I used to work at Williams Sonoma which I think I mentioned about a million times in this blog. However, I have used the cookware and taste tested the food, so I think my opinion is valuable. Every year Thanksgiving rolls around, I get a couple of things from Williams Sonoma.
Turkey Gravy Base – The turkey gravy base is a staple in my house. You just add milk. I have never made gravy nor am I interested in making gravy because it tastes so good. Mr. Super Frugalette who had admitted that he is a food snob has never suggested that we try something else. Thus, the gravy base is officially tradition in our house.
Pecan Pumpkin Butter — If you want to make a pumpkin pie, you add eggs and cream and this butter. The recipe is included. The pie is tasty. I feel that the best usage is mixing it with cream cheese as a spread for bagels. It is a wonderful breakfast idea for serving a light and easy breakfast with Thanksgiving flavors but not something heavy so that your guests do not want to feast on Thanksgiving.
Brining Bags – I haven’t used these before but I have been looking for a way to brine after reading Alton Brown’s Good Eats Roast Turkey recipe. This recipe has 5 stars from 3,450 people. I cannot wait to try this recipe. I am supposed to put the bird in a 5 gallon bucket. I cannot fit a a 5 gallon bucket in my refrigerator. Thus, I discovered these Brining Bags at Williams Sonoma. They received 5 stars with 64 reviews. I am sold.
Apple & Spices Turkey Brine – There is a recipe for brine in the Good Eats Roast Turkey recipe mentioned above. I have enough stuff to prepare for Thanksgiving and I am not going to delve into making my own brine. This brine received good reviews so I will try it out this year.
I was tempted by the Willie Bird Fresh Organic Turkey from Williams Sonoma, but then I discovered that Whole Foods has organic turkeys for half the cost. The cranberry sauce is always good…just pricey. I make my own instead.
Do you make everything from scratch for Thanksgiving? Do you purchase any prepared foods? Trying anything new this year?
Alton’s recipe is FANTASTIC. I’ve never had such a flavorful, moist turkey, and the spice mix is easy and not terribly expensive to put together, especially if you have a grocery store with bulk bins in your area. I use a cooler with ice in it to brine our bird.
I’m a from-scratch cook and too cheap for the prepared WS mixes, so I’ll just have to trust you that they’re good.
I have a tasty, super easy gravy recipe that I use every year (the one from America’s Test Kitchen – fantastic.)
That pecan pumpkin butter sounds delicious. As for brining your own turkey, some stores sell them already brined, like Trader Joes. It could save you a step if you’re pressed for time. Or, not a cook, like me.
I never knew that about Trader Joes…I love cooking but when cooking takes you away from all of your guests for extended periods of time…in my opinion, it is over rated.
Pecan pumpkin butter with cream cheese on bagels! Yum. A jar of this would make a nice addition to a gift basket. Thanks for the idea. Williams-Sonoma is the candy store for me!