As the golden leaves of autumn pave the way to a season of gratitude, Thanksgiving beckons us to gather and give thanks for life's bountiful harvest. At Blue Moon Vacation Rentals, we're taking the festive tradition to the shoreline, infusing the classic holiday flavors with a touch of coastal charm. This year, why not let the serene spirit of the beach inspire your Thanksgiving table?
Whether you're celebrating seaside or just dreaming of ocean vistas, here are two special recipes that marry traditional Thanksgiving tastes with the island vibes of the coast. This Cranberry-Coconut Sweet Potato Casserole will add a tropical flair to your spread, and the Blue Moon Margarita is set to become your new holiday toast favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to shake up some holiday cheer, Blue Moon style!
Join us in the kitchen as we embark on a culinary voyage, creating a Thanksgiving menu that's as refreshing as a gentle sea breeze and as comforting as the warm, sandy embrace of Navarre Beach.
Cranberry-Coconut Sweet Potato Casserole
Inspired by coastal vibes, this casserole brings in a tropical twist with coconut.
Ingredients:
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup of coconut milk
2 tablespoons of maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 cup of fresh or dried cranberries
1/2 cup of shredded coconut
1/4 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of coconut oil, melted
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes, and drain.
Mash the sweet potatoes with coconut milk, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon until smooth.
Fold in half of the cranberries and pour the mixture into a baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the shredded coconut, remaining cranberries, pecans, brown sugar, and melted coconut oil until combined.
Sprinkle the coconut-cranberry topping over the sweet potatoes.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy a taste of the tropics with a traditional Thanksgiving flavor!
Blue Moon Margarita
A refreshing and festive cocktail to complement your seaside Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
2 ounces of tequila (preferably a clear variety like Blanco)
1 ounce of blue curaçao (for that perfect blue moon glow)
1 ounce of fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce of orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau)
1/2 ounce of simple syrup or agave nectar (adjust sweetness to taste)
Ice cubes
Salt for rimming the glass
Lime wedge and a sprig of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
Rim a cocktail glass with lime and dip it into salt to coat the edge.
In a shaker, combine tequila, blue curaçao, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup with ice.
Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of rosemary to mimic the piney fall scenery.
Raise a toast to a festive Thanksgiving with a coastal twist!
From our family to yours, we wish you a Thanksgiving brimming with warmth, laughter, and delicious food. May your hearts be as full as your plates and your spirits as lifted as the tides. And remember, whether you’re dining at a beachside bungalow or a city apartment, the essence of the holiday is to savor the moments that matter with the people who make them special.
Ready to create more unforgettable memories? Book your next stay with us and keep the spirit of gratitude alive all year round.