Thanksgiving with a French Twist

The Menu

Everyone will appreciate this
Thanksgiving dinner served with
a French twist.

Cranberry-Pistachio Pate Serve this country-style pate with apple or pear slices, toasted baguette rounds, and stone-ground mustard.

Mixed Greens with Beets and Garlic Croutons Mesclun, the melange of young, tender greens, was until recently the domain of gourmet markets and high-end restaurants. Today, you'll likely find it in the produce aisle of your supermarket.

Herb-Roasted Capon with Caramelized Onions Roast two capons if you're serving a crowd or want leftovers for sandwiches. If you can't find a capon, substitute a 5- to 7-pound roasting chicken.

Green Beans and Fennel Here, chopped fresh fennel offers the delightful crunch of celery, but with a subtle licorice flavor. To crush fennel seeds, place them on a cutting board, then roll over them with a rolling pin.

Walnut-Sage Potatoes au Gratin Gruyere -- is it Swiss or French? Both countries have argued over the rights to the name, but there's no need to dwell on the issue! Instead, just savor the distinctive nutty, rich flavor the semihard cheese brings to this dish.

Pumpkin Creme Caramel Using a water bath when making these smooth, silky desserts is key in helping the custard cook slowly and evenly.

Preparation Timetable

Green beans and fennel are a
classic bistro side dish.

Use our handy timetable to make the special day a little more manageable.

• Prepare pate; cover and chill in refrigerator.
• Prepare garlic croutons for salad; store in airtight container.

• Rub herb mixture inside capon; cover and chill in refrigerator.
• Cook fresh beets; cover and chill in refrigerator.
• Prepare individual desserts; cover and chill.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and roast capon.
• Combine butter and herb mixture for bean dish; set aside.
• Prepare and bake potato dish alongside capon.

• Sprinkle rest of herb mixture over capon; continue roasting.
• Prepare bean dish; cover and keep warm.

• Let capon stand at room temperature for easier carving.
• Roast onions in oven.
• Remove desserts from custard cups to serving plates.

• Slice pate; serve with baguette slices and apple slices.
• Assemble salads and slice capon.