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2024 Thanksgiving Menu and Meal Prep Timeline

* image These past few months have been busy for our family, especially since our oldest joined a local swim team. Between juggling our work schedules and balancing school with practices... we're all pretty wiped out. Although it's a lot of work, I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. Preparing the holiday meal for our family fills my heart with joy, and I can't wait to get started. To make things easier for me, I don't deviate much from  our first Thanksgiving  as a family. The dishes I make are familiar ones, and the recipes for them live at my fingertips. Keeping the same menu year after year means I don't have to spend time researching recipes or planning a new one. Here are my tried-and-true Thanksgiving recipes, as well as my prep timeline for the big day!

Burgers and More by Emeril - Bethlehem, PA {and a Gift Certificate Giveaway}

Burgers and More by Emeril is a casual burger eatery located in the Lehigh Valley's Sands Bethlehem. The restaurant features hand-crafted burgers, classic sides, fresh salads, and desserts that include milkshakes, malts, and ice cream sundaes. Thanks to the Sands' generosity, Stephen and I were able to enjoy a meal here at no cost to us.

The Smokehouse-Bacon BBQ Burger - Burgers and More by Emeril - Bethlehem, PA | Taste As You Go
The Smokehouse-Bacon BBQ Burger - Burgers and More by Emeril - Bethlehem, PA

I was provided a gift certificate to Burgers and More by Emeril at no cost to me. Sands Bethlehem will be providing the prize for this giveaway and will be shipping the prize directly to the winner. I did not accept monetary compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

To kick off last week's long holiday weekend, Stephen and I scheduled a date night dinner at Burgers and More by Emeril, one of three restaurants at Sands Bethlehem owned by world-renowned Chef Emeril Lagasse. While I've eaten at his other Bethlehem restaurants before, this was the first time I've dined at Burgers and More by Emeril, and I have to say that we were both really impressed by the quality (and variety!) of the food as well as the high level of service.

Menu Cover - Burgers and More by Emeril - Bethlehem, PA | Taste As You Go
Menu Cover - Burgers and More by Emeril - Bethlehem, PA

The options on the menu were all really tempting, and in typical Michelle fashion, I took longer than necessary to decide what I wanted to order. In the end, I chose to order a burger (obviously) and some of the items that would fall under the "and more" category.

Coke Float with Vanilla Ice Cream - Burgers and More by Emeril - Bethlehem, PA | Taste As You Go
Coke Float with Vanilla Ice Cream - Burgers and More by Emeril - Bethlehem, PA

Although listed as a dessert, I started my meal with a Coke Float with Vanilla Ice Cream ($6). Just seeing ice cream floats on the menu brought back happy memories of my childhood, especially of my mother, who'd make us Coke floats as a treat during the summer.

When the float arrived in its tall glass, a smile spread across my face. The joy must have been contagious -- even the couple sitting at the table next to use smiled when I took my first sip. The float featured the perfect balance between soda and ice cream, and I didn't waste any time arming myself with the long spoon to scoop out frozen bites of pure bliss.

Small Spinach Salad - Burgers and More by Emeril - Bethlehem, PA | Taste As You Go
Small Spinach Salad - Burgers and More by Emeril - Bethlehem, PA

To make myself feel less guilty about indulging on a burger, I ordered a small Spinach Salad ($6) with candied pecans, red onion, and bacon dressed with a classic balsamic vinaigrette. Even though I ordered a small, the salad was huge! Easily enough for Stephen and me to share.

The spinach was flavorful and fresh, and I loved how the sweetness of the candied pecans played against the sharpness of the red onion and the saltiness of the chunks of thick-cut bacon. I wouldn't say it was the most innovative salad on the menu, but I did find it to be highly satisfying. Next time, though, I'll ask for the dressing on the side since the salad was dressed a little too heavily for my taste.

The Smokehouse-Bacon BBQ Burger - Burgers and More by Emeril - Bethlehem, PA | Taste As You Go
The Smokehouse-Bacon BBQ Burger - Burgers and More by Emeril - Bethlehem, PA

Now for the main attraction... my burger. I considered creating my own burger, but I was curious about the items listed under the "BAM Standards" section of the menu, so I ordered The Smokehouse-Bacon BBQ Burger ($14) with a side of Spiced Panko Breaded Onion Rings ($3).

The beef burger was piled high with applewood smoked bacon, the house-made barbecue sauce, and aged cheddar cheese (my personal choice based on the available cheese options). I also added fresh tomato and lettuce to help balance out the richness of the burger.

Spiced Panko Breaded Onion Rings - Burgers and More by Emeril - Bethlehem, PA | Taste As You Go
Spiced Panko Breaded Onion Rings - Burgers and More by Emeril - Bethlehem, PA

Honestly, guys? This burger was one of the best I've eaten in the Lehigh Valley.

The burger was thick and juicy thanks to the expert sear on the outside of the beef patty. There was also just enough sauce on the burger, slathered on the bottom of the burger to prevent it from oozing all over the place when taking a bite. The smokiness was there, but there was also a hint of spiciness that pulled everything together.

If The Smokehouse-Bacon BBQ Burger represents the kitchen's standard, then I have high hopes about the other burgers on their menu.

And let's not forget to talk about the Spiced Panko Breaded Onion Rings. The breading was absolutely delicious and produced a satisfying crunch from being expertly fried. As a bonus, the onion stayed put after biting into the ring (as opposed to sliding out of the battered coating and flopping down onto your chin). Usually I dip my onion rings in ketchup (or barbecue sauce if I can get my hands on it), but these onion rings were tasty all on their own and didn't need further embellishment.

Stephen and I had such an enjoyable meal at Burgers and More by Emeril, that I'm sure we'll stop in again the next time we have a craving for burgers. I'd like to thank Sands Bethlehem for providing the gift certificate that made our date night dinner possible.

Burgers and More by Emeril on Urbanspoon

Burgers and More by Emeril
77 Sands Boulevard at Sands Bethlehem
Bethlehem, PA 18015
(484) 777-7777 | Map

Gift Certificate Giveaway Details

Would YOU like to try the food at Burgers and More by Emeril? Sands Bethlehem will be providing one (1) winner with two (2) $50 gift certificates to Burgers and More by Emeril. Considering my dinner with Stephen cost less than $50, this is an amazing prize that allows you to spend the entire $100 in one shot or to use them on separate occasions.

This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end at 12:00 AM EDT on Friday, July 25, 2014. Since the restaurant is located in Bethlehem, PA, it will help if entrants are local to the area or will be planning to visit the Lehigh Valley. Good luck!!

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