Foodie Friday: Thanksgiving Starts Here

{ Via: Williams Sonoma }

With only four more Fridays before Thanksgiving, those of us hosting have some preparing to do. This most important meal of the year, is much less overwhelming if you are organized. So each Friday until Turkey Day, I will be bringing to you recipes for a different component of your meal. Today we begin with starters and cocktails.  My family could begin and end the meal right here. It's just so much fun to stand and graze the appetizer table with a cocktail in hand.  So cheers to Autumn's best holiday. Let's get cooking!



Here: 12 Ways To Start The Festivities

Pumpkin Patch Punch
The hero ingredient in this cocktail is spiced pumpkin butter! Pumpkins are Thanksgiving appropriate so I love it as a house cocktail. Find the Glass Pumpkin at Williams Sonoma and the recipe at....
My Domain

Sweet Potato Crostini With Blue 
Cheese & Honey
We are serious sweet potato fans in my family. I love it when you change up any normal recipe for them, too. This one looks like a hit. It's easy and blends sweet with savory. Which always makes a perfect bite.
Williams Sonoma

Cidertini
The recipe author recommends more bourbon and less cider. I concur. The presentation makes it special.
Man Titlement

Spicy Ranch Chex Mix
I usually don't serve this type of snack, but my Mother sure did, and she made her own, too.  Her recipe did not feature homemade Parmesan Crisps, sesame seeds, chives, or half of these ingredients. Now that I think about it. This looks like the perfect nibble for my bar
 or your bar cart.
Half Baked Harvest

Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Nothing says Fall like Apple Cider. And one thing that gets a party started is a shot of Vodka! This chic cocktail is perfectly accessorized
 for Thanksgiving.
Broma Bakery

Smoked Salmon 7 Layer Dip
Salmon is always a hit at every holiday in my home. Love the grown up take on the classic party dip. Goat cheese is involved. Yum
Bon Appetit

Carrot Tart With Ricotta and
 Almond Filling
What a show stopping appetizer.  The zesty carrot topping adds a nice pop of color and flavor. And oh the ingredients!
Epicurious

Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita
I want to drink these all day on Thanksgiving. It's made with all fresh ingredients, without nasty mixes. And that rim? It's cinnamon sugar and flaky sea salt. Make that Himalayan Sea Salt and it will add some marvelous minerals to the mix. 
Half Baked Harvest

Whipped Ricotta With Roasted Pumpkin 
Said to be easy, this recipes has all of the Fall feels. The prep is done before your party, which makes it ever so 
more appealing.
I am A Food Blog

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms With Gouda
Though this recipe does not scream Thanksgiving, anytime you serve a specialty item like crab, it becomes 
holiday worthy. 
Striped Spatula

Fred's Pumpkin Galette With Blue Cheese & Thyme
This looks like all kinds of heaven to me. Your guests will think it's pizza but it is actually so much more.
Gourmet Traveller

Boozy Chai Latte
Now why serve just a cup of Joe when you can serve this with pie? It will warm you up and satisfy your sweet tooth with brown sugar. You choose the liquor of your choice, but the author likes to use Cointreau, which is my fave.
What Should I Make For 

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Countdown To Thanksgiving: Settle In With Starters