! I promise you, gathering these items will get your excitement bubbling. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Turkey: 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs) – This is the star of the show, so choose a fresh one if you can!
- Stuffing: 1 box (12 oz) – You can go for traditional bread stuffing or whatever your family loves best.
- Cranberry sauce: 1 can (14 oz) – The sweet and tart complement to your turkey. Homemade is great if you have the time!
- Mashed potatoes: 5 lbs – Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a must-have on the Thanksgiving table.
- Green beans: 1 lb – Fresh or frozen, they add a lovely pop of color and crunch.
- Gravy: 1 jar (12 oz) – Because what’s turkey without a rich, savory gravy to drizzle on top?
- Pumpkin pie: 1 whole – The quintessential dessert that wraps up your meal with warmth and sweetness.
- Rolls: 1 dozen – Soft, fluffy rolls that are perfect for mopping up every last bit of gravy.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to creating a festive atmosphere that everyone will love. Trust me, the flavors will come together beautifully, and your family will be raving about it for years to come!
How to Prepare Cena de Thanksgiving
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of preparing this amazing *cena de thanksgiving*! It may seem daunting at first, but trust me, it’s all about timing and a little love. First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While it’s heating up, let’s give some attention to our turkey, the centerpiece of our feast.
Prepping the Turkey
Start by rinsing the turkey under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial—no one wants a soggy bird! Now, season it generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out, and don’t be shy; this is what gives it flavor! Then, prepare your stuffing according to the package instructions. Once it’s ready, gently stuff the turkey’s cavity, making sure not to overpack it. This allows for even cooking. Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan, and if you have some kitchen twine, tie the legs together to keep everything intact. Pop that beauty into the oven and let it roast for about 3 to 4 hours, basting it every 30-45 minutes with the delicious juices that flow. This helps keep it moist and flavorful!
Cooking the Side Dishes
While the turkey is roasting, it’s the perfect time to whip up those mashed potatoes and green beans. For the mashed potatoes, peel and chop about 5 lbs of potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain them, and then mash them with butter, cream, salt, and pepper to your desired creaminess. For the green beans, simply trim the ends and blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. You can sauté them in a little olive oil with garlic for extra flavor! Aim to have your side dishes wrapped up about 30 minutes before the turkey is done, so everything can be served hot and fresh. Wow, your kitchen is going to smell incredible!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to create this fabulous *cena de thanksgiving*, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure everything goes off without a hitch! First, make sure to give yourself enough time. Allow for at least 4 hours for turkey cooking and side prep. Don’t hesitate to enlist family help—everyone loves to pitch in during the holidays! If your turkey browns too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning. For mashed potatoes, keep them warm by placing them in a bowl over a pot of simmering water. And remember, let the turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving; this helps keep it juicy! Finally, don’t stress over perfection—focus on enjoying the time with your loved ones, because that’s what Thanksgiving is all about!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to a traditional *cena de thanksgiving*, it’s all about enjoying the feast! Here’s a little breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for each plate of this delicious meal. Keep in mind these are approximate values, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients and servings.
- Calories: 1200
- Fat: 70g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 100g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 60g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Cholesterol: 200mg
These values will give you a good idea of what to expect. So, go ahead and savor each bite of this hearty meal—you’ve earned it!
FAQ Section
Got questions about preparing the perfect *cena de thanksgiving*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
How long do I need to cook the turkey? Generally, you’ll want to roast your turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C). For a 12-14 lb turkey, that means about 3 to 4 hours.
Can I use a different stuffing? Absolutely! Feel free to use homemade stuffing or even cornbread stuffing—whatever your family prefers!
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Once the meal is done, let leftovers cool before storing them in airtight containers in the fridge. They should last about 3-4 days.
Can I make anything ahead of time? Yes! Mashed potatoes can be made a day in advance and warmed up. Just add a splash of cream to keep them creamy!
Hopefully, these tips help ease your Thanksgiving prep anxiety. Just remember, the most important part is enjoying time with loved ones!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your delicious *cena de thanksgiving* is ready to rock, let’s talk about how to present it beautifully! I love to arrange everything on a large, festive tablecloth, giving each dish its moment to shine. Place the turkey at the center, garnished with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for that extra pop of color and aroma. Surround it with bowls of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans, and don’t forget a dish of cranberry sauce for that perfect sweet-tart balance!
For drinks, I recommend a lovely apple cider or a fruity red wine to complement the meal. And if you want to go the extra mile, consider serving a light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette to add some freshness to the table. With everything beautifully arranged, your *cena de thanksgiving* will not only taste amazing, but it will look like a feast worthy of the occasion! Enjoy every bite and every moment!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delightful *cena de thanksgiving*, you’ll likely have some delicious leftovers to savor! To store them properly, let everything cool down to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. This helps keep the flavors intact and prevents sogginess. I usually separate the turkey from the sides to keep things fresh, but you can also store them together if that’s easier.
For reheating, the best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 325°F (165°C), place the turkey in a covered dish with a splash of broth to keep it moist, and heat for about 20-30 minutes. The sides can also be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop, just remember to add a bit of liquid if they seem dry. Microwaving works too, but be careful not to overdo it—no one wants rubbery mashed potatoes! Enjoy those leftovers, because the flavors seem to get better with time!
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Cena de Thanksgiving: 7 Secrets to a Magical Feast
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner featuring classic dishes.
Ingredients
- Turkey – 1 whole (12-14 lbs)
- Stuffing – 1 box (12 oz)
- Cranberry sauce – 1 can (14 oz)
- Mashed potatoes – 5 lbs
- Green beans – 1 lb
- Gravy – 1 jar (12 oz)
- Pumpkin pie – 1 whole
- Rolls – 1 dozen
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Prepare the turkey by seasoning it and placing it in a roasting pan.
- Stuff the turkey with prepared stuffing.
- Roast the turkey for 3-4 hours, basting occasionally.
- While the turkey cooks, prepare mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Heat the cranberry sauce and gravy in separate pots.
- Bake the rolls according to package instructions.
- Once the turkey is done, let it rest before carving.
- Serve all dishes together on the table.
Notes
- Make sure the turkey is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Prepare side dishes while the turkey cooks.
- Use leftovers for sandwiches or soups.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 1200
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Fat: 70g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 100g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 60g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: cena de thanksgiving
