While I do enjoy cooking, I’d much rather show up to the party with my culinary contribution of choice in hand and let the adults handle the #RealMealDeal. That way, I can enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and settle into my holiday shopping research and my quest to #KeepItLocal. So, I’m quite thankful that local businesses have some tasty-sounding options on deck, she says while whipping out her credit card.
1.) If you’re reading this first thing Wednesday morning, you still have time to order some great sides from Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine (4259 Bryant Irvin Rd, Fort Worth, 817-738-5489), the Thanksgiving go-to for many locals for the past 15 years. Green chili cheese grits, Southwest cornbread stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and green bean almondine are available at $100 for large (serves 12-16), $75 for medium (serves 8-10), or $50 for small (serves 4-6). Place your order now at BonnellsTexas.com. If it’s past noon Wed, Nov 19, move on to No. 2.
2.) I prefer my cranberry sauce as nature intended: straight from the can in jelly form, with can lines serving as slicing guides. For something more creative, especially if the meats are smoked, consider Braswell’s cranberry jalapeno relish for $7.95 at Braswells.com. This nontraditional relish features cranberries and both red and green jalapenos. Serve as a side or pair with brie or cream cheese for an instant appetizer. Texas brand Red River Relish offers Jammin’ Cranberry Jalapeno in three-packs of half-pint jars for $24 at RedRiverRelish.com.
Courtesy Vending Nut Co.
3.) I’m also very picky about my dressing, yes, dressing. If it’s not up the turkey’s butt, then it’s not “stuffing.” When I make it myself, it’s quite a chore, so I’m tempted to pick up a pan of savory cornbread dressing from Central Market in Fort Worth (4651 W Fwy, 817-989-4700) or Southlake (1425 E Southlake Blvd, 817-310-5600). But if I’m buying it instead of slaving over it, maybe I’ll be adventurous this year and try the butternut squash and apple dressing, the Italian sausage bread stuffing, or the jalapeno-pecan dressing, which is my current interest. Each variety is $24.99 and serves 6-8. Order for in-store pickup at CentralMarket.com.
4.) Owned by Keller native Naomi Hale, cottage caterer Crafty as Hale (817-915-6444) is making turkey-shaped chocolate-covered strawberries this year. Order boxes of eight to 24 for $35-60 by messaging her at Facebook.com/CraftyasHale.
Courtesy Swiss Pastry Shop
5.) Grazing the Bar (121 Olive St, Keller, 817-675-8651) is making Thanksgiving-themed charcuterie boards that will be available at the bar’s commercial kitchen, but there are delivery options, too.
6.) Local food truck Smoke & Bone BBQ downtown at Panther Island Brewing (501 N Main, Fort Worth, 682-233-3785) is offering handcrafted family sides for $45 each. A standout is the sweet tater casserole, made with toasted marshmallows, spiced pecans, and honey. You can also order a pan of Golden Oreo Banana Pudding, featuring homemade dulce de leche, fresh whipped cream, and sliced bananas.
Courtesy Smoke & Bone BBQ
7.) If you can’t decide what kind of pie to bring, consider Pie Petit Fours in three flavors from Swiss Pastry Shop (3936 W Vickery Blvd, Fort Worth, 817-732-5661). This family-owned European-style bakery offers chocolate, lemon, and raspberry for $28 per dozen. To ensure availability, order these — along with the shop’s other Thanksgiving offerings — as soon as possible by calling the store.
8.) Word has it that specialty grocer Vending Nut Co. (2222 Montgomery St, Fort Worth, 817-737-3071) has an amazing pecan pie. They tend to sell out quickly, so it’s best to call ahead and preorder as soon as possible. The deep-dish 9-inch version is $26.95, and individual 3-inch pies are $3.95 each.
