Thanksgiving in a Small Apartment
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food. But if you live in a small apartment, hosting a traditional Thanksgiving dinner can be a challenge. Here are a few tips for making the most of your Thanksgiving in a small space:
- Keep it simple. Don’t try to cook a huge meal for a crowd. Instead, focus on a few dishes that you can make well.
- Use your space wisely. Make use of every inch of your kitchen, including the counter tops, oven, and microwave.
- Get creative with your seating. If you don’t have a dining table, set up a buffet or use folding chairs.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask a friend or family member to help you with the cooking or cleanup.
Here is a sample menu for a small apartment Thanksgiving dinner:
- Appetizer: Cranberry Brie Bites
- Main Course: Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy
- Sides: Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Stuffing
- Dessert: Pumpkin Pie
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup brie cheese, cubed
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Unfold puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread cranberry sauce evenly over puff pastry.
- Sprinkle brie cheese cubes over cranberry sauce.
- Roll up puff pastry sheet tightly, starting from one long side.
- Cut roll into 1-inch slices.
- Place slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless, skinless turkey breast (3-4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Rub turkey breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place turkey breast in a roasting pan and add chicken broth.
- Roast turkey breast for 1 hour, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Remove turkey breast from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Place potatoes in a large pot of cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and return to pot.
- Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) green beans, drained
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup French’s fried onions
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion, celery, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with French’s fried onions.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and hot.
Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 unbaked pie crust
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour mixture into pie crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.