The Best of Thanksgiving

It’s rare that I post recipe roundups over here, but I just couldn’t help myself today. I can’t have you missing any of the Thanksgiving goodness I’ve posted over the last few years. Maybe you’re trying to finalize your menu and are looking for a veg-friendly main dish? Maybe you want something special for breakfast? Or, maybe you’re still scrambling to come up with your entire menu?

Oh wait, that’s me.

In any event, here are some of your favorites from throughout the years and a handful of recipes from this fall. Enjoy!!

Thanksgiving Breakfast:

Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

gluten-free pumpkin spice pancakes | edible perspective
gluten-free pumpkin spice pancakes | edible perspective
The Best Ever Pumpkin Oatmeal | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree
The Best Ever Pumpkin Oatmeal | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree
Buttermilk Pear Upside Down Cake | edibleperspective.com
Buttermilk Pear Upside Down Cake | edibleperspective.com
Breakfast Friday >> Gingerbread Buckwheat Cake | edibleperspective.com
Breakfast Friday >> Gingerbread Buckwheat Cake | edibleperspective.com

Thanksgiving Side Dishes:

Easy Cornbread Muffins

Easy Cornbread Muffins | edibleperspective.com
Easy Cornbread Muffins | edibleperspective.com
Vegan Butternut Squash Scalloped Potatoes | edibleperspective.com
Vegan Butternut Squash Scalloped Potatoes | edibleperspective.com
Bread Stuffing Muffin Cups | edibleperspective.com
Bread Stuffing Muffin Cups | edibleperspective.com
Sweet Orange Kale Salad | edibleperspective.com
Sweet Orange Kale Salad | edibleperspective.com
Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree #thanksgiving
Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree #thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Main Dishes:

Lentil Rice Veggie Loaf

Lentil Rice Veggie Loaf | edibleperspective.com #thanksgiving
Lentil Rice Veggie Loaf | edibleperspective.com #thanksgiving
Meatloaf Veggie Burger with Mashed Potatoes + Gravy | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree #thanksgiving
Meatloaf Veggie Burger with Mashed Potatoes + Gravy | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree #thanksgiving
stuffed delicata squash with quinoa stuffing | edibleperspective.com
stuffed delicata squash with quinoa stuffing | edibleperspective.com
Roasted Acorn Squash and Apples with Quinoa, Kale, and Tahini Maple Dressing | edibleperspective.com
Roasted Acorn Squash and Apples with Quinoa, Kale, and Tahini Maple Dressing | edibleperspective.com

Thanksgiving Desserts:

Pumpkin Spice Swirl Brownies

Pumpkin Spice Swirl Brownies | edibleperspective.com #fall #glutenfree
Pumpkin Spice Swirl Brownies | edibleperspective.com #fall #glutenfree
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie S'mores | edibleperspective.com
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie S'mores | edibleperspective.com
vanilla bean chai spice pumpkin pudding | edible perspective
vanilla bean chai spice pumpkin pudding | edible perspective
Chocolate Almond Meal Cake with Chocolate Whipped Frosting | edibleperspective.com
Chocolate Almond Meal Cake with Chocolate Whipped Frosting | edibleperspective.com
Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree
Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree

What’s on your menu this year? Dish it.

Ashley

Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage

Say hello to your newest showstopper Thanksgiving appetizer.

Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree #thanksgiving
Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree #thanksgiving

I say “your” because you are definitely going to make this. I can feel it. Or…taste it?

Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree #thanksgiving
Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree #thanksgiving

Prepping the polenta is slightly annoying in the amount of time it takes, but it’s not difficult.

AND! You can make the polenta a day ahead of time! AND! I wouldn’t be showing you this if it wasn’t worth it in the end.

Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree #thanksgiving
Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree #thanksgiving

AND (I’ll stop now.)! The colors!!!

They’re like little bites of fall.

Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree #thanksgiving
Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree #thanksgiving

The polenta is cooked then chilled then crisped in the oven to turn into perfect bites of crunchy crostini. Who needs a French baguette for crostini? This is way more fun.

The ricotta is very lightly sweetened with maple syrup to compliment the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and contrast with the savory polenta.

And the texture. I can’t stop thinking about it.

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Appetizer, or………dinner. The choice is yours.

Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree #thanksgiving
Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree #thanksgiving

Print this!

adapted from: epicurious.com

Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage

gluten-free // yields 24-32 crostini

  • 1 cup uncooked polenta + cooking water
  • 1-2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder granules
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups 1/2-inch cubed butternut squash
  • 30+ sage leaves
  • 1 cup full fat ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons refined avocado oil or ghee (or other high-heat safe oil)
  • salt + pepper

Cook polenta according to package directions, until stiff in texture. Cook time will vary depending on the brand. After stirring the polenta into your boiling water add 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil, the garlic, and about 1/2-3/4 teaspoon salt. When finished, stir in the parmesan cheese. Add more salt + pepper to your liking.

Spread the polenta evenly and firmly on a rimmed (unlined) baking sheet 9x13 in size. If you don’t have that size pan aim to spread the polenta evenly to 1/4-1/2 inch thickness all over.

Place in the fridge until fully chilled, 30-45 minutes.

After 20 minutes of chilling, preheat your oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and toss the squash with 1 tablespoon of oil and a few pinches of salt. Roast for 20-28 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and tender. Set aside.

While roasting, heat a small pan over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of oil. Once fully heated, add about 10 sage leaves to the pan (do not overcrowd) for about 30 seconds until the edges start to curl and barely brown. Place on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Repeat 2-3 more times.

Stir ricotta with the maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Place in the fridge.

Slice polenta into 2-3-inch pieces and place on a greased or parchment lined baking sheet.

As soon as the squash finishes set your oven to broil with a rack in the top position. Place the polenta under the broiler for 3-6 minutes, until crispy to the touch. Flip and broil for another 3-6 minutes. Keep a close eye on the polenta. Let cool for 5 minutes or to room temperature.

Assemble polenta with ricotta, butternut squash, a sage leaf, and a sprinkle of salt. Serve slightly warm, at room temp, or chilled from the fridge. 

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notes: When broiling the polenta it will feel crisp to the touch but doesn’t darken much in color. Test crispness with a quick touch.

If serving chilled, be sure to chill each ingredient separately and then assemble. Polenta can be made 1 day ahead if desired. Cook and spread in the pan then keep in the fridge until ready to broil.

Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree #thanksgiving
Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta + Sage | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree #thanksgiving

How in the world is it already Friday? Cheers to that!

Ashley