Author: BigOven

Running low on time? Bust out a can of cranberry sauce that’s been sitting in your pantry since last Thanksgiving, scoop it into a nice bowl and serve. No one will ever know, right? Tangy and tart with a hint of sweetness, many Thanksgiving eaters can’t even tell the difference between homemade sauce and the canned variety. The turkey is supposed to take center stage anyway, so you might as well let that bird shine.

Perhaps you’re a perfectionist and serving anything out of a can is in no way acceptable. What would Beyonce do? She would whip up some homemade cranberry sauce, send that can “to the left to the left” and have everyone wondering how cranberries stole the show. So channel your inner diva and work that sauce.

Anyone still up for the can?

 

Comforting and familiar, your mama’s green bean casserole is the definition of Thanksgiving. It’s dependable and consistent. Crunchy and creamy. You can count on it to appear on the Thanksgiving table year after year. You might not know what exactly is in that bubbling casserole, but it doesn’t matter because mom made it and you can always trust mom… or can you?

How did it get so creamy, and why is it still bubbling!? Umm pass! How about some of your brother’s vegan girlfriend’s roasted almond green beans. Who cares about tradition anyway?

 

 

Marshmallow Topped Sweet Potatoes vs. Naked Sweet Potatoes

The breakdown:

• 61% bare naked
• 39% gooey mallow

Conclusion: 

It’s safe to say that sweet potatoes should be enjoyed without those sugary, sticky mallows. Don’t worry, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth by eating an entire pie. (You have our permission.)

Home or Away?

The breakdown:

• 58% host the feast
• 42% rather attend

Conclusion:

A majority prefers to stress out in the kitchen rather than on the road. You can always hide in your room if things get too out of hand.

Pumpkin Soup or Any Ole Squash Soup?

The breakdown:

• 63% prefers another squash
• 37% faithful to pumpkin

Conclusion:

We’re sorry Mr. Pumpkin, looks like you are a bit too boring on the palate. Might we suggest you stick to pie? Fresh whipped cream and a buttery crust will console you.

Color Orange – Hot or Not?

The breakdown:

• 61% include orange in the festivities
• 39% avoid it like the plague

Conclusion:

Whip out your festive orange sweater, this loud color is apparently in. But please, keep that orange tablecloth in the closet… too much of a good thing can actually be bad.

Brussels Sprouts – Stinky or Delicious?

The breakdown:

• 75% devour them yourself
• 25% feed them to Fido

Conclusion:

Fido won’t be getting lucky this year, since you stingy Thanksgiving feasters will actually be eating your stinky sprouts.

Fresh or Frozen?

The breakdown:

• 55% fresh and flavorful
• 45% frozen and fabulous

Conclusion:

Perhaps frozen is really not that fabulous, especially if you forget to pull that ice block of a bird out of your freezer on time. Whoops!

Well that wraps up week one of our BigOven Food Fight! Check back on our blog every day for a fun, new topic. We want to hear from you! Things are about to get interesting…

 

 

Brussels sprouts. These fall vegetables are both healthy and cute. How can you say no to a veggie that looks like a baby cabbage? Coat the cherubs in olive oil and roast ‘em until they are tender and golden brown. Green beans step aside! Chubby sprouts are taking over Thanksgiving feasts around America.

Despite their angelic gaze, Brussels sprouts fail to win over some folks, who see right past those puppy dog eyes. Alas, sprouts can be real stinkers. Who wants to eat something that smells like Grandpa’s socks? Perhaps the family dog, sure to receive some smelly green handouts under the Thanksgiving table this year (and for years to come).

Orange could be considered one of the more polarizing colors. Some people love its brightness and association with fall. (Pumpkin lovers, we’re talking about you.) While others find it obnoxious and meant for Halloween décor only.

If you choose to incorporate orange into your Thanksgiving, there are a few rules you must keep in mind, that is, if you want to avoid burning your guests’ eyeballs out before they even get a glimpse of Cousin Jo’s scorched tartlet appetizer.

Rule number one

If you decide to wear an orange garment, make sure that your entire outfit is not orange. You don’t want your senile great-aunt mistaking you for the large bottle of Cointreau you purchased for the festivities.

Rule number two

Make sure your table setting is composed primarily of neutral colors, with subtle pops of orange. Less is definitely more here. You want your guests buzzed off of the delicious wine you’re serving, not dizzy from that garish orange tablecloth.

Rule number three (the final rule)

If you’re going to pair orange with green, do so with caution! No one wants moldy Cheetos to come to mind… ever.

Orange you glad we gave you that advice? Now you decide…

It’s a bit chilly outside and your festive sweater just isn’t cutting it. A warm bowl of comforting fall soup will solve this dilemma, heating up your body and soul, as well as your Thanksgiving guests’. Is your soup comprised of trustworthy pumpkin, or will a different squash grace your bowl this year?

Some are enthralled with everything-pumpkin and simply horrified at the thought of replacing this squash. There is no other way… it must be pumpkin!

Others may choose to cut ties with tried and true Mr. Pumpkin (he was getting a little too predictable *ahem* boring) and begin a relationship with nutty Mr. Butternut, or possibly sweet Mr. Kabocha.