You work. You have a bunch of kids. You don’t have a lot of time.
What do you have? Guests coming to your house for Thanksgiving, that’s what. And you’re up for making the turkey, but you could use a little help with everything else.
Here’s what you do: Call one of the stores listed below and they’ll set you up. You’re not alone.
And we can all give thanks for that!
Apple-Sage Bread Stuffing (pictured above) from A La Carte, 111 Green Bay Rd., Wilmette, 847-256-4102, $2.95 per serving
Crusty pieces of their house-made baguettes tossed with sauteed apples and onions, chicken broth and fresh sage. A fresh take on an old favorite.
Oven-Roasted Root Veggies from Pear Tree Catering, 950 Woodlands Pkwy., Vernon Hills, 847-459-1100, $21 for a pan that serves 8
All your favorite root veggies (carrots, parsnips, etc.) tossed with garlic and basil oil. Healthy and delicious!
Mulligatawny Soup from Zingarella, 2300 Lehigh Ave., Glenview, 847-657-0707, $8.99 per quart
Just a little exotic, this classic soup combines chicken stock, wild rice, chicken, apples, coconut milk and a bit of curry. A lovely way to start your feast.
Seven-Grain Cornucopia from Foodstuffs in Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview and Lake Forest, $25.99 large, $14.99 small
An edible horn of plenty made from Foodstuffs’ justifiably famous 7-Grain dough. Perfect for fresh fruits, or for assorted rolls and muffins. You can also use it as a floral centerpiece. A showstopper.
Butternut Squash and Spinach Gratin from Simple Gourmet, 1459 Elmwood Ave., Evanston, 847-332-2100, $3.95 per serving
Scalloped butternut squash layered with lightly creamed spinach, topped with parmesan and baked. Yowza! I might even pretend that I made this one. You’ll be wanting leftovers.
