The holidays are fast approaching, and my heart rate quickens as I think of all the items left on my to-do list, not the least of which is menu planning. I’m off the hook this year for preparation of Thanksgiving dinner; the kids are all heading off to celebrate with the families of their significant others, while the hubs and I look forward to dining out on Thursday.
Despite the anxiety-inducing planning, prep, and clean-up, I do love hosting family and friends during the holidays and am always on the lookout for new appetizers, sides, and desserts to try. The main course of “Hoosier Chicken”— which is simply chicken and noodles served over mashed potatoes—is a longstanding family tradition, so there will be no veering away from that custom. For everything else, though, I’m seeking inspiration from my favorite PBS cooks with my WTIU Passport member benefit. Read on to find menu ideas for your own holiday gatherings this season, along with some bonus recipes!
Lidia Celebrates America: Changemakers
Every one of Lidia Bastianich’s programs is a celebration, and her latest special is no exception! In it, Lidia travels across America meeting chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs hard at work trying to change not only what is available, but the way we think about food in the future. As Lidia says, “It’s…critical to remember the energy and water it takes to grow, transport, and package the foods we eat. We all have the ability to be Changemakers.” All WTIU viewers can see Lidia Celebrates America: Changemakers when it premieres on Tuesday, November 26, while Passport users can watch past episodes of Lidia’s other specials and series anytime. For an extra treat, try Lidia’s recipe for Rocky Mashed Potatoes & String Beans and Marinated Winter Squash with Sage—perfect sides for any holiday spread!
A Home for Christy Rost: Thanksgiving
Anyone who knows my husband and me knows that we have a passion for old houses and a long history of renovating fixer-uppers. We recently downsized into one of those fixer-uppers in the Prospect Hill neighborhood of Bloomington and are looking forward to celebrating our first holiday season in our “new” old home. Renowned television chef and cookbook author Christy Rost invites viewers into her own fixer-upper as she, too, hosts her first holiday gatherings since completing renovations on her Colorado home known as Swan’s Nest. Join Christy as she shares décor and cooking inspiration—along with stories from Swan’s Nest history and renovation—when you tune in to A Home for Christy Rost: Thanksgiving with your WTIU PBS Passport benefit!
New Orleans Cooking with Kevin Belton: Thanksgiving
The Big Easy is famous for its storied food scene, but a Cajun turkey may not be the first thing that springs to mind as you plan your Thanksgiving menu. Featuring a dry brine charged with Creole seasoning, Kevin’s Belton’s Cajun bird recipe may change your mind, especially when paired with the Louisiana classic side dishes, Dirty Rice and Stuffed Mirlitons, and for something more traditional, Pecan Pie made with Louisiana cane syrup. Tune in to the Thanksgiving episode of New Orleans Cooking with Kevin Belton with your WTIU PBS Passport member benefit for all the recipes—and to find out why Kevin suggests roasting your turkey upside down!
Cook’s Country: From the Indigenous Pantry
For a more traditional take on Thanksgiving turkey and sides, tune in with your WTIU PBS Passport benefit to a special episode of Cook’s Country, when hosts Bryan Roof and Toni Tipton-Martin visit Oglala Lakota Sioux chef and James Beard award-wining cookbook author Sean Sherman at his renown Owamni Restaurant in Minneapolis. Solely using ingredients indigenous to North America, this episode of Cook’s Country serves up flavor-packed dishes including Cider-Braised Turkey and Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Maple Chile Crisp. Using their practical, no-nonsense approach, the Cook’s Country test kitchen brings the best in regional cooking straight to you in each and every episode.
Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas
We’ve been focused on the Thanksgiving menu so far, but with the holiday falling so late in November this year, Christmas will be here before we know it! Get a jumpstart on your December holiday plans when you join the beloved British home cook Mary Berry for her special Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas, packed with tips to plan and get organized for the big day. Then join Mary in her most recent holiday special Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas, when she travels to her mother’s homeland, Scotland, for a magical winter break and cooks up an array of sumptuous dishes inspired by her own family holidays. Ready to indulge in some of Mary’s most festive desserts? Check out her Very Best Trifle and Luxury Christmas Pudding recipes!
WATCH MARY'S ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS NOW
WATCH MARY'S HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS NOW
America’s Test Kitchen: Holiday Cocktail Party
Cue the jazzy holiday music playlist and set out your best cocktail napkins because it’s time to party! Is there anything more festive than getting together with your favorite people surrounded by the glow of twinkling lights and the aroma of tasty appetizers? Start planning your invitation list and find inspired recipes for Roasted Oysters, Baked Brie en Croute, and Bruschetta with Artichoke Hearts & Parmesan in this episode of America’s Test Kitchen. Then consider challenging your guests to a mocktail tasting with such recommendations as the Phony Negroni and Curious #2 as recommended by hosts Jack and Bridget. With clear instructions, easy-to-source ingredients, and straightforward techniques, plus practical reviews of the latest kitchen tools, even novice cooks can find success with America’s Test Kitchen!