There’s no better way to start your Thanksgiving holidays–I think–other than with a festive cocktail! (Well, I do suppose that if your festivities start in the morning, and that’s the way you roll…enjoy. For me, I start with java…and then our festivities launch during the mid afternoon).

I saw this recipe for cranberry margaritas in the December 2006 Bon Appetit magazine.

A festive holiday cocktail

Tomorrow I’m trying it out!  I’m actually trying all new recipes for this year’s feast.  If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know your opinion on it!

Cranberry Margaritas

Ingredients
1.    1 1/4 cups premium tequila
2.    1 1/4 cups frozen cranberry juice concentrate, thawed
3.    1 cup canned jellied cranberry sauce
4.    10 tablespoons fresh lime juice
5.    6 tablespoons orange liqueur ( like Grand Marnier)

Directions
1.    Blend ingredients in blender until smooth.
2.    Transfer to large glass measuring cup.
3.    Pour half of Margarita base into blender.
4.    Add 3 1/2 cups ice cubes.
5.    Blend until mixture is slushy; pour into salt-rimmed margarita glasses.
6.    Garnish with fresh cranberries.
7.    Repeat with remaining Margarita base and 3 1/2 cups ice cubes.

Bon Appetit, December 2006

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gina DeVee

I’m thrilled to announce my Thanksgiving Day Menu:

Here goes!

Drinks: Cranberry Margaritas

Appetizers: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms & Carrot Soup with Chestnut Cream garnished with Bacon

Mains: Glenn’s famous Whole Grilled Turkey & Roast Turkey with White Truffle Butter

Sides: French Bread Stuffing with Sausage

Nishta’s Cranberry Salad

Pumpkin Risotto

Truffle Mashed Potatoes

Swiss Chard with Beets, Goat Cheese and Yellow Raisins

Green Beans with Almonds and Shallots

Corn Pudding Souffle with Serano Ham & Poblano Peppers

Urth Cafe Pumpkin Pie with homemade whipped cream and Urth Cafe Cherry pie with homemade french vanilla ice cream

Recipes to come! Let the festivities begin!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Gina DeVee