We look forward to Thanksgiving all year long! We always host family in Chattanooga and have settled into some really meaningful traditions; a charity walk for the homeless in our community,  the official “turkey drop” into the fryer, sharing what we are thankful for, a heated political discussion (or 2) and enjoying the delightful noise of sweet cousins playing.  I absolutely love putting together our Thanksgiving menu and being in the kitchen during this time.

A friend recently asked my advice on hosting Thanksgiving at her house for the first time. It can be tough to pull it all together with such busy lives so I try to focus on the our key items and not spread my time too thin.  The star of the show at every single Thanksgiving dinner is this Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta by Giada De Laurentiis.  If there is ever a year I don’t make it, we’ll have a major riot.  We  have 2 turkeys – 1 fried and 1 smoked. All of these are fairly involved so we keep everything else very simple.

I get the stuffing completely prepared and refrigerated the day before, and just pop in the oven on Thanksgiving day so it’s served freshly baked and warm.  You will not regret giving this a try. It really is delicious.

Enjoy and happy Thanksgiving! –Betsy (the recovering politician)

Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/ciabatta-stuffing-with-chestnuts-and-pancetta-recipe

 

 

Photo by Food Network