Story originally appeared on Grand Pacific Resorts .
If you plan on staying at one of our resorts this Thanksgiving, our condos are fully equipped to whip up your turkey dinner and favorite side dishes.
For those looking to pull off the ultimate Thanksgiving feast, we break down everything you need pull off the perfect meal.
Your Condo Kitchen
As you prep your Thanksgiving dinner list, first take stock of all the cooking appliances and tools at your disposal.
All of our condos come with fully stocked kitchens, which include the following appliances:
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Toaster
- Oven
- Microwave
- Dinnerware, glassware, flatware
- Cutting knives
- Pots and pans
- Coffee maker
*Before you arrive, please verify which items are available in your specific unit.
Things To Bring
Depending on which Thanksgiving dishes you choose to make, you may want to bring a few of the following items from home:
Basic Ingredients
Pick up common cooking and baking ingredients like flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar before you arrive.
Roasting Pan
Stainless steel roasting pans with a rack will hold your turkey well and ensure it cooks perfectly.
If you don’t have one, a cast-iron skillet, extra-large sheet pan, or large casserole dish will do.
Meat Thermometer
If you’re planning on making turkey, don’t forget the meat thermometer—an essential tool that will save you tons of unnecessary pre-Thanksgiving dinner stress.
Pie Pan
For a classic pumpkin or apple pie, be sure to bring a pie pan to give your creation the ideal crust-to-pie ratio.
Crock-Pot
A crockpot allows you to whip up everything from soup to hot apple cider. And after the prepping is done, it’s hands off until ready—which means more time with family and friends.
The Menu
Turkey
Because is it even Thanksgiving without turkey? Check out Ina Garten’s delicious Perfect Roast Turkey recipe. If you’ve never cooked a full bird before, this is a straightforward and good go-to recipe that will help stave off any day-of panic. After you’ve prepped the turkey, it will need to roast for about 2.5 hours, giving you time to get started on other dishes or kick back with a warm beverage (or cool one, depending on where you are!)
Classic Stuffing
Nothing completes a roundup of traditional Thanksgiving dishes quite like stuffing. While easy to go for the boxed options, if you want something truly next level, give the gift of homemade stuffing. Check out this simple Best-Ever Classic Stuffing. With a good amount of turkey broth and butter, this fluffy side dish turns into a delicacy side dish that will leave your guests impressed and content.
Mashed Potatoes
When deciding on your Thanksgiving dinner menu, you can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes. Whether you’re making m or opting for a classic recipe, this comforting dish is always a hit. If you’re on the hunt for something traditional, check out these delicious Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes, a recipe from one of our Owners, chef Patty Mastracco! Pair with gravy made from your turkey pan drippings, and you’ll be all set.
Green Beans
There are so many ways go with Thanksgiving green beans. What was once thought of as a simple side dish in the past, has gotten way more creative. Bon Appétit is stealing the green bean show with these 21 Thanksgiving Green Bean Recipes That Are Actually Exciting. From slow cooked to caramelized with harissa and cumin to green bean casserole with fried onions, the delicious choice is yours.
Corn
Sometimes there’s nothing as sentimental as an easy canned corn recipe that’s reminiscent of Thanksgivings past. But don’t be afraid to think outside the box and start a new tradition. This Creamy Confetti Corn with Bacon is as tasty as it is festive and fun—and perhaps the best part? It only takes 15 minutes to throw together.
Cranberry Sauce
If you’re feeling ambitious, try making cranberry sauce from scratch this year. One of the most quintessential Thanksgiving items, cranberry sauce is easy to make and pairs perfectly with every other item on your dinner plate. Check out this recipe that puts a delicious twist on traditional cranberry sauce, also from Owner Patty Mastracco. Or customize your sauce with pecans, orange zest, currants, and nutmeg.
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is synonymous with Thanksgiving. If you’re crafting one from scratch, check out this simple yet delicious The Great Pumpkin Pie that calls for ingredients like freshly grated nutmeg along with heavy cream. Pumpkin puree plus a homemade pie crust brings this decadent dessert together. You can also make this pie in advance, freeze it, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
At Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge, we believe that some of the best experiences worth sharing tend to happen over good food. Wherever you find yourself this Thanksgiving, we hope you have a wonderful day spent in the places you love with the people that make you grateful.
