Make a “Date” for Thanksgiving: Incorporating Dates into the Holiday Feasts
Thanksgiving is just around the corner! While most people have a favorite dish at their traditional Turkey Day table, there are many easy and delicious ways to add a little flare to the feast this year! Sphinx Date Co. offers some scrumptious ways to liven up the Thanksgiving menu with dates!
Baked Brie and Grapes with Date Jam — Simply place a wheel of baked and a few small bunches of grapes (go ahead and leave them attached to their stalks) in a baking dish, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and maple syrup, and top with chopped uncooked bacon or prosciutto. Bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees, then serve top with a few spoonfuls of date jam and serve warm with crackers and apple slices.
Date and Walnut Dip — Blend pitted chopped dates with an equal amount of walnuts, plus a squeeze of lemon juice and some honey for a delicious dip for veggies and fruit and or to spread on crostini.
Cheese-stuffed dates — Split and pit dates then pipe in a soft or whipped cheese such as ricotta, mascarpone or cream cheese. Dust with crushed nuts, such as pistachios and drizzle with a thick balsamic glaze.
Roasted Root Vegetables — Root vegetables are right at home at the Thanksgiving table. The addition of chopped dates gives this classic side dish an added level of flavor and texture.
Date Nut Stuffing — Dress up a store-bought stuffing (or dressing), with the addition of nuts such as pistachios or walnuts, chopped dates and thinly sliced celery.
Cranberry-Date Sauce — Jazz up traditional cranberry sauce, even if it’s from the can, with some fresh squeezed orange juice and a dollop of date jam. Mix well and top with pomegranate arils.
In addition to these easy refreshers to liven up any Thanksgiving feast, hosts can reduce their stress with the following tips:
Accept the offers — If a guest offers to bring a dish, let them! This allows guests to help out and lets them show off a favorite dish of theirs. Better yet, go casual with a potluck-style event that encourages all guests to bring something to contribute to the feast.
Take it to go — Not everything has to be scratch-made and require hours (or days!) in the kitchen prior to the big day to make Thanksgiving a success. Many local restaurants offer Thanksgiving to-go packages or catering options that take the stress of cooking for a crowd off the table.
Plan ahead — Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase (or thaw!) the turkey and the remainder of the ingredients for the Thanksgiving feast. Space out the duties and delegate among family members so the big day doesn’t seem so daunting. For example, cleaning the house and displaying décor can be done a few days prior and even some dishes (such as mashed potatoes), can be made in advance, refrigerated and then simply reheated before serving.
Remember that the Sphinx Date Co. Palm & Pantry is filled with delectable items to help hosts create an easy snack or appetizer board, stock the bar or present guests with a special parting gift when they leave. Stop in anytime and Happy Thanksgiving from the Sphinx crew!