(BPT) - Across America, families will be spending Thanksgiving together, and more than likely, enjoying the same menu items they've enjoyed in years past. Interestingly, more than half of Americans would embrace adding new foods or new preparations to the Thanksgiving table this year, and many think that side dishes provide the perfect opportunity to experiment, according to the findings of a new survey.
The survey conducted by Pillsbury reveals that 89 percent of Americans say preparing homemade foods shows their loved ones how much they care. However, many think the Thanksgiving meal is the most stressful of all holiday meals to make, and 72 percent are always looking for tips and tricks to prepare their dishes quicker.
The survey also shows how new food trends are shaping today's Thanksgiving table. While some households are starting to offer alternatives to turkey, more are incorporating vegetables into their meals. Green beans, corn and carrots are among the top vegetables that Americans will serve for Thanksgiving. Other side dish staples include stuffing or dressing, potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes and cranberries. With the need to reduce meal preparation time, and the interest of many to incorporate new dishes to their traditional meal, an easy and delicious dish such as Sweet Potato Casserole Crescents is one that will surprise and delight friends and family members.
Pie is a traditional Thanksgiving element and many families will end their meal with the pumpkin variety, the top Thanksgiving dessert served across America, according to the survey. Apple and pecan pies are close followers.
"We often hear from consumers that they want to make a homemade pie for their holiday celebration, but they find making the pie crust challenging," says Madison Mayberry, Pillsbury food editor and entertaining expert. Her recommendation: make a homemade pie using a Pillsbury Pie Crust, found in the refrigerated aisle at your supermarket. The pre-made crust allows you to unroll, fill, top and bake, saving time and making it easier to bake a delicious pie. Mayberry recommends adding one of these popular pie recipes to your holiday meal: New Fashioned Pumpkin Pie, Perfect Apple Pie, or Salted Caramel Pecan Pie.
New-Fashioned Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients:
1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk (1 1/2 cups)
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 425 F. Place pie crust in 9-inch glass pie pan as directed on box for One-Crust Filled Pie.
2. In large bowl, beat eggs with wire whisk. Stir in remaining ingredients until well blended.
3. Pour into crust-lined pan. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 F; bake 40 to 50 minutes longer or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.
4. Cool completely, about 2 hours. Store in refrigerator.
Tradition holds true across the country when it comes to Thanksgiving dinners. But with emerging food trends, and families trying to incorporate time-saving techniques and modernizing some of the classic recipes, today's Thanksgiving table has a bit of a new look from years past.
For more Thanksgiving holiday recipe ideas, visit Pillsbury.com.
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