With Thanksgiving a mere three days away, the GDM team is anxiously awaiting the holiday that brings families and friends together over gratitude, good cheer and delicious food. Because every family’s Thanksgiving meal boasts its own set of traditions and culinary favorites, we’ve decided to each share our most-loved part of Thanksgiving dinner in the hopes that you’ll have a chance to enjoy it, too. To make things easier, we’ve compiled all of our favorite recipes into a downloadable collection of recipe cards for you to print at home. (Or, if a particular recipe peaks your interest, feel free to download individual recipe cards from the links below!)

Apple Orange Cranberry Sauce [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“Since I find the gelatinous glop that comes out of the can, totally disgusting, I had to find a delish replacement, and this has become part of our Thanksgiving tradition.  Enjoy!” – Martha Kirkpatrick, Director, Member Services

Sausage and Herb Stuffing [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“This is actually the first year that I will be cooking (something) for Thanksgiving so I think I’m going to do stuffing.  I have good luck with all of the recipes that I’ve made out of the Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten) so I’m going to stick with what works!  Wish me luck! P.S.  Be sure to try our Pumpkin Pie Martini from last year’s Thanksgiving.  It’s a definite hit.” – Alexandra Gibson, President & CEO

Grandma’s Corn Pudding [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“My grandmother was an exceptional southern cook.  Every Thanksgiving I looked forward to the delicious food she’d put on the table.  What I looked forward to the MOST was her corn pudding.  Now I bring it to Thanksgiving with friends and/or family every year, and it’s always a hit!” – Amanda Butterworth, Senior Director, Creative Services

Connie’s Cranberry Ginger Sauce [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“My real favorite recipe is my Mom’s dressing that she makes for our family Thanksgiving dinner of 40+ people. We know she makes loads of cornbread and homemade biscuits in preparation, but she doesn’t use a recipe so my sister and I are threatening to video the entire process!  (… Also, this sauce is great on Turkey Day, and even better on a turkey sandwich – leftovers or any time of the year!) – Christina West, Director, Project Delivery

Classic Pecan Pie [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“I love my family’s extensive Thanksgiving meal, but nothing compares to the post-dinner dessert spread.  I have quite the sweet tooth, so I always save room for a few slices of homemade pie (we usually go overboard and have about six options!) while everyone else complains about being too full. This pecan pie recipe from the Silver Palate Cookbook is definitely a favorite – especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.” – Jessye Aibel, Associate, Social Media & Online PR

Selecting the oh-so-classic Manhattan as July’s martini recipe was an easy choice– especially with Alexandra and Amanda traveling to New York City this weekend to attend some great events (more details to follow!).  With its sophisticated status, frequent cameos in AMC series Mad Men, and overall tough urban appeal, the Manhattan is a standby cocktail, even if you’re not in a New York State of Mind.

Ingredients:

• 6 Parts Rye Whiskey
• 2 Parts Sweet Vermouth
• 1 Dash Angostura Bitters
• Maraschino Cherry

Preparation:

1. Combine whiskey, vermouth and bitters in an icy cocktail shaker
2. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass
3. Garnish with a maraschino cherry
4. Enjoy!

For comprehensive directions and tips from a cocktail master, watch the video below:

The 4th of July not only marks an important date in history– America’s birthday–  but it’s also the perfect occasion for spending time outside and enjoying good food, beverages and company.  This 4th of July, the Gibson Design Management team will be celebrating another birthday, too: the newest member of our company wolfpack, OttoPilot Media, which helps to propel businesses using social media and non-traditional marketing.

In honor of Independence Day, the GDM team has compiled some of our favorite festive recipes:

Patriotic Fruit Pizza (from Lolly)

Ingredients

• 1 (18 ounce) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).  Press dough flat into an ungreased cookie sheet or pyrex. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla until light. Spread on cooled crust. Arrange desired fruit on top of filling, and chill.

Panzanella (from Alexandra)

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1 small French bread or boule, cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large, ripe tomatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 red onion, cut in 1/2 and thinly sliced
• 20 large basil leaves, coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons capers, drained

(for the rest of the recipe and directions, check it out on the Food Network website!)

Martha’s Fresh Guacamole (we hear it’s pretty famous!)

Ingredients:

(Makes 4 cups)

• 4 ripe avocados
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tomato, peeled & chopped
• 1 fresh, mild green chile, chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• coarse sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
• garlic salt to taste

Directions:

Peel, seed and lightly mash avocados, so that they are still chunky. Add lemon juice, tomato, green chile, onions, and season to taste with salt, pepper and garlic salt.  Fold together gently.  In order to prevent the guac from turning dark, place the avocado pits on top (to be removed upon serving), cover and refrigerate no more than 4 hours.  It’s best when it is freshly made!

We hope everyone has a great 4th of July weekend!