Much to be Thankful For

The month of November is when we turn our thoughts to gratitude. From our basic freedoms to good health, wealth, family and friendships, there’s a lot to be thankful for. Our team counts you among the top reasons for our gratitude. We’re thankful for your continued trust and patronage of our firm, and we’re grateful to be able to continue working diligently on your behalf in the coming year.

Among the other ways we show our appreciation, we’re happy to share a couple of our favorite recipes to complement your Thanksgiving Day table. You’ll find them at the end of this article. But no fair skipping ahead! There’s a lot more to be thankful for first…

Giving Tuesday

Even the most afflicted among us can find something to be thankful for, especially if it’s in the form of a caring, helping hand from neighbors. That’s the spirit of Giving Tuesday, a global initiative that encourages people to donate their time and money to charitable causes on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the United States. Giving Tuesday was established in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y in New York City in partnership with the United Nations Foundation to counterbalance the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday with a spirit of generosity and care for others.

Consider opportunities to volunteer and make financial contributions for organizations and causes that are important to you and use the hashtag #GivingTuesday on social media to help promote the event. In 2023, US donations totaled approximately $3.1 billion, reflecting Americans’ character as an exceptionally generous people.

Veterans Day

What more can we say? For those living among us who’ve answered the call, put their lives on the line and done the most demanding, challenging work imaginable, we salute you with an extra measure of gratitude this November 11.

Movember and No Shave November

Good health is something to be thankful for, and if you see a bumper crop of bearded and mustachioed men this month, chances are they’re raising awareness and funds for men’s health issues in these global events where participants eschew shaving during the month as a conversation starter to elevate awareness of a spectrum of men’s health concerns. Skip shaves, save lives.

November Tax Deadlines

Great news—major fall tax deadlines are now in the rearview mirror. The only key date to remember is for people earning income from tips. November 12 is the deadline to report your October 2024 tips to your employer.

Get Out and Vote!

Finally, unless you’ve been living under a rock (and we completely understand if you wish you did) you know that it’s a national election year. Tuesday, November 5 is the date to exercise your right to directly participate in our American democracy and cast your ballot. We encourage you to take part in the process. And, whatever the outcome, November is an appropriate month for all of us to be thankful for the many blessings we enjoy as Americans.

Now, here are those recipes we tempted you with earlier…

Our beer and butter basted turkey recipe produces a juicy, flavorful bird, which is perfectly complemented by sweet potato and bacon hash with maple and balsamic glaze—it’s an unexpected twist on the traditional sweet potato side!

Beer and Butter-Basted Thanksgiving Turkey

Here’s an easy recipe for a bird that’s flavorful, juicy, and simple to prepare!

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 bottle (12 oz) of beer (pale ale, lager, or your favorite kind)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 apple, quartered (optional for added flavor)
  • 2-3 cups chicken broth or water (for the roasting pan)

Directions:

Prepare the Turkey

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  • Remove the turkey giblets (usually found in the turkey cavity) and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  • Season the turkey generously inside and out with salt and pepper.
  • Stuff the cavity with the onion, apple, lemon halves, and a few sprigs of fresh herbs if available (thyme, rosemary, sage).

Make the Butter and Beer Baste
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage. Pour in the beer and mix well.

Baste the Turkey
Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Using a basting brush or spoon, generously baste the turkey with the butter-beer mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Roast the Turkey

  • Pour the chicken broth (or water) into the bottom of the roasting pan to prevent drippings from burning.
  • Place the turkey in the oven and roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh (use a meat thermometer to check).

Baste Throughout Cooking
Every 30-40 minutes, baste the turkey with the beer-butter mixture or pan drippings. This will help keep the turkey moist and flavorful.

Rest the Turkey
Once fully cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat juicy.

Optional Gravy
After removing the turkey from the roasting pan, strain the drippings into a saucepan. Add a bit of flour (about 2 tablespoons) to make a roux, and whisk in chicken broth or water to your desired consistency for a flavorful gravy.

This juicy, flavorful turkey will be the star of the show at your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy it with all your favorite sides!

Our beer and butter basted turkey recipe produces a juicy, flavorful bird, which is perfectly complemented by sweet potato and bacon hash with maple and balsamic glaze—it’s an unexpected twist on the traditional sweet potato side!

Sweet Potato and Bacon Hash with Maple Balsamic Glaze

Here’s a unique twist on a traditional Thanksgiving side dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to surprise your guests: It’s a savory-sweet dish that combines crispy bacon with caramelized sweet potatoes and a delicious maple-balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

  • 3 large, sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
  • 6 strips of bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added flavor)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set them aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.

Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the same pan with the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. If needed, add a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Add Onion and Bell Pepper
Once the sweet potatoes are almost cooked, add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the pan. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and slightly browned.

Season the Hash
Stir in the smoked paprika (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Make the Maple Balsamic Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup. Pour the mixture over the sweet potato hash and stir well to coat all the ingredients. Let the glaze cook down for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes slightly sticky and coats the vegetables.

Finish and Serve
Add the crispy bacon back to the skillet and toss everything together. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a nice pop of color.

This unique side dish brings a balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors to your Thanksgiving table. It pairs perfectly with turkey and other traditional sides. Enjoy!

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