Shopping for Food

Essentials

Thanksgiving, a time of stress and joy. The hunt for food, a daunting task. But fear not, for we have the essentials covered. These dishes, so intimately tied to Thanksgiving, often forgotten throughout the year (oh, poor stuffing). Let our guide be your compass, ensuring no crucial element is overlooked for your grand feast.

Turkey - The centerpiece, a culinary masterpiece. Roasted, grilled, smoked, or deep-fried, it must grace your table. A frozen turkey, procured weeks in advance, patiently awaits its moment. Just remember, a couple of days before Thanksgiving, transfer it to the fridge and let it thaw.

Our Favorite Recipes:

Saving You the Headache, Delivery to Your Door:

Stuffing (or Dressing) - Want to keep it simple and delicious? Look no further than Stove Top Stuffing. Just grab a couple of boxes and some butter, and you're good to go. But if you're feeling adventurous and want to create your own masterpiece, there's a world of different recipes to explore. Prepare for a delightful blend of flavors with 2 loaves of bread, unsalted butter, onions, celery, garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, kosher salt, pepper, chicken or vegetable broth, and eggs. Let your taste buds embark on a culinary journey!

Cool Recipes:

Mashed Potatoes - If you're in a hurry, you can opt for the quick route and grab a package or two of potato flakes. But if you want to take it to the next level, go for the starchy goodness of Russet, Idaho, or Yukon Gold potatoes. With a bag of these beauties, some velvety heavy cream, a touch of milk or sour cream, and a generous dollop of butter, you're on your way to mashed potato heaven. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience!

Easy Recipes

Gravy - Creating a luscious gravy from scratch may seem intimidating, but fear not! With just a few simple ingredients - butter, flour, and chicken or beef broth - you can dazzle your taste buds. Alternatively, for a quick and satisfying option, grab a packet of McCormick gravy mix that will still leave your guests begging for more. Give your dishes that extra touch of flavor and comfort!

Simple Recipes:

Cranberry Sauce - It's that quirky uncle at the Thanksgiving table, the one that just has to be there. Whether you opt for the time-honored canned version or venture into the realm of homemade, blending cranberries, sugar, and a splash of orange juice, this tangy delight adds a burst of flavor to your holiday feast.

Easy to Make Recipes

Green Bean Casserole - Don't stress about Thanksgiving sides! You have options: grab a frozen one and pop it in the oven, or get creative and make it from scratch. Fresh, canned, or frozen beans - take your pick! This dish can be prepared ahead of time and heated up on the big day. And let's not forget the star ingredient: French's French-fried onions - the crispy, flavorful topping that adds that extra oomph! Check them out here. Get ready to wow your guests with this irresistible casserole!

Classic Recipes 

Pumpkin Pie - Indulge in the delightful process of creating your own crust from scratch, or simply opt for the convenience of an unbaked one from the store. Next, generously fill the crust with a luscious blend of canned pumpkin puree, creamy sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and a medley of aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. For an effortless alternative, pre-made pumpkin pie spice will work its magic. And let's not forget the pièce de résistance – the toppings! While some adore a dollop of velvety ice cream, others revel in the heavenly delight of a fluffy cloud of whipped cream.

Pie and Crust Recipes

Indulge in these timeless dishes to guarantee a Thanksgiving feast that satisfies every craving and leaves no box unchecked!

Additional Sides

Mac and Cheese - It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you go for the classic box of Kraft or take the time to make it from scratch. Either way, make sure you have butter and milk ready to go. And for the homemade version, get your hands on some elbow macaroni, flour, salt, black pepper, half and half, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Get ready for a cheesy delight that will leave everyone craving for more!

Fun Recipes

Welcome to the world of Sweet Potatoes - a treasure trove of mouth-watering recipes! Whether you prefer them roasted, baked, or transformed into a delightful casserole, the secret ingredients of brown sugar and butter are a must. And if you're like me, you'll absolutely adore recipes that feature sweet potatoes crowned with irresistibly gooey marshmallows. Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other!

Simple and Fun Recipes

Chicken Nuggets - Amidst the cornucopia of Thanksgiving delights, it's easy for little ones to feel a tad overwhelmed. That's why it's a stroke of genius to have a fail-proof treat on standby that they'll gobble up without hesitation. These delectable bites of crispy, golden goodness are simply irresistible, and let's be honest, even some grown-ups might feel a twinge of envy.

Ethnic Twist - Thanksgiving, a time for tradition, but also an opportunity to ignite new customs. Infusing your unique touch into the holiday fosters fulfillment and sparks creativity among guests. As a member of a Polish family, perogies are a must-have. Blending your cultural heritage with this iconic American celebration encapsulates the essence of our diverse nation. Let your traditions shine!

Delivery

When it comes to Thanksgiving preparations, there's no need to stress about going to the grocery store. Instead, picture this: all your Thanksgiving essentials conveniently delivered right to your doorstep, like magic!

