Thanksgiving Round Up [Drool Fest!]

I'm officially wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope you'll be spending the next few days with friends and family, soaking up the quality time and enjoying every minute.  This year is actually my first year hosting Thanksgiving- we're getting some visitors down here in Georgia and I'm thrilled.  I've done the cooking at other houses before, but this year, the turkey roasting is going down in my house!

There have been tons of drool-worthy Thanksgiving posts the past few weeks, and I wanted to share some inspiration if you've saved your menu planning to the last minute.  Enjoy these links and have a delicious holiday!

Breakfast for a crowd. I've been eyeing this Baked Pumpkin French Toast by Dana at Made and the Overnight French Toast Casserole from Ezra Pound Cake.  I love that you can make them both the night before.  Also on my list: Joy the Baker's Homemade Granola.  Serve it up parfait style with some fruit and yogurt and you're set.

Sides. I wish I was Beatrice Peltre.  Or I at least wish I was eating her Gratin Dauphinois.  What gorgeous colors!  While I'm talking gratins, check out the Sweet Potato, Apple and Carmelized Onion Gratin at Evil Shenanagins and the Cauliflower Gratin at Handle the Heat.

My stuffing-type picks: Butternut Squash, Kale and Cheddar Bread Pudding from Ezra Pound Cake and Cornbread Stuffing with Apples from Umami Girl.

I gave you a cranberry lesson yesterday, but if you want to be daring, try the Chipotle Cranberry Sauce from The Other Side of 50.  And we can't forget the potatoes- I'm interested in this clever version of Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes at Real Mom Kitchen.

Bread and Rolls. French Bread Rolls from Dine and Dish or Honey Whole Grain Dinner Rolls from Saving Naturally?  It's a toss up for me, I still haven't decided.  There's also this Garlic Thyme Focaccia from Fake Ginger and let's not forget the Pumpkin Garlic Knots from Handle the Heat.  Decisions, decisions..

Dessert. Too many beautiful desserts.. how do I choose?  I'm loving this Buttermilk Pie at Sing For Your Supper.  I've been wanting to make one since I moved to the south.  SFYS also featured these Maple Walnut Shortbread cookies recently, which would be a nice option if you're having a dessert buffet.   

If you like big bundts, try the Buttermilk Butternut Squash Bundt from Mary the Food Librarian.  If you're serving single dessert portions, these Honeyed Pears in Puff Pastry from Sprinkle Bakes would be a show-stopper.  

Let's not forget this Almond Cake with Sugared Pears and Salted Caramel at the Kitchenette, one of the most beautiful cakes I've seen all season.  And of course, you can scratch your pumpkin pie itch with Bobby Flay's Throwdown Winning Pumpkin Pie.

Genius Ideas for Leftovers.  Try the Individual Turkey Pot Pies from My Baking Addiction.  These don't remind me of Thanksgiving at all, and that's a good thing!  I'm also loving the Sweet Potato Soup with Crisp Prosciutto at My Kitchen Addiction and this Slow Cooker Turkey Mole Chili at Smokin' Chestnut.  You don't have to stick to the classic turkey sandwich.

Oh, and if you're looking for turkey and gravy, look no further.

Happy Thanksgiving, ya'll!