All recipes tested and obtained from allrecipes.com

Overall, Thanksgiving recipes seem obvious.

A traditional American meal on this holiday consists of a turkey, mashed potatoes, miscellaneous vegetables, and cranberry sauce. Some families like to add their own flare. These dishes embrace new beginnings and honor old traditions, bringing new light to a seemingly basic meal on November 28th.

Apple Cheddar Twists

These tasty snacks melt in your mouth. The cheese and apple together are a surprisingly tasty combination that will bring your taste buds joy.

Prep time: Freeze time:

20 mins        10 mins

Cook time: Total time:

30 mins          1 hr 20 mins

Chill time: Servings:

20 mins        12

Ingredients

• 2 large apples
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 package of puff pastry (such as Dufour®)
• 6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional)

Directions:

1. Grate apples in a bowl and toss with lemon juice.
2. Add butter and brown sugar to a pan over medium to high heat. As the butter melts, give the mixture a stir and add the apple.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are brown to your liking and most liquid is evaporated (about 5 minutes). Transfer to a plate and let cool, after this refrigerate for 20 minutes or until cold.
4. Separate puff pastry, and get 4 equally sized rectangles. Top 2 rectangles with apple mixture and spread evenly.
5. Top each rectangle evenly with about 2 ounces grated cheddar, saving about 2 ounces for the tops. Align the remaining 2 rectangles on top and flatten with your hand. Freeze for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
7. Cut each rectangle into 6 pieces, when they are flexible enough to work with, start in the center, twist a few times and place it on the baking sheet. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle lightly with salt.
8. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and puffy, or about 25-30 minutes.

Butternut Soup

This isn’t your typical soup recipe. With tons of flavor this will wow everyone at your dinner table.

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: Total time:

15 mins          20 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 quart of butternut soup
• 1 10-ounce bag frozen butternut squash cubes
• ¼ heavy cream (optional but recommended)
• 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup

Directions  

1. Pour soup into medium saucepan and add the frozen squash cubes.
2. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to low. Allow this to cook very gently, uncovered, until the squash is tender (about 15 minutes). 
3. Puree in a normal blender. Add salt and pepper for taste.
4. Add heavy cream.
5. Stir in maple syrup.

Cornbread

This traditional grandmother’s cornbread recipe is sure to take you back in time. Perfectly moist and just sweet enough, it will pair very well with your favorite Thanksgiving dish.

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: Total time:

20 mins         30 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• ⅔ cup white sugar
• 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl.
3. Add milk, vegetable oil, and egg; whisk until combined.
4. Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
5. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted from the center of the pan. Or 20-25 minutes.