This French Canadian Thanksgiving menu celebrates the autumn harvest with seasonal recipes. Indulge in apples, cheese, onions, potatoes, squash, turkey, and everything else that is in season during the cooler months. This list is something of an extreme menu, one that you would serve if you had forty guests coming and several days to prepare. The beauty is that you can pick your favorites, mix and match, and stay within a budget because these dishes are made with inexpensive seasonal ingredients. More potatoes, anyone?
Roasted Maple Orange Glazed Turkey Recipe
©Ernesto Andrade
This main dish is as quick as quick can be! The speed-roasting method requires that the turkey be cooked for 10 minutes per pound - adjust accordingly for your bird. Very fitting for the season, orange and maple glaze bring out the rotisserie-style flavor of the turkey.
Apple Tarte Tatin Recipe
©Sonja Pieper
Apples are a great way to stretch the dessert budget! Adding a touch of lemon zest and spice really perks up this classically delicious apple tarte Tatin recipe. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whiped cream to the dessert for a rich after-dinner treat.
Maple Pumpkin Pie Recipe
©Mark Fowler
Combine two favorite fall flavors! This maple pumpkin pie is a traditional Canadian dessert recipe. Use a store-bought pie shell or make pate sucree in your own kitchen. This dessert is so fantastic; there won't be any leftovers!
Caramelized Apples Recipe
©Crystal Woroniuk
I have not gone a single year in my adult life without serving these at a holiday meal! Caramelized apples are meant to be slightly sweet, not overpowering and sugary, so they are versatile in nature. For a delicious "cheater" dessert, fill a store-bought tart shell with these apples. With the homemade goodness of the apples and apple cider reduction sauce, nobody will guess your secret!
Cranberry Quatre Quarts Cake Recipe
©Rebecca Franklin
Quatre quarts translates into "four fourths" and is a traditional French pound cake. Some creative liberties have been taken here with the addition of vanilla and dried cranberries. It is a delicious and inexpensive way to expand your dessert offerings.
Pumpkin Mousse Recipe
©Jarno
An inexpensive dessert can be hard to find. Pie pumpkins are priced quite nicely this time of year, as well as the year round availability of canned pumpkin puree. That makes this spiced pumpkin mousse recipe a perfect choice for a delicious, seasonal treat.
