Post-Thanksgiving Review

Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms - made these last year -- SO good, so quick and easy to put together. I actually stuffed these early in the afternoon and put them in the refrigerator. Spinach-Stuffed Mushrooms - I didn't get to try one of these, but heard it was good. The stuffing was a bit loose (didn't hold together), but I forgot the feta, so maybe that would've helped bind it together.

Cider-Brined Turkey Breast - I use this recipe every year. This year, I bought a 9-pound turkey breast only (instead of a whole turkey). I brined the breast for 6 hours, then roasted it for 2 hours and 45 minutes. I brushed with a cider glaze every 30 minutes. I did tent it with foil after an hour in the oven. It was sooo good. Very moist. I tried to make the gravy the first year I used the recipe, and didn't like it, so I never make the broth or the gravy, I just buy a jar of turkey gravy. Farmhouse Sage Stuffing - I was originally going to make the Sausage and Sage variation, but ran out of time and didn't cook the sausage. I added the sage anyway, and it was REALLY good. I cooked all of it outside the turkey, in a 9x13 baking dish, so I used 1 3/4 cups chicken stock (store didn't have turkey stock). It wasn't as moist as I usually like it, but not too dry. The sautéed vegetables can be prepared up to a day ahead of time. Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Mascarpone Cheese - these were really good. Will probably use a whole head of roasted garlic next time, instead of just 6 cloves. It didn't have a distinct roasted garlic flavor. Creamed Spinach - This was the first time I've ever tasted creamed spinach. Not my cup of tea, but the others said it was good. This dish can be prepared a day ahead of time. Oven-Roasted Vegetables - I've made this recipe several times. So easy. So tasty. And healthy!

Cake Balls - I used a Betty Crocker Super Moist yellow cake mix and chocolate frosting. Dipped them in white chocolate (I used a combination of high-quality (Valrhona, I think?) and Baker's White Chocolate Bar).