Thinking Thanksgiving? So are we—and so is the practically magical, nearly life-changing Thanksgiving Menu Genie.
The Genie is here to plan the meal for you (well, almost). No more swimming through seas of mashed potato recipes that all look the same: The Genie has sorted through our favorite recipes, to show you the mash, the turkey, and the pie (plus the pickle brine mushrooms you never knew you needed and five more total left-fielders) that deserve a place on your table.
We've got sweet potatoes for oven conservationists looking to use the stovetop; we've got turkey for people who only want dark meat (and more for people who only want white); we've got desserts for the laid-back and the over-achieving; we've got drinks that'll get your guests sloshed and drinks for the little ones and teetotalers. We've—or should be say, The Genie?—got it all!
Here's how it works:
Answer a question based on the course, from centerpieces to casseroles to cocktails.
For every answer, you'll get a whole crew of recipes to choose from, with blurb-ettes about what makes them special (flan, for example, is more jiggly than pumpkin pie—wubwubwub—if that's what you're into).
Pick as many answers and recipes as you want (Thanksgiving is the time for a little bit—or a lot bit—of everything, is it not?).
At the end, you'll be
served
presented with your personal menu—and it's not set in stone either. Add, swap, and nix as you see fit.
Save that menu! Bookmark it, email it to yourself (or guests asking what to bring, or kids wondering if there'll be chocolate pudding this year), share it with friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, shout it from the kitchen countertop, or print it out in a handy little packet you can take with you on your way towards a more seamless Thanksgiving meal.
Try the Genie yourself!
And hey, while you're in the process of making your Thanksgiving smoother, why not sign up for our handy checklists (and pep talks!), too?
If you've got your eye on any of the pretty friends-of-the-food in the top photo, we've got you covered there:
Handblown Decanter
Food52 Serving Platter, by Jono Pandolfi