October’s big feast is one week away. We’ve got your holiday menu inspiration here. Plus some great turkey-fied clips from the Muppets to the Simpsons and more.

Let’s go!

There are so many ways to play this, I mean it’s probably the first holiday where you’ll be having guests indoors in quite some time, so you might want to go a bit wild. How about a Crown Roast of Pork, or Steak Diane flambéed tableside? Or maybe a Juniper-Rubbed Roast Duck with Cherry Jus?

Then again, maybe it’s better to just stick with a classic turkey. Tradition is comforting and things are kinda getting back to normal, or at least normal-er than they were in October 2020. Comfort is good.

What about sides? Most of us have been binging on late harvest tomato sandwiches and we’re ready for some good old fashioned root vegetables. Parsnips and beetroot and carrots oh my! Also parsley root and celeriac and sunchokes! So much to choose from. Here are some incredible side dish recipes to get your creative juices flowing.

Glazed Carrots with Braised Lettuce

Mini Potato Fondants with Parsley Root Purée

Roasted Baby Beets with Herbed Labneh

Kale, Cranberry and Roast Root Vegetable Salad

Perhaps you might be thinking about a homemade bread that is not sourdough (so last year!), might we suggest instead whipping up a batch of Pretzel Rolls?

Finally, dessert. Yes, you can make your own. No one is going to stop you. But you could also purchase dessert from one of the city’s fine bakeries. and there’s a pumpkin creation at Barbershop Patisserie on College that is just what the doctor ordered. It’s a Bourbon Pumpkin Cake that is described as “half cheesecake, half pumpkin pie” and includes cinnamon cookie crust, molasses creme fraiche whip, and maple quinoa pumpkin seed brittle.

Order here.

The first days of fall, and the weather is mild, the last of the roses are getting drowsy and the mums are out in force. This first week of October is all about planning and shopping and prepping for a feast. What a privilege. Don’t get stressed, let yourself enjoy every minute of your preparations this week!