Thanksgiving 2021: A New Normal
3 Tips For Healthier Holiday Hangouts
As life slowly begins to resume some semblance of normalcy, the opportunity to cook for family and friends may again be an option. Consider these tips for healthier holiday hangouts!
HEAD OUTDOORS — If restaurants can pivot to outdoor dining, why not the rest of us? Dust off the patio furniture, invest in fun new cushions, add a space heater, and break out some candles. Get even more use out of your patio, deck, lanai, or lawn.
ZOOM IN — Why not start a new tradition and use technology to include folks who are unable to be physically present? Smart phones, web conference tools, and social media make it easier than ever to both speak to and see each other.
GIVE THANKS — What silver linings are you grateful for? Some of us checked in more than usual with family and friends around the world, while others enjoyed a shorter commute from bed to desk. Reflecting on the past year, we just might realize how many things we take for granted.
No matter how you celebrate, try our family’s time-tested and teenager-approved Sweet Potato Soufflé recipe from the Turkey Savvy cookbook and be prepared for compliments!
SWEET POTATO SOUFFLE
INGREDIENTS
5 sweet potatoes, medium
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature (1 stick)
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 handful each miniature marshmallows and chopped pecans (or to taste)
METHOD
ROAST SWEET POTATOES — May be prepared 1–2 days ahead.
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and cover a cookie sheet with foil.
2. Wash and poke sweet potatoes with a fork. Place on foil-covered cookie sheet and bake about 1 hour.
3. Test for doneness by poking each potato with a fork. Potatoes are done when a fork slides easily through the thickest part of the largest potato. If prepared ahead, wrap in foil and refrigerate.
ASSEMBLE SOUFFLE — May also be done in advance if desired.
4. Remove butter from refrigerator to soften.
5. Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise (along the long side) and use a spoon to scrape the flesh into a mixing bowl. Place peels on the foil and wrap to discard. With a potato masher, mash the potato flesh until smooth.
6. Add softened butter and mash to combine (save the wrapper for step 8).
7. Add salt, vanilla, maple syrup, milk, and eggs. combine with an electric mixer on Medium or a wire whisk.
8. Use the empty butter wrapper, or a dab of butter on a piece of waxed paper, to grease either a square baking pan, a loaf pan, or a pie pan.
9. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the mixture into a baking dish. If made in advance, cover and refrigerate.
10. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
11. Sprinkle the souffle with cinnamon, marshmallows, and pecans, to taste.
12. Bake 40 minutes, until lightly browned. Tip: When serving, place on a trivet or potholder as pan will be hot. Enjoy!
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Venice resident Jessica C. Williams is a technology consultant, course creator, and author of the Turkey Savvy cookbook available on Amazon and at www.savvyfriendspress.com.
Original version published in the print only Venice Living magazine in November 2021.
