Since moving into our new home just a few months ago, we have really been enjoying the holiday spirit and starting new traditions for years to come. We decorated a Christmas tree last week (my husband’s first Christmas tree, and my first real one!) just before Thanksgiving. Because my in-laws were only able to come over on Saturday and not Thursday, we hosted our first Thanksgiving dinner last night (giving us tons of time to prepare!) although there were only four of us, we decided to go all out anyway with the menu:

Cornish hens
Garlic red mashed potatoes
Roasted butternut squash and brussel sprouts
Cornbread Stuffing (Trader Joe’s)
Veggie pot pie
Biscuits (Pillsbury)
Sweet potato and pumpkin pies (Publix)

We had never cooked Cornish hens before, but they proved to be easier to prep and cook than an entire turkey, not to mention far more tender and delicious! My husband marinated these babies for two days in Indian spices and even made his own compound butter with parsley which he generously rubbed the inside of the birds with. He also whipped up a delicious veggie pot pie filling which we served with biscuits rather than in a traditional pie crust. We managed to save a sliver of space at the end for a slice of pie.

This year we have much to be thankful for! I hope your Thanksgiving was relaxing and joyful!