Friendsgiving: Your Guide to Hosting a Festive and Nutritious Dinner Party
We don’t know about you, but here at The Edge, we love Friendsgiving. Whether it is celebrated as a goodbye to your college friends before going home for the holidays or a reunion with home friends whom you’ve patiently awaited seeing since the summer, it is such an exciting gathering that you don’t want to miss. This Friendsgiving, we’re elevating the experience to a new level of health and wellness. We’re providing you with a four-course healthy menu that will leave your guests already marking their calendars for next year’s event. Whether you’re trying to ramp up your health game before winter strikes or simply looking to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal with friends, our Friendsgiving menu has got you and your guests covered.
First course
Appetizers are essential at Friendsgiving, and if you’re anything like us, you typically fill up on them before the main course is even served. This year, we’ve prepared a selection of light and delicious appetizers that you and your guests are sure to gobble up.
Sweet potato rounds with herbed ricotta and walnuts:
This ricotta-topped sweet potato recipe is the perfect finger food to bring to the table at Friendsgiving, and they’re a great way to sneak in some vegetables. So bring a platter of these sweet potato rounds to your gathering, and watch as they disappear in no time.
Bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts:
These small bites are such an easy yet delicious appetizer and when coated with a maple brown sugar glaze, they are the perfect fall-inspired dish. The ingredients in this recipe are so simple and healthy too! You can get creative with the dipping sauce for this one, but we love to pair them with a simple balsamic or creamy lemon sauce for extra flavor!
Second course
Side dishes are one of the most important parts of any Friendsgiving meal. Here at The Edge, we’ve been craving stuffing and mashed potatoes since last Thanksgiving. So we’ve found some fantastic yet surprisingly healthy side dishes that will leave your Friendsgiving table wondering why you even bothered buying a turkey.
Butternut squash mac and cheese:
We can’t guarantee that this recipe will live up to your grandma's infamous mac and cheese, but it’ll come pretty close! Adding in the squash not only gives the recipe that elevated fall twist, but it also adds in some nutrients that you wouldn’t get otherwise. Who knew mac and cheese could be semi-healthy? We sure didn’t!
Roasted carrots with farro, chickpeas and herbed crème fraiche:
This dish will be the showstopper of the night, and the vegetarians at the table will be thanking you too! Whole-roasted rainbow carrots are not only delicious, but they are also beautiful when prepared well. This dish is bound to make it on everyone’s Instagram Stories, and for good reason!
Third course
Now, let's hear it for the star of the night — the main dish. We’re here to smash the misconception that turkey is the only main dish that deserves the spotlight on Friendsgiving. There are a plethora of other healthy dish options that you can experiment with this Friendsgiving, and we’re here to show you just how creative you can get in the kitchen!
If you’re looking for something unique and memorable, you’ve come to the right place because these stuffed acorn squashes are filled with a mouthwatering blend of hearty ingredients that will not disappoint. This dish goes to show that there are endless possibilities beyond the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. And if you’re still craving your turkey fix, you can add it inside the squash. Our favorite part about this recipe is that you can get creative with the fillings.
Cauliflower steaks with cranberry apple chutney:
We know what you’re all probably thinking: “Cauliflower steaks? Really?” Yes, really! These cauliflower steaks are a game changer for Friendsgiving. The thick slices of cauliflower are seasoned to perfection and roasted until golden and caramelized, topped with a cranberry apple chutney that brings a burst of autumn flavors to the table. So don’t knock it until you try; we promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
fourth course
If you’re like us, by this point in the Friendsgiving feast, you’re feeling full but ready for the sweet ending. We’ve found some dessert recipes that satisfy your sweet tooth and offer nutritional benefits.
What is a Friendsgiving dessert without some apple spice included? These baked apples will leave you feeling warm and cozy, as they are the perfect blend of spices, oats, nuts and sugar. The best part about this recipe is that it’s all prepared inside a whole apple, making it the perfect healthy alternative to a traditional apple pie.
Pumpkin pie parfait with coconut whipped cream:
When you think of Thanksgiving, you probably think about pumpkin pie, as it is one of the quintessential desserts of the holiday. This pumpkin pie parfait is a healthy yet delicious way to pay homage to the classic dish while adding a touch of creativity.
If you plan on hosting a Friendsgiving gathering this year or even preparing a dish for a friend’s party, we hope you can use this menu as a helpful guide in the kitchen. And if none of these dishes stand out to you, the links we provided offer tons of nourishing and delectable dishes that you and your friends are sure to enjoy!
Remember to tag us on Instagram @theedgemag; we’d love to see your Friendsgiving spread. Happy cooking!