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Easiest-Ever Thanksgiving Menu for Reluctant Hosts (We Even Made the Grocery List!)

Maple-Bourbon-Brined Turkey
First rule of Thanksgiving hosting: never let 'em see you sweat. With these foolproof essentials and handy grocery list, you'll be able to pull it all together without pulling out your hair—promise!

Grocery List

Produce

  • 1 pound fresh green beans
  • 1 Head Garlic
  • 5 Medium Onions
  • 4 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
  • 2 Sprigs Fresh Sage
  • 2.5 Lb Sweet Potatoes
  • 1 lb. Yukon Gold Potatoes
  • 1 Orange
  • 4 Carrots
  • 2 Stalks Celery
  • 1 bag (12 oz) fresh or frozen cranberries (about 3 1/2 cups)
  • 2 Inches Fresh Ginger
  • 3 Apples

Meat & Deli

  • 1 Whole Turkey

Dairy & Eggs

  • 1 Box of Butter
  • 3 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 2/3 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 Cup Fresh Orange Juice
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1 Package (8oz) Cream Cheese

Bread

  • 11 Slices of Bread (or dry Bread Cubes)

Dry & Canned Goods

  • 1 Box Original Bisquick Mix
  • 1 32 Oz Carton Progresso Chicken Broth
  • 1 Box Betty Crocker SuperMoist Yellow Cake Mix
  • 1 Can (15 oz) Pumpkin
  • 1 Bag (16 oz) Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Bag light brown sugar

Alcohol

  • Bourbon
  • Cognac
  • Spiced Rum (Captain Morgan?)

Pantry Items & Condiments

  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Real Maple Syrup
  • Dry Bay Leaves
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Dried Sage Leaves
  • Vanilla
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • Caramel Sauce
  • Candied Pecans
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Ground Allspice
  • Ground Cloves
  • Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/2 Gallon Quality Apple Cider
  • 3 Sticks of Cinnamon