The National Restaurant Association reports that more than half of consumers get a little to-go help from restaurants to augment (or completely supply) their Thanksgiving feast. Additionally, a growing number of customers are putting down their aprons, driving to their favorite restaurant and letting chefs serve them a complete (and completely uncomplicated) spread.
No need to feel pressured. We're sure you've planned out plenty of great ideas and are ready to go for Nov. 27. But just in case you need a little extra inspiration, Chef Magazine and Stirrings have gathered a few tips.
Turkey
They call it Turkey Day for a reason. The Rockwellian centerpiece is often considered the most important part of the meal. If you're looking for a minor twist on the traditional or an all-out makeover of unexpected flavors, the National Turkey Federation is your source. For whole bird ideas, just search the recipe archives to find ones like New Orleans Bistro Deep Fried Turkey and Latino Lime Glazed Turkey with Chipotle Gravy. While you're on the Web site, check out the Foodservice Hotplate with more Thanksgiving tips.
Stuffing
Are goldenberries the new cranberries? Kopali Organics thinks so. This exotic raisin of the Amazon is a sweet and sour delicacy, and it's rich in vitamin A. The company's Supergood, Superfoods Goldenberries add a healthy flavorful spin on classic holiday faves to entice your health-minded Turkey Day customers.
Yield: 12 servings
2 qt. vegetable stock
3 c. wild rice, rinsed
Pinch sea salt
1 T. olive oil
6 large shallots, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. white mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 T. soy sauce or wheat-free tamari
1 t. dried thyme
1/2 c. Kopali Organic Goldenberries
Freshly ground black pepper
1 c. chopped fresh parsley
2 qt. vegetable stock
1/3 c. chopped fresh sage
Method (1) Bring stock to a boil. Add rice and salt, and return to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat. (2) Heat olive oil in a sauté pan, add the shallots and garlic and cook for about 10 minutes, or until golden. Add the mushrooms and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their juices. (3) Add the soy or tamari, thyme and pepper. Continue to cook until the liquid evaporates. Transfer to a bowl with the rice. Add the golden berries, parsley and sage and toss to combine. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more pepper, if necessary.
Potatoes
Operators are challenged to prepare delicious, high-quality Thanksgiving potato dishes without increasing labor or cost. According to Simplot Foods, Idahoan potato products are easy to use and cost less per serving than scratch, frozen or refrigerated brands. The food cost for the recipe below is 70 cents per serving; if you menu these potatoes for $2.50, that's a gross profit of $1.80 per portion.
Yield: 13 servings (8 oz. each)
1 package (20.35 oz.) Idahoan REAL Au Gratin Casserole
12 oz. Italian sausage, crumbled, cooked
2 oz. green onion, sliced
1 t. garlic, minced
10 oz. chèvre cheese
2 1/2 qt. Water, boiling
Method (1) Combine the casserole, sausage, onions and garlic in a 4" half size steam table pan. (2) Whisk the chèvre cheese into the boiling water to evenly disperse. (3) Add the water to the potatoes; stir well to incorporate ingredients. (4) Cover with foil, and bake in a 400°F convection oven for 40 minutes. Remove foil, and continue to bake for 5 to 10 minutes until top is browned.
Condiment
Sweet creamery butter is delicious, but why not give bread service a little flair with a compound butter accompaniment? Plugrá offers up this version from its recent national recipe contest.
Yield: 32 servings (1 T. each)
1/2 lb. Plugrá European-Style Butter, unsalted, softened
1 T. fresh chives, chopped
1 T. fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1 t. garlic, minced
1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 c. blue cheese crumbles (Maytag recommended)
3 T. walnuts, toasted and chopped
Method (1) In a mixer, whip Plugrá butter at medium speed until smooth and light. Fold in chives, thyme, garlic and pepper. Beat until combined, about 5 minutes. (2) Stir in blue cheese and walnuts. Beat for 1 minute until well-combined. (3) Remove butter from bowl. Spoon onto parchment paper. Roll into a log, using edge of baking sheet to form a tight log. Chill for 2 hours before portioning and serving.
Drinks
"Keep it simple" is a holiday mantra for chefs and consumers alike. Wild Turkey bourbon suggests a fun garnish to turn everyday spirits into festive drinks.
Wild Turkey 101 bourbon
Ice cubes
2 cranberries
1 spring rosemary
Method (1) Serve Wild Turkey 101 over ice in a rocks glass. (2) Skewer cranberries on rosemary sprig for a garnish.
The ultimate indulgence: dessert in drink form. But for Thanksgiving, Three Olives Vodka suggests retiring the Chocolate Martini (temporarily, of course) for something a little more festive. Now guests can have their pie, and drink it, too.
Yield: 1 drink
Honey, as needed
Graham cracker crumbs, as needed
1 oz. milk
2 T. pumpkin purée
Ice cubes, as needed
1 1/2 oz. Three-O Vanilla vodka
1 1/2 oz. crème de cacao
Method (1) Using a small amount of honey, rim martini glass with graham cracker crumbs. (2) Shake milk and pumpkin purée over ice to combine. Pour in remaining ingredients, and shake well. (3) Strain into prepared martini glass.
Dessert
To make sure the end of the meal is just as spectacular as the first bite, Sara Lee Foodservice offers Chef Pierre Pre-Sliced Pies for the holidays and beyond. With these thaw-and-serve desserts, you'll reduce waste and get improved pie appearance with fewer broken crimps and even slices every time. The pies are available in tantalizing (and holiday-appropriate flavors) like Pumpkin, Pecan and Sweet Potato. The Dutch Apple Hi Pie (pictured) is made with apples picked at the peak ripeness, which are then quick-frozen and mixed with sugar and spices to create a natural-juice pie with more than 1 pound of fruit.
Are you doing something creative for Thanksgiving at your restaurant? Post about it in the comments section.
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