Chances are, your Thanksgiving is anything but traditional this year. Whether you’re hosting, or you’ve been invited to someone else’s Micro Thanksgiving, these recipes are sure to impress. Andiamo has got you covered on everything from welcome cocktails all the way to leftovers.

Welcome Cocktail: Pear + Ginger-Sage Champagne Cocktails

A meal as special as your thanksgiving feast, no matter how big or small, calls for an equally special cocktail. While the turkey is in the oven, and guests are beginning to arrive, welcome them with this aperitif to get the party started. Cheers!

Pro Tip: We recommend combining the simple syrup, champagne, and pear slices in a large pitcher for ultimate convenience factor. Once your guests arrive, pull out the chilled pitcher of your champagne cocktail and pour it into the champagne flutes.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 1 cup honey

• 3 cups water

• 2 whole pears, peeled, cored and diced

• 1 large chunk of ginger, peeled and diced

• 20 fresh sage leaves + additional for garnish

• 1 bottle of your favorite champagne or sparkling wine 

1. In a saucepan combine the honey and water over medium heat and bring to a light boil. Turn the heat down to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the honey has dissolved completely. Add the pears, ginger and sage leaves. Simmer until the mixture has reduced by 1/3. About 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for an additional 10 minutes.

2. Strain the syrup into a large mason jar. Discard the ginger and sage leaves.

3. To assemble the drinks place a few pieces of the cooked pear into each glass followed by 1-2 Tablespoons of the simple syrup. Add the champagne and enjoy.

Appetizer: Instagram-Worthy Charcuterie Board

Build a gorgeous Thanksgiving charcuterie board this holiday season that will keep your guests at bay! Charcuterie boards are the biggest culinary trend of the moment, and serve as the perfect addition to any holiday meal. Not only are they impressive, they’re also an easy solution to keeping your guests grazing while they wait for the big dinner you’ve prepared. Let your creative shine through with a festive charcuterie board! Pro Tip: Don’t forget the napkins, nice spreaders, and cheese knives. 

Ingredients:

• 3-4 slices of meat per person – prosciutto, salami, a variety of flavors and textures

• 2-3 oz. of cheese per person – gruyere, brie, a variety of flavors and textures

• Fresh fruit – should be colorful, and mix well with meats/cheeses. For Thanksgiving, figs, pears, pomegranates, apples, grapes are great options.

• Assortment of nuts – adding some chocolate-covered nuts is always a nice touch!

• Assortment of crackers in various shapes and flavors.

• Spreads such as grainy mustards, honeys, or jams.

Directions: 

1. Begin by selecting the right board for your spread. Large cutting boards are always a good idea.

2. Gather and un-package your meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, and spreads.

3. Begin assembling your board! Start with the block cheese first, followed by the spreads, and continue to fill the board in with the meats, fruits, nuts, and crackers. Look to Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration! 

Dessert: Pumpkin Spice Truffles 

While Thanksgiving dinner is the highlight of the holiday, desserts are necessary to serve as the perfect end to your turkey feast. You probably already have the quintessential desserts on your menu, but we wanted to sneak in these easy and delicious pumpkin spice truffles.  Pro Tip: Wrap these up in some cute and festive bags to send your guests home with. 

Ingredients (Makes 35 truffles):

• 2 oz. cream creese, softened to room temperature

• 2 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar

• 1/3 cup of pumpkin puree

• 1 and 3/4 cups of graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full crackers)

• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

• 4 oz. white chocolate, chopped and melted

Topping:

• 10 oz. semi-sweet or white chocolate, chopped

• Optional garnish: extra graham crackers or cinnamon sugar

Directions:

1. With a handheld or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl until creamy – about 2 minutes. Add the pumpkin and beat on high until combined. Add the graham cracker crumbs, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and melted chocolate. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until everything is combined. The mixture is supposed to be soft and thick. Cover mixture tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

2. Begin rolling chilled mixture into balls (about 1 teaspoon per ball) and place the balls on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Chill balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

3. Melt the (white or semi-sweet) chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each increment until melty and smooth. Let the chocolate cool for about 3 minutes before dipping your truffles.

4. Remove truffles from refrigerator and dip them in your melted chocolate. Top the truffles with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs if desired. Place truffles back in the refrigerator so the chocolate can set before serving!

 Recipe is adapted from Sally’s Baking Blog’s Pumpkin Spice Truffles

LEFTOVERS: Turkey, Brie, Bacon and Cranberry Sandwich 

We spend hours preparing a lavish meal for Thanksgiving, so why let a single bite go to waste?! This sandwich recipe reinvents spare turkey, cranberry sauce, and other yummy thanksgiving dishes to make for the perfect Friday leftovers. 

Pro Tip: If you don’t like bacon, sub It for some fresh avocado

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 8 slices of challah bread

• 8 tbsp. cranberry sauce

• 8 oz. sliced turkey from the night before!

• 4 oz. Brie

• 8 slices of bacon

• 1 cup of baby spinach

• Optional: 1 avocado

Directions:

1. Place slices of bread on a baking sheet. Top 4 of the 8 slices with cranberry sauce, sliced turkey, and Brie.

2. Place sandwiches under the broiler until the cheese melts, about 1 minute.

3. Remove from the oven, and top the cheese with warm baco, baby spinach and avocado if you desire. Sandwich with the remaining toasted challah slices. 

Recipe adapted from Turkey, Brie, Bacon and Cranberry Sandwich by Woman’s Day Kitchen.