Chocolate and Thanksgiving: Sweet Ways to Celebrate
November 19, 2024
When it comes to Thanksgiving, everyone’s thinking about turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, right? But let’s add another delicious contender to the lineup: chocolate!
From desserts to drinks, chocolate can add a touch of richness to your Thanksgiving feast that’s sure to impress. Here are some fun ideas to bring a bit of chocolate magic to your Thanksgiving celebration.
1. Chocolate Desserts: A Thanksgiving Twist
Chocolate Pumpkin Pie:
If you’re a fan of the classic pumpkin pie but want to try something new, consider adding a layer of chocolate.
A bit of melted dark chocolate swirled into the pumpkin filling or a chocolate ganache layer at the bottom of the crust can add a luscious, decadent flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spices in pumpkin pie.
Chocolate Pecan Pie:
Traditional pecan pie is already rich and delicious, but adding chocolate takes it to a whole new level. Simply mix chocolate chips into the filling or drizzle chocolate over the top once it’s baked. You get the nutty crunch and caramel-like filling with the smoothness of melted chocolate—Thanksgiving heaven!
Chocolate Cranberry Tart:
For a different take, try a tart with chocolate and cranberries. The tartness of the cranberries balances the sweetness of the chocolate!
2. Chocolate in the Savory Side Dishes?
It might not be the first thing you think of for savory dishes, but in small amounts, it can add an amazing depth of flavor to certain sides.
Chocolate in Mole Sauce for Turkey:
Mole (pronounced “moh-lay”) is a traditional Mexican sauce that includes chocolate, spices, and chili peppers. A little mole sauce with your turkey could be a fun way to add a unique twist. The slight sweetness and richness of the chocolate bring a whole new level of flavor to your turkey, without overpowering it.
Chocolate-Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
For a hint of chocolate flavor, consider grating a bit of dark chocolate over roasted sweet potatoes. The combination is subtle yet delicious, bringing out the sweetness of the potatoes while adding a hint of cocoa richness.
3. Chocolate Drinks to Warm Up the Holiday
As the weather cools down, a warm drink is the perfect cozy addition to your Thanksgiving gathering. Here are a couple of chocolate drinks that can make your holiday feel even more special.
Classic Hot Chocolate with a Thanksgiving Twist:
Try a hot chocolate spiced with a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin spice. Top it off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, and you’ve got a drink that tastes just like Thanksgiving in a mug!
Chocolate Coffee with a Kick:
If your family enjoys a post-dinner coffee, mix things up with a chocolate coffee or mocha. Add a splash of chocolate syrup or melted chocolate to your coffee, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of chocolate liqueur as well. It’s a rich, satisfying way to wrap up the feast.
4. Chocolate Treats for Guests to Take Home
Why not make some simple chocolate treats for guests to take home? Chocolate-covered pretzels, truffles, or small bags of chocolate bark with festive Thanksgiving toppings (think dried cranberries, pecans, and a sprinkle of sea salt) make for thoughtful, homemade gifts.
You can package them up in little bags or jars with a thank-you note to make guests feel extra special.
Why Chocolate is Perfect for Thanksgiving
Chocolate is versatile—it’s sweet, it can be savory, and it pairs well with so many other flavors found in Thanksgiving dishes. Adding chocolate to your Thanksgiving isn’t about replacing traditional dishes; it’s about enhancing them and bringing a new element to the table.
Whether you’re making chocolate-based desserts or drinks, there’s always a way to add a bit of chocolate to the holiday that’s fun, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
So this year, consider incorporating chocolate into your feast in a new way and enjoy a holiday that’s extra cozy and delicious!🍫🍂❄️
Looking for some fall recipe? Try this Chocolate-Covered Caramel Apples!
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