The Ultimate Thanksgiving Meal, Recipes with Select Brands Appliances: Part 1 - Prep

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Meal, Recipes with Select Brands Appliances: 3 Part Series, Prep, Cook, Repurpose, & Enjoy!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and it's time to get creative with your holiday menu! Whether you're preparing marinades, cooking a delicious spread, or whipping up comforting leftovers, Select Brands appliances have got you covered.

From the versatility of slow cookers to convenience of air fryers, these appliances will make your Thanksgiving prep easier, tastier, and more fun. Here’s a complete guide to Thanksgiving recipes using Select Brands products, broken down into three essential parts: prep, day-of cooking, and post-Thanksgiving treats, repurposing all those awesome recipes into even more delicious leftovers.

Extra perk! Be sure to check out all 3 parts to discover extra useful pointers and inspirations for dessert, featuring some Friendsgiving-inspired recipes that are guaranteed to be a hit!

Part 1: Prep for Thanksgiving with Powerful Tools

Thanksgiving prep can be a breeze with the right appliances in your kitchen. Here are some must-haves to help you make the perfect marinades, sauces, and sides:

Marinades & Stuffing Prep with the TRU Cordless Hand Blender

Cordless convenience is a game-changer for Thanksgiving prep. The TRU Cordless Hand Blender is perfect for blending marinades and dressings without being tethered to an outlet. Create a delicious marinade for your turkey by blending olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice. For a trendy twist, make a sourdough stuffing – sourdough is a hit on TikTok right now, and this blender will ensure smooth consistency for mixing in herbs and seasonings.

Here are a few marinade and stuffing recipes that would work perfectly with the TRU Cordless Hand Blender, adding flavor and flair to your Thanksgiving prep. These recipes showcase the versatility of a handheld blender, especially with its cordless convenience for easy movement around the kitchen.

1. Herbed Lemon Garlic Turkey Marinade

This bright, aromatic marinade infuses turkey with flavors of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, making it a fantastic choice for roasting.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Use the TRU Cordless Hand Blender to blend until smooth and well-emulsified.
3. Rub the marinade all over the turkey, cover, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight) for maximum flavor.

Tip: Reserve a small amount of the marinade to baste the turkey during roasting for extra flavor.

2. Maple Mustard Turkey Marinade

Sweet, tangy, and savory, this marinade pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of roasted turkey.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, add the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend the mixture with the TRU Cordless Hand Blender until it’s smooth and creamy.
3. Rub generously over the turkey, cover, and let marinate for at least 1-2 hours or overnight.

Tip: For an added hint of flavor, brush the turkey with a little extra maple syrup just before roasting.

3. Trendy Sourdough Herb Stuffing

Sourdough is all the rage on TikTok, and for good reason! Its tangy flavor and chewy texture make it ideal for stuffing. This sourdough stuffing is herb-packed and perfectly seasoned, ready for a Thanksgiving twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of sourdough bread, cubed and slightly dried
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Add the chopped sage, rosemary, and thyme, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed sourdough bread, sautéed vegetables, and herbs.
4. Use the TRU Cordless Hand Blender to gradually mix in the broth until the stuffing reaches your desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, until golden and crispy on top.

4. Apple Cider Brined Turkey Marinade

Infuse your turkey with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider, balanced with herbs and spices for a festive twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, sage, thyme, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
2. Use the TRU Cordless Hand Blender to blend until smooth.
3. Pour the marinade over the turkey and let it soak for 4-6 hours, turning occasionally to ensure the marinade penetrates all sides.

Tip: This marinade pairs particularly well with turkey breasts and can be used as a basting sauce during cooking.

Each of these recipes takes advantage of the TRU Cordless Hand Blender to create smooth, well-emulsified marinades and perfectly mixed stuffing, making Thanksgiving prep easy and fun!

Sauces & Soups with the TRU Immersion Blender

Fall flavors come to life in seasonal soups and sauces. Use the TRU Immersion Blender to make a creamy butternut squash soup as a warm appetizer. For a homemade cranberry sauce or smooth, lump-free gravy, this blender is the ideal tool to get the right texture. With a cordless design, it’s easy to move around and blend straight in the pot, saving you time and dishes.

Here are some delicious fall-inspired recipes for soups and sauces that are perfect for Thanksgiving. Each one uses the TRU Immersion Blender to create smooth, velvety textures and bring out the rich flavors of the season. The cordless design makes it easy to blend right in the pot, keeping things simple and mess-free.

1. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy, comforting soup is the essence of fall. With hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s a warm appetizer that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for dairy-free)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Add the butternut squash, vegetable broth, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Use the TRU Immersion Blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, and blend again if needed. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve warm, garnished with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of nutmeg.

2. Classic Cranberry Sauce

This homemade cranberry sauce is sweet, tangy, and a must-have on every Thanksgiving table. The TRU Immersion Blender creates a perfectly smooth or chunky texture, depending on your preference.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
2. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Use the TRU Immersion Blender to blend to your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, blend until completely smooth; for a chunkier sauce, pulse briefly to keep some texture.
5. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

3. Silky Turkey Gravy

Achieve the ultimate, lump-free turkey gravy with the help of the TRU Immersion Blender. This classic gravy is perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes and stuffing.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups turkey drippings (or chicken broth if you don’t have drippings)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or sage for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to create a roux, cooking until lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Gradually add the turkey drippings (or broth), whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Use the TRU Immersion Blender to blend the gravy directly in the saucepan until completely smooth and silky.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh thyme or sage if desired.

4. Carrot Ginger Soup

This vibrant soup combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with a hint of fresh ginger, creating a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect as an appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and ginger, and cook until softened.
2. Add the carrots and vegetable broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the carrots are tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Use the TRU Immersion Blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth.
4. Stir in the coconut milk for a creamy texture, if desired, and adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve warm, garnished with a swirl of coconut milk or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

5. Apple Cider Sauce for Pork or Turkey

This sweet and tangy apple cider sauce is perfect as a glaze for roasted meats or as a dipping sauce on the side.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has reduced and thickened.
3. Use the TRU Immersion Blender to blend the sauce to a smooth consistency.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary. Drizzle over roasted turkey or pork, or serve on the side as a dipping sauce.

These recipes are perfect for bringing out the flavors of fall and adding an extra touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving meal. The TRU Immersion Blender makes it easy to achieve the ideal consistency, whether you’re making a creamy soup or a silky sauce. Enjoy these comforting, seasonal dishes with family and friends!

Share your favorite recipes in the comments, and if you recreate any of these delicious recipes using your favorite Select Brands appliances, make sure to tag us on social @SelectBrands for a chance to be featured this holiday season! 

Head over to Part 2 for the recipes that'll kick your Day of Thanksgiving Meal up a notch!