There is a church I drive by every day which posts weekly messages that give me pause. This one especially resonated with me. Thanksgiving for most of us gives us an opportunity to express gratitude. Many families go around the table and ask everyone what they are grateful for. Our tradition is to have a paper and pad available for people to jot down what they are grateful for, no limits, and place these sentiments in a gourd shaped soup tureen. During dessert we pass the tureen around and read out loud the messages and try to guess who wrote them. The act of writing gives one time to pause and reflect without putting someone on the spot. Over the years, there have been memorable and moving reflections shared. Going back to the roadside church board, how powerful would it be if we chose to pause daily to reflect on things to give thanks for? Awakening to gratefulness in our daily lives brings the focus on what is important, celebrates life and reduces negativity. Thanks-giving everyday, minus the turkey.
If you are still looking for Thanksgiving cooking inspiration, here is a collection of some of my popular favorites. Click on the highlighted title to access the original post.
Thanksgiving recipe roundup:
Roasted Acorn Squash With Pomegranate Molasses Glaze
Roasted Butternut Squash Wedges with Almond Mint Pesto
Garlic Thyme Sweet Potato Rounds
Sweet Potato Hummus with feta and toasted pistachios
Quinoa Stuffed Whole Acorn Squash
Butternut Squash Couscous Salad with Apricots and Mint
Roasted Kuri Squash with Maple Lime Yogurt Drizzle
Rice Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Toasted Hazelnuts and Cherries
Pomegranate Avocado Pistachio Salad
Beet Salad with Blue Cheese, Blood Oranges and Pistachios
Apple and Butternut Squash Bundt with cider glaze
Almond Crusted Spiced Apple Galette
White Chocolate Pumpkin Pie with gingersnap crust
And to use up leftover turkey, this cranberry turkey salad with a yogurt dressing is hard to resist!
Did not find what you were looking for, please search the index on the blog itself for more inspiration. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
French Gardener Dishes 
What a wonderful collection of vegetable dishes! I’ll have one of each please 🙂
And I agree with the quote: I am give thanks every day xx
Where did that ‘am’ come from???
With pleasure, Elaine! Did you guess which was an Ottolenghi recipe? Spell check probably snuck that am in there!
Johanne Lamarche
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I didn’t…but I can see lots of Ottolenghi influences throughout 🙂
And that’s a good thing:-).
Johanne Lamarche
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It is indeed!!!
Great Thanksgiving blog! Lovely recipes and beautiful & creative settings/photography! (When does your book come out?)
Liz
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks so much Liz! You are too kind. You probably know exactly where this road sign is. I always brake for inspiration and often a chuckle. So nice to hear from you! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Thank YOU for those wonderful recipes, Johanne! And for the inspirational sign! I have to admit, the only memorable sign I’ve ever come across was outside a church in Belfast, a place not usually known for self-depreciating humour: “THIS IS A SIGN” it read ….
I thought your comment had been cut off Ginger!! That’s hilarious. This church often causes me to slap on the brakes and often makes me smile. For a Lutheran church, they do have a sense of humor and are right on most weeks! Thank you for your visit!
Fantastic collection of wonderful recipes using wholesome ingredients. Perfect for thanksgiving!
Thank you Indu! It was hard to choose which ones to focus. Glad you liked them.
Thank you Johanne, your recipes are mouthwatering, and your sentiments are heartfelt, Thanksgiving should indeed be everyday~
Jenna
Thank you Jenna. Happy everyday Thanks-giving to you!
Oh my goodness, what a vibrant array of dishes, perfect for the season.
And, yes, we should carry the essence of Thanksgiving in our hearts everyday, the “attitude of gratitude.” all the best to you and yours, Johanne!
Thanks so much Nancy! Best wishes at Thanksgiving to you and your family as well.
Johanne Lamarche
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Wow! How did I miss this post~it’s a treasure trove of recipes!
‘Cause you were busy cooking for turkey day!! Have been looking at an art class in Minnesota in February! Ummm not too much of a deterrent to a Northern girl except I might be in AZ instead.
Johanne Lamarche
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Well, I hope you are in AZ instead!! 🙂 Your paintings are wonderful and i enjoy the few peeks at them you share now and then! If you do come, you’ll have to let me know – I’m dividing time between SD & MN!