4 tips for a perfect Central Coast Thanksgiving

November 24, 2014

Thanksgiving is all about celebrating the Nation’s first harvest feast with friends and family. And with the following tips, even the head chef in your home can get a break.

1. Instead of spending hours baking, wow your family and guests with the help from some of San Luis Obispo County’s top chefs. Get your breads and desserts at:

Spencer’s Fresh Market bakery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spencer’s Fresh Markets in Morro Bay and Santa Maria now features pastry chef Franck Bouget, well known Central Coast baker. Favorite Thanksgiving cakes and pies include pumpkin crème pie, eggnog crème pie made with Cal Poly eggnog exclusive to Spencer’s, Black Forest cake and carrot cake. Another must have is Spencer’s almond or pecan croissants. You can pre-order bakery and dessert goods. Spencer’s is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

The Apple Farm Bakery

 

The Apple Farm Bakery in San Luis Obispo includes all your must have holiday treats including pecan pie, pumpkin pie, cran-apple pie, apple pie, pumpkin bread, banana walnut bread and a local favorite – apple, raisin pecan bread. Orders can be made in advance and the bakery is open on Thanksgiving from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

2. Free up the day by preparing side dishes ahead of time. Check out these delicious and easy recipes that are sure to please.

Butternut squash soup

 

This classic soup can stay in the refrigerator for several days. Get the recipe.

Holiday Brussel sprouts with cranberries

Made with fresh cranberries, this dish can easily become a holiday favorite. Get the recipe.

3. Take a gourmet break from the kitchen by having one of the Central Coast’s “rock star” chefs prepare the entire feast. Though most local restaurants are already booked on Thanksgiving, you can still order a Thanksgiving feast to go.

The Gardens of Avila Restaurant

 

Chef Gregg Wangard  at The Gardens of Avila Restaurant at Sycamore Hot Springs Resort has created a three course dining experience that includes your choice of entrees and side dishes. No need to order ahead of time, the Avila Beach Restaurant is open on Thanksgiving from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to pick up your feast to go.

4. Don’t have any friends or family? Celebrate with your pet. CCN could not resist sharing this video with our readers.