Store-bought and dressed to the nines!

No stress hacks for Thanksgiving.

Ina Garten is a master at transforming store-bought staples into gourmet dishes with just a few simple tweaks. She’s also a self-taught, multi-faceted talent who I’ve always admired. Ina does it her way - in a harsh, often elitist industry. No apologies. Here’s a list of ideas inspired by Ina to help you create an elegant Thanksgiving meal with minimal stress by dressing up store-bought, no-judgment items.

Ina would approve.

Appetizers

1. Gourmet Crudités Platter

   • Elevate pre-cut vegetables with a store-bought dip like tzatziki or hummus.

   • Drizzle hummus with olive oil, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and garnish with chopped parsley.

   • Serve with artisanal crackers.

2. Cheese and Charcuterie Board

   • For a personalized touch, combine store-bought cheeses and charcuterie platters with fresh or dried fruit, nuts, fig jam, or honey.

3. Savory Puff Pastry Bites

   • Take frozen puff pastry and fill it with store-bought pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or goat cheese to create easy appetizers.

Turkey

1. Pre-Cooked Turkey Breasts

   • Glaze pre-cooked turkey with melted butter, maple syrup, and fresh thyme.

   • Garnish with roasted lemon slices and fresh herbs for a homemade presentation.

2. Rotisserie Chicken Alternative

   • For a small gathering, dress up a rotisserie chicken by basting it with pan drippings, fresh herbs, and citrus zest (turkey is overrated).

Stuffing

1. Elevated Boxed Stuffing

   • Add sautéed onions, celery, and garlic to a boxed stuffing mix.

   • Enhance flavor with cooked sausage, dried cranberries, apples, or toasted pecans.

2. Cornbread Stuffing

   • Use store-bought cornbread, crumble it, and mix it with fresh sage and thyme.

Potatoes and Sides

1. Mashed Potatoes Shortcut

   • Start with store-bought refrigerated mashed potatoes. Elevate them by mixing in roasted garlic, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, butter, salt, and pepper.

   • Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of chopped chives.

2. Sweet Potato Casserole

   • Use canned sweet potatoes, mash them, and top with mini marshmallows and a pecan streusel.

3. Frozen Veggies

   • Toss frozen green beans or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and garlic, then roast.

   • Garnish with crispy shallots or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Cranberry Sauce

1. Dress-Up Canned Cranberry Sauce

   • Mix whole-berry cranberry sauce with orange zest, fresh orange juice, and a splash of Grand Marnier or apple cider.

2. Cranberry-Relish Hybrid

   • Combine store-bought cranberry sauce with finely chopped walnuts, diced apples, and a pinch of cinnamon.

Bread and Rolls

1. Bakery Rolls, Made Better

   • Brush store-bought rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt or garlic-herb seasoning before warming.

Gravy

1. Pre-Made Gravy Fix-Up

   • Enhance jarred or packet gravy by stirring in pan drippings, a splash of white wine or Mirren, and fresh thyme or rosemary.

   • Add a tablespoon of cream for richness or a sprinkle of black pepper for extra depth.

Desserts

1. Pumpkin Pie Upgrade

   • Buy a store-bought pumpkin pie and serve it with homemade whipped cream spiked with vanilla or bourbon.

   • Garnish with candied pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

2. Fancy Apple Pie

   • Top a store-bought apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and warmed caramel sauce.

3. Cookie Plate with a Twist

   • Arrange store-bought cookies on a platter and pair them with small bowls of chocolate ganache or fruit preserves for dipping.

Enjoy a few shortcuts that feel homemade but don’t require days of effort for less stress and maximum flavor. Bon apetite!