Thanksgiving is this week and I'm truly at a loss for words seeing how quickly the holiday has approached. I mean, wasn't it just yesterday that we were celebrating the start to summer? At any rate, it's here and like many of you reading this, I can't wait to spend the holiday with my family. Almost as equally as important, I can't wait for my mom and sister to break out all of their specialty dishes for the day, too.
Though I'm totally grateful for the ability to spend Thanksgiving day with my family now, a few years ago when I was a college student working nights as an analyst at my local hospital, that wasn't possible. I remember feeling so left out one year because by the time I finally made it to my mom's house that evening, everyone was sleeping and I was left making a plate after midnight by myself. So the following year, to solve the problem, my mom decided that we would have two meals: a breakfast or brunch before I went into work and then a dinner for those who were blessed enough to have the day off.
While I've come quite a long way from working nights at a hospital to make it through college, I'll never forget what it felt like to feel left out for the holiday. So, if you're looking for a way to solve that for your family or just want to add a new tradition to your holiday lineup this year, this will surely help.
Check out my list below or watch the clip where I discussed each tool and idea on WESH 2 here.
1. George Foreman Multi Plate & Grill — $189.99
If you need a one-stop cooking machine to suit your breakfast, lunch — and maybe even dinner — needs, the George Foreman Multi-Plate & Grill is just the thing for you. Delivering a 5-n-1 functionality, you'll be able to grill, broil, griddle, make waffles, and press a panini without even turning on your stove.
Sold at:
QVC
2. Tim Tam Biscuits — $3.49
In need of a sweet treat to soothe your tastebuds? Try having Tim Tam Biscuits with your morning coffee or hot chocolate. Perfect for any day of the week (not just Thanksgiving) the cream-filled goodness surrounded by two crunchy biscuits and swallowed in chocolate deliciousness delivers the right amount of decadence everyone needs.
Sold at:
National retailers
3. Premier Protein — $2.99
Not everyone is ready to throw away their hard work work in the gym during the holidays and if that's you, Premier Protein shakes should be on your brunch menu this year. Containing 30g of protein, only 160 calories, and just 1g of sugar, the ready to drink shakes will fill you up without stuffing you before the dinner is ready. Flavors include chocolate, caramel, bananas and cream, vanilla, and strawberries and cream.
For those who want to take it just a step further, try visiting premierprotein.com to check out different recipes — like the one above of Double Chocolate Breakfast Bread Pudding — to create using the shakes!
Sold at:
Target, Costco, BJ's, Sam's, and PremierProtein.com
4. Enza Prosecco — $14.99
Tired of the same old champagne and cider hitting the table for Thanksgiving? Try a sparkling white wine instead. Enza Prosecco will light up your brunch, lunch, or dinner with it's crisp, citrus, and refreshing taste. Have it by itself or pair it with your juice of choice for a tasty mimosa.
If you're looking to create the sunset mimosa I made on WESH, all you need is orange juice, the Enza Prosecco, and grenadine (for the sunset effect). Be sure to place them in that order so that your colors don't mix too quickly!
Sold at:
EnzaProsecco.com
With Creative (and Thankful) Thoughts,
-Kp