Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, great food! As a student, you may want to contribute to the holiday feast or celebrate with friends in your dorm. Luckily, you don’t need to be a master chef to whip up some delicious Thanksgiving dishes. Here are a few easy recipes that are perfect for students looking to impress their loved ones without spending too much time in the kitchen.

1. Stuffing

Stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving dish that's simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Here’s a quick recipe you can try:

Ingredients:

• 1 package of store-bought stuffing mix
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: herbs like sage or thyme

Instructions:

1. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
2. In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, sautéed vegetables, and broth. Stir until well mixed.
3. Add salt, pepper, and any herbs you like. Pour into a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.

2. Cranberry Sauce

Homemade cranberry sauce is quick and adds a fresh touch to your Thanksgiving meal. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• Optional: orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add cranberries and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
3. If desired, stir in orange zest or cinnamon for extra flavor. Let it cool before serving.

3. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a must-have on any Thanksgiving table, and they're easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and return to the pot.
2. Add butter and milk to the potatoes, then mash until smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a twist, you can add garlic or cheese!

4. Pumpkin Pie

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without dessert! This easy pumpkin pie recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 prepared pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, and spices until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes until set. Let it cool before serving.

5. Green Bean Casserole

This dish is a Thanksgiving favorite and super easy to prepare!

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans (or fresh green beans, blanched)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup fried onions (store-bought)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the fried onions. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Top with the remaining fried onions and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.

Happy Thanksgiving from Hospitality Academy

These Thanksgiving recipes are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for students who want to make a delicious contribution to the holiday feast. Gather your friends, cook together, and enjoy the spirit of Thanksgiving!

At Hospitality Academy, we celebrate the joy of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with good food, great company, and plenty of gratitude!n!