Thanksgiving is a time for family, for friends, and for gatherings. It’s also a time for tradition, which often centers around the big meal. However, just because those in your circle expect the same turkey preparation they’ve come to enjoy, surrounded by the same mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and stuffing, doesn’t mean you can’t introduce a few new dishes to liven up the table and offer some fresh, new options. Who knows? Some of these new Thanksgiving recipes and Thanksgiving leftovers ideas may just become so popular they end up on your permanent menu.

Adding a few new Thanksgiving recipes to the table this year can liven up your meal and excite everyone's palates.

Adding a few new Thanksgiving recipes to the table this year can liven up your meal and excite everyone’s palates.

The New Classic Stuffing

“The new classic” designation from Bon Appetit is strong, but the Italian sausage and hazelnut-based recipe backs it up. “A protein like sausage lends the stuffing those all-important crispy bites, and the fat contributes essential flavor,” they said.

Twice-baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Goat Cheese

Thanksgiving recipes can be challenging for those with dietary restrictions, but this gluten-free side makes dining a pleasure for everyone. “This is a decadent yet savory way to serve sweet potatoes,” said Sunset. “If you’re expecting vegetarians, make a couple of potatoes without the bacon.”

Chicory Salad with Persimmons, Pomegranates, and Walnuts

This tasty salad adds another gluten-free option, and uses chicory, which is a top food trend this year, as well as bright, seasonal ingredients including persimmon and pomegranates. Bonus: It’s also vegan.

Thanksgiving Sangria

Every good gathering needs a signature drink, and this is one of those Thanksgiving recipes that is not only tasty and festive, but easy to make and keep replenished, too (which may actually be the best part). “Combining favorite fall flavors with sparkling cider gives sangria a refreshing new spin,” said Epicurious. “It couldn’t be easier to throw together yet it’s sure to impress at any Thanksgiving celebration.”

Skillet Squash Blossom Recipe

This dish is so pretty your guests may be reluctant to to dig in, but they’ll sure be happy they did. And you’ll love the fact that this easy dish “can be on the table in under an hour,” said Southern Living.

Mario Batali’s Butterscotch Pie

You can make the traditional pumpkin pie or apple pie (or both!), and there are tons of Thanksgiving recipes to help you out. But, we implore you: Do not, under any circumstance, miss out on the opportunity to serve and enjoy this amazing dessert.

Thanksgiving leftovers

Now that the meal is over, it’s time to figure out what to do with all those Thanksgiving leftovers. Thankfully, there are as many tasty ideas for the aftermath of the big meal as there are recipes for Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Muffins

“This quick-fix recipe makes use of not one, not two, but three (and potentially four) of Thanksgiving’s biggest hits: turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy,” said Just a Taste. “Add a few eggs and some stock to bind and moisten the mixture, and you’ll transform a classic side dish into grab-and-go muffins.” The best part: Since they contain eggs, they’re absolutely justifiable as breakfast, right?

Maple Syrup Roasted Sweet Potato Pancakes

Or, make these palate-pleasers for your hungry morning-after crowd, instead. “Don’t let leftover sweet potatoes go to waste,” said Cooking Channel. “Serve them for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving (and the day after that!) in pancakes.”

Ree Drummond’s Leftover Thanksgiving Panini

For lunch the day after, take your Thanksgiving leftovers including turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce, and fire up the panini maker for a delicious sandwich that won’t feel like a second-day meal at all.

Turkey Tostadas with Spicy Cranberry-Chipotle Sauce

Bring a little Mexican flavor to your table with these turkey tostadas (which can easily become tacos, if you prefer). Adding chipotle to your leftover cranberry sauce makes it “zesty, zippy, and a thrilling addition to your day-after dinner table,” said Southern Living.

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Villas’ location is equally idyllic, surrounded by the historic, century-old grounds of Ambassador Gardens, with its acres of rolling lawns, meandering walkways, towering trees, lush gardens, and bubbling fountains and streams. Yet, this paradise is in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, easy walking distance from great restaurants, shops, and events.

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