There's a lot we're thankful for this year – more hugs, seeing friends and coworkers IRL, and revisiting some long-delayed travel plans. Plus, these guaranteed to please Thanksgiving side dishes, appetizers, and desserts from Team Toad. Pass the gravy, please. 

Holly, Product

I've been using this Cranberry Sauce recipe for a few years now. I've finally convinced the family to give up on the canned stuff because this one's so delicious (bonus: it also smells amazing). 

Steve, Marketing

We travel to Florida for Thanksgiving every year to celebrate with my wife's family. We go fishing with the neighbors, usually for mackerel. We then smoke the fish and make this Smoked Fish Dip appetizer because what's better than something fresh caught on the table?

Liv, E-Comm

I typically make a variation on these cute Risotto Stuffed Mini Pumpkins. Filling up a pumpkin with anything (chili, grains, soup... or beer) is fun, festive, and always a crowd-pleaser. 

Christina, Marketing

Ina Garten can do no wrong (it's a fact) so she's usually responsible for most of the dishes at my Thanksgiving table. A forever favorite in my family is her Truffled Mashed Potatoes. They're easy and decadent – the perfect holiday side dish.

Sarah P., Culture & Community Engagement

My Grandma's Frosted Date Cream Cookies take me right back to being in her kitchen. They're not your typical holiday cookie (but that's what makes them so special). Dates are the perfect not-too-sweet secret ingredient, and the frosting hardens on top to provide the perfect topping for this delicious dessert. 

You'll need:  

• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter softened
• 1 ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup dates cut into pieces
• 1 cup nuts (optional, but encouraged)

 To Make 'Em:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees
• Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
• Cream together butter, sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla
• Stir in dry ingredients and blend
• Mix in dates and nuts
• Drop by teaspoons onto greased cookie sheet
• Bake at 375 for 12-14 minutes. You will want to frost the cookies while they are still warm so make the frosting while they cook!

Make the Frosting:

• Brown ¼ cup of butter in a saucepan
• Remove from heat and stir in 1 ¼ cups confectioner’s sugar
• Add 3-4 tablespoons of hot water
• Beat until smooth
• Frost the cookies while they are warm and then let them harden