Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.

OPRAH WINFREY

To be honest, I don’t do a lot of the cooking on Thanksgiving. I come from a modern mix of blended families, which means there are occasion where I celebrate three Thanksgivings in one day. It’s kind of a coma-inducing overload, but I am thankful to get to see everyone for the holiday. Even though I don’t contribute much to these meals, I do dream about the day when I could plan my own Thanksgiving menu, and today I am sharing with you just what I would serve.

Roquefort Pear Salad: This salad was added to my list after my mother-in-law told me she was going to serve it at her dinner this year. Doesn’t it just sound like the most refreshing thing to start your dinner with?

Roast Turkey with Rosemary and Lemon: The staple of the dinner, turkey should be bursting with flavors. Rosemary and lemon are the perfect combination to give you the herb-infused bird you are looking for.

Mushroom and Walnut Stuffing: I like stuffing that is light and fluffy! It’s also a bonus if it is meat free and loaded with veggies. This is a great option for the vegetarians if you swap out the chicken broth.

Mashed Potatoes with Herb-Infused Cream and Chives: It’s all about the spices on Thanksgiving, and these potatoes are loaded with them. Enjoy them alone or with a ladle of gravy on top, your taste buds will not be disappointed.

Cornflake, Pecan, and Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole: After seeing this served at a Friendsgiving, I had to add it to my list. It’s like the kitchen sink of sweet potatoes with its mix of marshmallows, cornflakes, and pecan topping.

Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Cranberries: I hate when Brussels sprouts get a bad rap. When prepared correctly, they can be a true delicacy and a welcome addition to a high calorie plate.

Classic Green Bean Casserole: There are so many guilty pleasures on this menu, but I happened to love the Classic Green Bean Casserole recipe. I’m talking about the one where everything comes from a can. I can’t help myself. It’s so scrumptious.

Mama’s Pecan Pies: What’s your favorite pie? Mine has always been pecan, which is unfortunate since it tops the list on the calorie scale. Why can’t I fall in love with the lighter pumpkin version? This heavenly recipe yields three pies, so you can send guests home with one of their own.

Pumpkin Cream Pie: Martha Stewart’s Pumpkin Cream Pie is one of her most pinned recipes on Pinterest. The people have spoken, and they want to eat this pie. It comes with a gingersnap crust, so you are welcome!

Apple Pie in Pecan Crust: I have a confession to make, I kind of hate pie…well more specifically pie crust. It just doesn’t appeal to me. What does sound tasty is warm, spiced apples in a nutty, pecan crust. Sign me up for this baby!

For those of you that like to get things done last minute like me, I hope some of these appetizing recipes will find their way into your Thanksgiving dinner. If not, there’s always Christmas, the second round for Turkey themed meals. Enjoy!

What’s on your Thanksgiving menu this year?