This will be the first Thanksgiving in years that I’ll have the opportunity to spend with my parents and sisters — and no dish or dessert will compare to the warmth of togetherness that most completely feeds my soul.
That said, there’s definitely a part of me that cannot wait to bring to our table some of the culinary Thanksgiving inspiration that I’ve picked up with my Alaskan family — recipes and ideas that turn up traditions and create new classics with wild-caught sustainable seafood.
So, I’ve rounded up some of my favorites on our blog if you too feel the call to share Alaska’s bounty with your family this Thanksgiving.
Appetizers (or as I like to call them, Happytizers)
This first course not only introduces the whole meal, but is also a way to foster an interactive, ice-breaking, group-bonding experience. Which means putting your guests to work on a collaborative batch of crab cakes is always a great idea.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt to give them something to snack on in the process, and as you wait for other guests to arrive — for which a broiled scallion and smoked fish dip perfectly does the trick, alongside a stack of quick smoked salmon blinis.
And while you all wait for all the main dishes to finish cooking, why not get cracking? Literally, with a pot of freshly steamed snow crab.
Seafood-Centric Sides
Is it even Thanksgiving without a smattering of hearty, carb-forward sides? For that glorious and critical element, we suggest Halibut Kasha Varnishkes or Yukon Coho Rosti.
To keep things easy when feeding a crowd, get out your favorite casserole dish and make our recipe for Crispy Baked Rockfish with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Or if you’re feeling fancy, this recipe for Seared Weathervane Scallops with Pan Roasted Hen of the Woods Mushrooms and Parsnip Puree is a textural masterpiece.
And if you’re looking to totally buck tradition by forgoing the turkey, delight your diners with a different kind of drama with this recipe for Pacific Cod, Potatoes and Kale en Papillote.
Leftover Remix
If you’ve got more leftovers on Friday morning than you know what to do with, brunch is calling with these Mashed Potato Waffles with Wild Alaskan Seafood or perhaps a Seafood Enhanced Frittata. The best part is that you can mix and match your leftovers with whatever cornucopia of seafood you have in your freezer.
Here’s to gathering with loved ones, sharing delicious food and laughing so much that it feels like an abs workout.
Live Wild...and have a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!
Monica
Pictured above: A just-browned seafood frittata still in the cast-iron skillet, accented with colorful fall foliage and speckled with fresh herbs.
