Here’s an easy, game-day-ready Thanksgiving menu with a spotlight on roast duck, perfect for single guys looking to impress while keeping things manageable.
Main Dish: Roast Duck
Why Duck? It’s flavorful, juicy, and deceptively simple. Plus, it’ll make you look like a pro chef.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole duck (4-5 lbs)
- Salt, pepper, paprika
- Optional aromatics: orange quarters, thyme, and onion
- Butter for basting
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the duck dry, score the skin lightly, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour.
- Baste with melted butter and roast for another 45 minutes. For a golden finish, turn up the heat to 400°F in the final 15 minutes.
- Rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Optional: Brush with an orange glaze in the last 10 minutes for a sweet finish (combine orange juice, honey, and soy sauce). Duck fat from the roast can also enhance your mashed potatoes or be saved for cooking later
Sides: Easy and Balanced
- Rice: Use a rice cooker or microwave pre-cooked rice for no-fuss prep.
- Collard Greens: Sauté fresh greens in olive oil with garlic and a splash of vinegar.
- Mashed Potatoes: Mix boiled potatoes with butter, cream, and salt, or use instant mashed potatoes for speed.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, and zucchini work great. Steam in the microwave with a bit of water and seasoning.
Dessert: Pound Cake
For dessert, bake or buy a pound cake to finish the meal on a sweet note. Want to go homemade? Keep an eye out for recipes soon!
This meal plan is designed to be impressive without requiring advanced skills, giving you plenty of time to kick back and enjoy some post-dinner gaming or sports.