The holidays are here and there is nothing quite as comforting as entering your home and smelling delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen; some of the best memories are made surrounded by good food and great company. 

Thanksgiving can be understandably intimidating with all the thawing, slicing, basting, brining, roasting, frying, and mashing. But we promise cooking in your spacious contemporary kitchen, equipped with stainless steel appliances and plenty of counter space, will have you looking and feeling worthy of your own cooking show. Plus, the open layout of your Compass at The Grove apartment easily allows you to host and entertain family and friends without feeling separated from any of the action. 

We will leave the turkey preparation advice to the dedicated turkey experts, but that doesn’t mean we can’t share some tasty inspirations for creating a memorable meal for you and your guests. 

Grab your apron and get ready to gobble down one of Delaware residents’ favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, macaroni and cheese. This creamy baked mac and cheese is loaded with cheese and topped with a crispy “crust” making it a perfect addition to any table.  

For a sidedish offering some festive flair with slightly less calories we recommend this curried butternut squash soup. This recipe is wonderful for any head chefs who enjoy toying with various spices, plus it is made in the slow cooker so you can set it and forget it. 

There’s always room for dessert, right? 

Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving staple but you can take your traditional pie to the next level with various toppings, spices, cheesecake, and unique crusts. Or opt for an old-fashioned Southern favorite, sweet potato pie. This airy rendition of the classic is laced with a hint of lemon making it a fantastic finale to your holiday meal. 

Now we understand you may want to fully enjoy your time with loved ones. You’re in luck, Newark, DE has some scrumptious options for anyone wanting the meal minus the mess. 

(Source: Chrisiana Hilton)

The Christiana Hilton hotel in Newark, DE offers a popular Thanksgiving buffet. Choose from traditional Thanksgiving fare including roasted turkey, local breads and jams, creamy mashed potatoes, and seasonal pies. Or fill your belly with a selection of seafood including Ahi tuna, salmon, and shrimp, followed by delectably warm beignets drizzled with peach sauce. 

Or visit nearby Deerfield Golf Club for their delightful buffet featuring a slew of savory options from carved turkey to Wagyu New York strip with cabernet demi glaze to edamame ravioli with sesame soy crisp vegetables.

Looking to lend a helping hand and connect with the community this holiday? Spend Thanksgiving morning volunteering at the 37th Annual Thanksgiving Day Breakfast. The Parks and Recreation Department, area merchants, and volunteers gather together to offer this special breakfast with the goal of creating a warm, caring atmosphere among community members, older adults, and area students who are unable to share the holiday with family members or a companion.

After you’ve napped and recuperated from your smorgasbord, you will inevitably realize you’ve landed yourself with far too many leftovers. For the turkey traditionalist, this ultimate turkey sandwich utilizes a little bit of everything to create the perfect bite. Leftover turkey shepherd’s pie and turkey noodle soup are cozy comfort foods that are also great meals for freezing and easily heating up on busy weeknights. 

And don’t forget about your pumpkin pie – we recommend these scrumptious s’mores with a pumpkin pie twist, a perfect sweet treat before heading to the Compass at The Grove outdoor firepits or enjoying time in the resident game and billiards lounge. Plus, the leftovers will give you fuel for scooping up all the cyber sales or shopping the 80+ eclectic boutiques on Main Street during Small Business Saturday. 

We are grateful to have you as a part of our community and thrilled you have made Compass at The Grove your home. We look forward to sharing many more traditions and creating special memories together with you.