“For many families, the Thanksgiving meal is rooted in tradition,” said Craig Nielsen, CEO, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc. “But by adding one or two new recipes to the menu, at-home chefs can keep everyone’s favorite stuffing and pumpkin pie, while also wowing their guests with unconventional starters.”
While guests mingle leading up to dinner, start off simple with Parmesan Zucchini Crisps. The classic Italian cheese mixed with Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder adds extra flavor to the standard zucchini. Pair the crunchy snack with the zesty dip recipe to make an extra tasty starter for friends and family.
Breaded Veal Meatballs with Vodka Sauce are the perfect bite to spice up pre-dinner treats. With the combination of oregano, parsley, and Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste, the hearty meatballs have an excellent savory flavor with a hint of sweetness to tie it all together. Served with a tangy tomato vodka sauce, these juicy meatballs will quickly become a family favorite.
Make the spread complete with Sausage Stuffed Cremini Mushrooms, recipe below. With ingredients like garlic, Romano and mascarpone cheeses, and Italian sausage, these savory mushrooms will keep guests coming back for more. The creamy mascarpone mixed with the sharp Romano complements the sausage, while the mushrooms serve as a salty base that is perfect for guests to munch on. The simple recipe and spice-filled flavor make these mushrooms an easy choice before any Thanksgiving feast.
Branch out this Thanksgiving and use these starters to create new and different traditions the whole family can enjoy. This recipe makes about 24 stuffed mushrooms.
Sausage Stuffed Cremini Mushrooms Recipe
Cremini mushrooms, about 1 pound, stemmed, quickly rinsed and patted dry
Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
8 fl. oz. mild Italian sausage (may substitute with spicy Italian sausage)
1 tablespoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1/3 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
1/3 cup plain panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a 9×13 inches baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. In a medium bowl, add lemon juice and oil; whisk to combine. Add clean mushroom caps and toss to coat; set aside.
In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, add sausage, vanilla bean paste, garlic and shallot. Cook and stir until crumbles are done, about 8-10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add Romano cheese, bread crumbs and mascarpone cheese; stir to combine. Remove from heat.
Place mushroom caps in prepared baking dish and reserve remaining lemon-oil mixture in bowl. Fill each mushroom cavity with stuffing mixture and drizzle with reserved lemon-oil. Bake until done, about 10 minutes.
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Disclosure: This recipe is courtesy of Nielsen-Massey. You can find product information and additional recipes on their site.
My husband would love this, he’s a mushroom lover, me not so much but I do cook them for him, thanks for the recipe.
If you showed me these three recipes and asked what ingredient was in each one, I never would guess it’s vanilla! But now I’m intrigued. I might just try the Parmesan Zucchini Crisps. Thanks for the links.
I have never thought to add vanilla extract,powder or paste to,savory dishes. I definitely want to try all,of,these but especially the Veal Meatballs, and then the Mushroom dish.
I absolutely love mushrooms, especially with steak. These look wonderful. I would enjoy these with some ranch dressing,
I am always looking for appetizer dishes for the holidays and this one could become a favorite. I like the combination of ingredients in the stuffing especially the addition of the bean paste.
I love mushrooms and the rest of the family loves sausage, so this recipe is a win-win. Also Parmesan Zucchini Crisps is a great even for people who doesn’t like zucchini. Thanks for all ideas.
I like mushrooms stuffed with just about anything. I love the flavors in this recipe.
Ah, those do look good. I would have those eaten way before any guests showed up, lol. I might just make them for myself!
Good Lord this recipe sounds amazing! I have got to keep this one and save it to my favorites thanks for sharing this one! I have not had stuffed mushrooms in like twenty years well… maybe fifteen years still too long as I love them they are super delish. Have a great day and stay warm boy the weather here changed on a dime it went from kind of warm to super cold brr.
These sound wonderful and perfect for holiday parties!! The addition of the vanilla is a wonderful surprise! I love Nielsen-Massey vanillas!! I love using them when I bake!