Planning Thanksgiving Recipes: How to Make Your Holiday More Fun and Less Stressful
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and at Lone Star Family Market, we’re here to help you create a memorable day filled with delicious food, laughter, and fun moments with your loved ones. The key to enjoying the holiday is all in the planning—when you plan ahead, you can minimize stress and focus on having fun. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving.
Start with a Plan
The most important part of Thanksgiving prep is planning ahead. From your menu to your shopping list to prepping dishes in advance, the more you plan, the smoother your day will go. And remember: simple dishes often work best.
1. Plan Your Menu:
Before you head to the store, take some time to plan out your Thanksgiving menu. Think about your must-have dishes, but keep it manageable—there’s no need to overwhelm yourself with complicated recipes or too many ingredients.
2. Get Your Shopping Done Early:
Avoid last-minute store runs by doing your shopping early in the week. Lone Star Family Market is a great place to stock up on WIC-approved foods – including fresh produce, beans, dairy, and more – all can be used for your Thanksgiving Day recipes. Check out our blog post for special Thanksgiving Week hours so you can plan your trip accordingly.
3. Use Your WIC Benefits:
If you’re shopping with WIC benefits, take advantage of your fruit and vegetable allowance to pick up ingredients for your Thanksgiving sides. Some great options include potatoes, onions, carrots and even fruit for desserts. Beans are another WIC-approved food that make a great side dish, and cheese can add an extra layer of flavor to vegetables like broccoli. Need inspiration? Check out our recipe for Broccoli and Cheese or try our Stuffing Recipe for a classic side dish. You also can’t miss this vegetable platter that looks like a Turkey.
4. Keep It Simple
You don’t need to make a 10-course meal to have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Stick to simple, familiar dishes that everyone will love. Make a list—either on your phone or the good old-fashioned way with pen and paper—to help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget anything.
Recipe Inspiration for a Healthy, Simple Feast
If you’re looking for some healthy and easy-to-make recipes, check out these great websites that offer simple ideas using WIC-approved foods:
Texas WIC: Find healthy recipes like Apple Crisp, Sweet Potato Balls, Citrus Glazed Carrots, and Carrot Bread.
Cooking Matters: From Banana Pudding to Baked Apples, this site is full of nutritious and family-friendly recipes.
USDA: This site offers a wide variety of Thanksgiving recipes, including ideas for leftovers!
Simple Alternatives for the Turkey
Does the idea of cooking a large turkey overwhelm you? You don’t have to roast a whole bird to have a successful Thanksgiving meal. Consider making a smaller turkey breast or tenderloin, which are easier to cook and typically cost less. If you prefer, you could even skip the turkey altogether and make a different meal your family loves.
If you do decide to roast a turkey, check out the USDA’s Turkey Cooking Tips to make sure your bird turns out perfectly.
Enjoy the Day, Not Just the Meal
Thanksgiving is about more than just the food—it’s about spending quality time with the people you love. After your meal, take a walk outside or play a game with the kids. It’s a great way to burn off those extra calories and create lasting memories.
At Lone Star Family Market, we wish you a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving. Our stores will be open regular hours on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and we accept SNAP. Find your nearest location. We can’t wait to help you make this holiday the best one yet!
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Lone Star Family Market!
Homemade Roasted Pumpkin Seeds From Fresh Pumpkins
It’s the season. You got your pumpkin, and you have decided you don’t want it to be used for cute seasonal decoration.
One popular way to enjoy pumpkin is to roast the seeds. Be sure to save the rest of the pumpkin for another delicious recipe.
Here is a basic recipe to get you started.
Easy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Seeds from pumpkin
1 tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter
Salt to taste
Seasonings of your choice (garlic powder, paprika or even cinnamon)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Scoop the seeds from your pumpkin by cutting off the top and reaching in to grab them. Separate the seeds from the pulp. Rinse seeds in colander under cold water and remove any remaining pumpkin pulp.
Arrange the seeds in single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake the seeds in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seeds are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Sprinkle on a salad or enjoy as a snack.
The Flavors of Fall: Delicious Roasted Pumpkin
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for roasted pumpkins that brings out all the flavor of fall. These roasted pumpkins make a great side dish or a tasty snack. You can also use them in salads, soups, or as part of a festive fall platter.
Don’t forget to save the pumpkin seeds to roast for a snack or to use to top your favorite salad.
ROASTED PUMPKINS
2-4 mini pumpkins or 1 larger pumpkin
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or sage; optional)
Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, balsamic glaze, or chopped fresh herbs
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Wash the mini pumpkins and cut them in half from top to bottom. Scoop out the seeds and any stringy insides using a spoon. Then cut them into slices for easier roasting. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs if using. Rub the seasonings into the flesh of the pumpkins to ensure they’re evenly coated.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and lightly browned. You can check for doneness by piercing with a fork; it should slide in easily. Once cooled, You can now remove the skin from the outside.
Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, drizzle with balsamic glaze, or garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
These roasted mini pumpkins make a great side dish or a tasty snack. You can also use them in salads, soups, or as part of a festive fall platter.
Pumpkins Now Arriving At Stores
Lone Star Family Market Now Offering Pumpkins
Pumpkins are now arriving at stores. They are currently being offered at these stores, and will be arriving at more stores soon and will be available while supplies last.
8756 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758
7110 Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78752
105 E. Old Settlers Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78664
Pumpkins are perfect for decorating, and for making your favorite seasonal recipes. Check back for ideas about how to use your pumpkin.
Refreshing Tuna Fish Ceviche Using WIC-Approved Foods
Looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s approved using WIC-approved foods? Turn canned tuna fish into a refreshing ceviche.
Ceviche is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s popular in many Latin American countries. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and can be tailored to include a variety of fresh ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it as a topping or on its own, ceviche is a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of produce and lean protein.
TUNA FISH CEVICHE 
1 can of tuna fish, drained
¼ cup diced onion
¼ cup diced tomatoes
Juice of 1 lime
½ avocado, diced
¼ cup diced mango (fresh or frozen)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tortillas
1 teaspoon of oil
Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
Toast the tortilla (or two) in the pan until it’s golden and crispy.
In a bowl, combine the tuna, onion, tomatoes, lime juice, avocado, and mango. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add tuna mixture to the tortilla and enjoy!
Pick up all your WIC foods in one easy stop at any Lone Star Family Market store.