Roasted Asparagus

When you're cooking turkey, but also doing Friendsgiving - it's worth learning a butchering technique that will save you hours of work in the kitchen. Jocelyn Guest (whole animal butcher) teaches us how to perfectly spatchcock (or butterfly) the bird. Special thanks to The International Culinary Center

The secret to a gorgeous evenly cooked turkey is trussing. If you want that bird to be the centerpiece at your Friendsgiving table, follow Erika Nakamura (whole animal butcher) as she teaches us this technique. Special thanks to The International Culinary Center

Chef Jansen Chan (The International Culinary Center) teaches us two great baking decorating techniques in one (royal icing and sprinkles). Nothing says you care more than decorating your Friendsgiving cookies or cake with your own homemade sprinkles.

Former Chowhound associate food editor Aida Mollenkamp demonstrates how to achieve the perfect poach. Poached eggs can be kept refrigerated for a day or two; in the second segment, Aida shows how to reheat the cooled egg. Poached eggs are a lovely accent to many dishes—breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. We like them in the almost-classic Salade Lyonnaisey and in this Roasted Asparagus with Poached Eggs and Miso Butter.

Brining and roasting a turkey can sound like a monumental undertaking. But it can actually be pretty easy, and makes for a memorable meal if you use our delicious Easy Brined Roasted Turkey recipe. Follow along with Amy Wisniewski as she makes this Thanksgiving turkey in our simple video recipe. And see our Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving for everything else you need to know.

This easy pot roast is packed with flavor thanks to 8 whole heads of garlic, roasted so they're mellow and sweet, plus some fresh garlic for kick, and a rich gravy full of meaty flavor. The secret ingredient: crushed gingersnaps, which help thicken the sauce and add a lovely spicy flavor perfect for fall and winter. Get the recipe.

This healthy and delicious salad pairs kale with tender roasted butternut squash and red onions, plus a rich tahini dressing and crunchy toasted pine nuts. It's a great holiday side dish, and leftovers make a hearty lunch. Get the recipe.

Roasted acorn squash is a hearty, relatively low-effort meal that's easily adapted to whatever ingredients you prefer (or happen to have on hand). The wild rice stuffing here is enhanced with sauteed onions, shallots, and celery, plus dried cranberries and toasted pecans for crunch. Replace the butter with vegetable oil and it's also vegan! Or go meaty and add crumbled sausage to the mix. Get the recipe.

This easy slow cooker soup blends butternut squash, bell pepper, and carrots for deep natural sweetness. Blended until smooth and creamy, it's garnished with crispy cumin-roasted chickpeas for a nice textural contrast and a little extra heft. Get the recipe.