  • Postmates and Uber Eats: These popular food delivery services can bring Thanksgiving ingredients and dishes straight to your door, saving you time and effort.
  • Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and Mercato: Take advantage of these grocery delivery services that work like absolute champs, making sure all your Thanksgiving necessities are delivered right to your doorstep.
  • Jewel-Osco: A Chicago staple, this grocery store chain offers online ordering and delivery for Thanksgiving. They've got your back!

With just a few clicks, you can order everything you need for your Thanksgiving feast. So sit back, relax, and let the grocery delivery services sweep away the shopping stress, while you focus on enjoying a magical, hassle-free holiday with your loved ones!

Catering

Feeling overwhelmed with all the work? Don't worry, there are a couple of other options available to make your life easier. Why not consider catering? It's a convenient way to have someone else take care of everything while you sit back and relax.

  • Classic: Indulge in the delectable menus offered by The Goddess and Grocer and Wildfire, allowing you to handpick your preferred dishes. Alternatively, Summer House Santa Monica offers a preset menu that can be easily ordered and even delivered straight to your door if you live nearby.
  • Non-Traditional: Craving something different this Thanksgiving? How about trying some mouthwatering BBQ from Green Street Meats, Twin Anchors, or Bub City? If you're feeling adventurous, explore the flavors of Caribbean cuisine with Jerk Jamaican Barbecue or 90 Miles Cuban Café.
  • Chicago Style: Ever considered a Chicago Style Thanksgiving? Picture this: indulging in deep dish pizzas from your favorite spot (let's not argue about that here), along with some Italian beef from another favorite spot (see pizza comment). You can even add your favorite hot dogs (same as the previous two comments) and go all out. These Chicago staples can create a fantastic meal on their own, or you can surprise your guests by mixing and matching them with some Thanksgiving essentials.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving by letting someone else take care of the cooking!

Drinks for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the ultimate time to gather with loved ones, indulge in delectable feasts, and create cherished memories. But let's raise a glass and toast to the drinks that make this celebration truly unforgettable!

Beer

  • Local Delights - Elevate the festivities by including crowd-favorite local Chicago beers like Goose Island or Revolution, readily available at most grocery stores.
  • Seasonal Sips - Pumpkin beers are an evergreen hit, and Oktoberfest brews continue to delight, even if we're not in the designated month.
  • Light and Easy - Cater to those seeking milder flavors with a selection of refreshing light beer options.

Non-Alcoholic Beer

  • Zero Proof Choices - Consider offering non-alcoholic beer alternatives, as they've gained popularity in recent times. Brands like Guinness, Corona, and Heineken now offer non-alcoholic versions that are sure to please those abstaining from alcohol.

Wine

  • Crisp Whites - Pair the turkey and holiday dishes with a delightful Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, offering a refreshing choice for those who prefer lighter libations.
  • Medium-Bodied Reds - Complement the richness of Thanksgiving fare with a luscious Pinot Noir or Merlot. Their fruity flavors and smooth tannins are sure to please the crowd.

Cocktails

  • Holiday-Themed Delights - Surprise your guests with a signature cocktail, served in a large punch bowl for convenience. As a Fireball fan, I highly recommend trying this Thanksgiving punch from Sugar and Soul. With Fireball, apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, apricot brandy, and lemon-lime soda, it's a guaranteed hit. Just be extra cautious not to mix it up with the non-alcoholic version for the kids!
  • Classics That Never Fail - Stick to the tried-and-true cocktails like Old Fashioned or Manhattan. These beloved drinks are familiar to many, making them a safe bet for your Thanksgiving gathering. For an Old Fashioned, you'll need bourbon, sugar, bitters, and oranges. And for a marvelous Manhattan, gather bourbon, bitters, sweet vermouth, and maraschino cherries.

Kids

  • Eggnog - Treat the young ones (and the young at heart) to the creamy and indulgent classic, eggnog. Top it off with a sprinkle of nutmeg for that extra festive touch.
  • Pop and Juice Galore - Keep everyone's taste buds happy with an assortment of sodas and juices.
  • Apple Cider - Embrace the flavors of autumn with this seasonal drink, served either warm or chilled.

Cheers to an incredible Thanksgiving filled with delightful drinks and cherished moments!

Drink Delivery

We've got your back! No need to step outside your cozy home to plan your Thanksgiving feast. And guess what? We've got the drinks covered too! Check out these amazing options:

Don't forget, you also have the option to add some alcohol to your grocery order using the convenient services mentioned earlier.

With everything you need right at your fingertips, no one will leave your home feeling anything less than fully satisfied this Thanksgiving. Be sure to check out our handy checklist below, so you have all the essentials covered. And if you could use a hand with cleaning before or after the big feast, you can easily book your cleaning here. Let's make this Thanksgiving truly unforgettable!