Inspiration Just in Time for Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving

Cooking ideas for the holidays running dry? Get some inspiration from Gordon Ramsay.

It might be an American celebration, but wherever you live in the world most of us have heard of Thanksgiving… but have you heard of Friendsgiving? Read on to find out about the history of both holidays, what to eat with inspirational recipes from our favorite chef, and of course what to serve it on. Plus, we’ll share a great idea for any leftovers you may have!

How Does Friendsgiving Work?

Friendsgiving was started back in 2007 for anyone who didn’t have the time or money to travel home for Thanksgiving with family. More casual, unconventional and fun, Friendsgiving can be whatever you want it to be, whenever you want it, with whatever menu you and your friends desire – with everyone chipping in to help. Sounds like the perfect get-together doesn’t it?

What Are Thanksgiving Traditions?

Celebrated on and off since 1789, Thanksgiving originated as a harvest festival. People use this holiday to reflect on the positive things in their life and spend time with their family.

This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday 23rd November in the USA. Celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, the date changes every year.

What Are Thanksgiving Foods?

Traditionally, turkey is eaten, but if you’ve been celebrating for a few years now, you’re list of ideas may be running a little ‘dry’. Read on for inspiring Thanksgiving recipes from the amazing Gordon Ramsay – giving your traditional Thanksgiving meal a (delicious) twist. Also thinking about Thanksgiving for vegetarians and vegans too.

To Start


With Thanksgiving the season for pumpkins and squash, it makes sense to do a cucurbits-based dish. Tweakable for vegetarians, vegans and a gluten-free diet – Gordon Ramsay’s Pumpkin Soup with Wild Mushrooms and Pumpkin Risotto are both an excellent choice. As they’re both made in a generous sized batch, you also have the option to serve them as a main too. The Gordon Ramsay Maze Grill Hammer Pasta Bowl is ideal for soup, risotto, salad or pasta starters.

Main Course

If you just can’t be swayed from turkey, at least give it a makeover this year and try Gordon Ramsay’s Roast Turkey with Lemon, Parsley & Garlic. Serving 8-10 people, this tasty free-range turkey recipe adds a modern touch to this classic dish.

If you fancy getting your teeth in to something a bit less traditional, why not try his Stuffed Rib of Beef or Stuffed Lamb with Spinach & Pine Nuts. For vegetarians and vegans, we think the Vegan Nut Roast Wellington looks like a winner! Serve on plates from the Royal Doulton Exclusively for Gordon Ramsay Maze, Maze Grill, Union Street or Bread Street collections, in colors to suit your style.

For sides, make your life easier with the one big Vegetable Roast recipe or discover Gordon’s trick for the best Honey Glazed Carrots & Parsnips you’ve ever tasted! Present them on a Gordon Ramsay Union Street Serving Platter to impress your guests.


Dessert


You can’t go wrong with Baked Vanilla Cheesecake & Seasonal Fruits, but we also love the sound of Gordon Ramsay’s Mini Chocolate Tarts with Peanut Brittle – with the recipe making ten tarts in total, you can decide how many everyone gets. For something a bit lighter, why not try the palate cleansing Lemon Paradise Cake, and for vegans (and chocolate lovers) we’d definitely recommend the Chocolate & Avocado Mousse. We recommend a Gordon Ramsay Maze White Cereal Bowl so you have plenty of room for custard or ice-cream!


Leftovers


We love recipes that make use of leftovers and turn them in to another meal the next day, and Gordon’s Leftover Thanksgiving & Christmas Turkey Curry recipe is perfect for this! The Gordon Ramsay Maze White Serving Bowl – is perfect for this dish, allowing you to pass around the curry and let everyone serve themselves for a relaxed get-together.

We feel stuffed just writing about this! For more recipe inspiration, head to the Gordon Ramsay website or Gordon Ramsay Restaurants online. Don’t forget your cutlery and knife blocks too!

If you’re going to all that effort to impress your family and friends, make sure you have tableware to match! With plates, bowls, oval dishes, jugs and even cutlery – we recommend browsing the Gordon Ramsay collections to find your favorite Royal Doulton pieces perfect for Thanksgiving and beyond.

*Images of food taken from Gordon Ramsay Restaurants website.


For more articles like this, sign up to our mailing list where you will be the first to hear about our latest collections, events and exclusive offers and receive expert tips from Royal Doulton's designers and friends of the brand.