How to win Friendsgiving
A non-comprehensive, borderline ridiculous guide to memorable holiday dishes.
Dear reader(s), (I hope there’s more than one of you)
I’m sure your inbox is already full with collections of what to make for Thanksgiving so here’s another other—with a twist. In my experience, gatherings of family or friends are inherently competitive—more on that for my therapist later—so here’s a newsletter for everyone looking to win this year.
Like any good project manager, you need to clarify the milestones, balance your resources, and manage your stakeholders. But unlike traditional project management, outlier strategies can bring home the top prize. So, what are you willing to commit?
There are key ways to win this year: go all out (1), make a standout classic side (2), or set yourself up to be the hero (3).
1: The Overachiever
Some might say that this is the Patrick Bateman approach, and they’d be right. But as a fellow Exeter alum, I’m here for it. Get out your knife sharpener, place your grocery orders, and prepare to outwork the competition:
Cheesy Hasselback Potato Gratin [J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, NYT]: This is a real commitment to quality time with your peeler and mandolin.
Lobster Mac and Cheese [me, based on The Capital Grille]: If you’re comfortable with murder, this is a star.
Sticky (brown butter bourbon) Toffee Pumpkin Cake [Paris Starn, Playing with Food]: Full disclosure, I have not tested this yet, but I’ve watched the video enough times to taste it.
Cranberry Curd Tart [David Tanis, NYT]: Visually stunning and a welcome palette cleanser after all that butter.
Cheese or charcuterie board: Dufour rillettes on repeat.
2: Best All Around
You want people to undo their top button to make room for seconds.
Mac and Cheese with Ritz [Polina Chesnakova, Hot Cheese]: yes, I’m recommending two different mac and cheeses. This can easily be made ahead and nails the brief.
Rich and Creamy Mashed Potatoes [J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, Serious Eats]: You’ll never go back to mashed (not riced) potatoes again.
Sweet Potato Casserole [my version adapted from America’s Test Kitchen]: The only way my husband has ever enjoyed a sweet potato.
Buttered Stuffing with Celery and Leeks [Alison Roman, NYT]: I demand my friend Elliot make at least two trays for every holiday. He adds finely diced shallots to the initial sauté and 2xs the herbs.
3: Hero of the Day
If your last performance review said you deliver in a crisis, this one is for you.
Constant comms: Text the host in the morning and before you leave for moral support and last-minute requests.
Add that dish: Sometimes the last idea is the best idea. A few of my favorite adds: caviar nachos, world’s best salad, yorkshire puddings, parker house rolls and ham butter (go light on the curry powder).
Anticipate the need: There are a few things that every party needs: champagne, someone to talk to your friend’s soon-to-be-ex (you know who), and more ice.
Other Stuff & Things
Novelty food fashion: Out with pasta charms and croissant lamps, Moschino’s Celery Bag is the fibrous winner this year.
Stampede over Dutch ovens: ngl, Le Creuset is one of the only brands I’d riot for.
Strategist x Yamazaki Collab: While I want to love this, I have questions: does this green match anyone’s kitchen/living room color palette? have they been tested around pets and small kids? (Leonard would take out that ladder in < 10 minutes) why would you want to hang spices on your fridge?
May the best guest win,
Sophia
P.S. I’d love to see what you make!