Photo by Lara Ferroni The pull of turkey and all the trimmings around Thanksgiving runs deep. Even if you're time-pressed or cooking for a very small group, it's hard to give up the fantasy of a golden roasted bird, savory stuffing, and sumptuous sides -- especially for pale imitations like turkey-cranberry roulade or Cornish game hens.
To satisfy your inner grandmother and appeal to your outer overcommitted self, we've put together a speedy yet classic feast. A split, bone-in turkey breast over a mound of cornbread stuffing gives the impression of a whole bird, but cooks in under an hour. And the rest of the menu -- velvety squash soup, tender broccoli rabe, rich chocolate-cinnamon pudding cakes -- can be put together while the turkey roasts. Compared with the usual marathon cooking session, our abbreviated meal will take you less time, leave you with less cleanup, and, if you are only two people, still stock your fridge with plenty of leftovers.
Timesaving tips:
Decorate a Day Ahead
Buy any flowers, iron the linens, and polish the silver if necessary. Then set the table.
Don't Forget the Drinks
If you're serving white wine and/or Champagne , chill it in advance. And be sure to start making ice ahead of time.
Recipes:
Thanksgiving Dinner in Under an Hour
Quick Winter Squash Soup with Spicy Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted Turkey Breast with Corn Bread-Sage Stuffing and Brandy Gravy
Broccoli Rabe with Pine Nuts and Raisins
Microwave Chocolate-Cinnamon Pudding Cakes
Click here to get the minute-by-minute game plan
-- Text and recipes by Melissa ClarkMORE FROM EPICURIOUS.COM:
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