A Mexican Inspired Thanksgiving Menu

Butternut Squash Tamales, Honey Pear Margaritas & more

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Looking to really spice things up this Thanksgiving? Incorporate traditional Mexican flavors and spices into your Thanksgiving feast for a truly memorable meal!

THE MENU
To Start 
Nacho Bar with Homemade Tortilla Chips
Side Dishes
Baked Tamale with Butternut Squash and Kale
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Lentils, Black Beans and Chipotle Cashew Sauce
Oven Fries with Mexican Oregano, Cherry Peppers and Avocado Lime Greek Yogurt Sauce
Main Course
Lime, Garlic and Cilantro Poached Roasted Turkey
Cocktail
Honey Pear Margarita
Dessert
Tequila Lime Cheesecakes
Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches with Mexican Vanilla and Cinnamon 

THE GROCERY LIST
(the must-haves!)

3 (15 ounce) cans black beans
1 small jar pickled jalapeños
1 bunch green onions
1 small container pico de gallo
8 avocados
3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2 inch cubes
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
10 ounces chipotle salsa
12 limes
2 lemons
1 pound butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 pound shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
5 red onions
Chives
1 package corn tortillas
1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes
1 package cotija cheese
1 chipotle pepper in adobo
4 heads garlic
3 bunches cilantro
1 large butternut squash
3 bunches kale
6 whole acorn squash
1 cup brown basmati rice 
1/4 cup wild rice
1 cup cooked French lentils
1 red bell pepper 
1 large maitake mushroom
1 shallot 
1/2 cup raw cashews
3 large russet potatoes
8 oz. Greek yogurt
5-6 cherry peppers
5 jalapeño
2 tomatoes
Fresh oregano
1 (10-12 pound) whole turkey
4 cups pear juice
Triple sec 
Tequila
1/2 cup whole milk
Vanilla ice cream
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup dark chocolate
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
16 ounces cream cheese
1 dozen eggs

PANTRY ESSENTIALS
(things we assume you have,
but if not, stock up!)

EVOO
Honey
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Maple syrup
Nutritional yeast
Ancho chili powder
Cumin
Mexican oregano
Dried thyme
Black peppercorns
Bay leaves
Sugar
All purpose flour
Ground cinnamon
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar
 

THE MENU
Nacho Bar with Homemade Tortilla Chips by @whatsgabycookin

Any Thanksgiving feast that kicks off with nachos is one I want to be part of!  P.S. Leftover turkey makes some pretty amazing nachos, so keep that in mind for Black Friday snacking.

Baked Tamale with Butternut Squash and Kale by @thefauxmartha

A clever shortcut for traditional tamales, these bake all in one dish.  The homemade enchilada sauce is a sweet and spicy mix of unsweetened cocoa, diced tomatoes, honey and chipotle peppers.

GET 50+ HOLIDAY SIDE DISH RECIPES > 
 
 
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Lentils, Black Beans and Chipotle Cashew Sauce by @feedtheswimmers

Adorning winter squash with a spicy chipotle sauce is a great way to incorporate Mexican flavors into your side dishes.  Would be great on top of roasted squash wedges as well.

GET 50+ HOLIDAY SQUASH RECIPES >
 
Oven Fries with Mexican Oregano, Cherry Peppers and Avocado Lime Greek Yogurt Sauce by @holasus

We love a classic mashed potato, but these oven fries with creamy avocado dip might be the next best thing! These would also make a great starter for people to snack on while they wait for the main event.

GET 50+ HOLIDAY POTATO RECIPES >

 
 
Lime, Garlic, and Cilantro Poached Roasted Turkey by @holajalapeno

This turkey is poached a day ahead in a flavorful broth of lime, bay leaf, jalapenos, garlic, oregano and cilantro. It then sits in the fridge, soaking up all of this flavor, before a final quick roast the day of Thanksgiving.


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Tequila Lime Cheesecakes by @homemadeinthekitchen

These zesty, bite-size desserts are the perfect way to get the party started! If you love margaritas, then this cheesecake is definitely for you.

GET 50+ THANKSGIVING TURKEY RECIPES >

 
Honey Pear Margarita by @thealmondeater

These pear, honey and cinnamon spiked margaritas pair beautifully with the spicy flavors of this Mexican inspired menu.

GET 20+ THANKSGIVING COCKTAIL RECIPES


 
Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches with Mexican Vanilla and Cinnamon by @chelseasmessyapron

Who can resist cinnamon and sugar dusted churros filled with ice cream?

GET 20+ HOLIDAY DESSERT RECIPES