Thanksgiving For One

Okay, so picture this: Thanksgiving is around the corner, and your plans involve a solo Netflix marathon, a cozy blanket, and absolutely zero desire to cook a whole bird that could feed a small village. You still want that warm, fuzzy, *flavorful* feeling, though, right? But also, like, minimum effort? My friend, you’ve come to the right place. We’re about to make Thanksgiving for ONE happen, without turning your kitchen into a war zone. Seriously, you got this.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Because it’s basically the culinary equivalent of a warm hug that doesn’t judge your life choices. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a declaration of self-love. It’s **fast**, it’s **flavorful**, and it’s designed for exactly one person – YOU. No sad leftovers lingering for days, no mountains of dishes, and definitely no family drama. Just pure, unadulterated Thanksgiving joy, perfectly portioned. Plus, it’s pretty much **idiot-proof**; even *I* managed not to burn down the kitchen, and that’s saying something.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 Turkey Tenderloin (about 8-10 oz) or a thick Chicken Breast: Our star! Don’t overthink it.
• 1 small Sweet Potato: Because what’s Thanksgiving without a touch of orange?
• Handful of Brussels Sprouts (about 5-7): Your healthy, slightly bitter friend.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For making things crispy and delicious.
• 1/2 tsp Dried Sage: The official scent of Thanksgiving.
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder: Because garlic makes everything better, *IMO*.
• Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, obviously.
• 1 tbsp Butter: For that luxurious sweet potato goodness.
• A splash of Milk (or cream): Just a tiny bit for the mash.
• Optional: Store-bought Cranberry Sauce: Don’t judge. It’s efficient.
• Optional: A sprig of fresh Rosemary: For feeling fancy without trying too hard.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Preheat & Prep:** First things first, get that oven screaming hot at **400°F (200°C)**. While it’s warming up, grab your sweet potato, give it a good wash, prick it a few times with a fork (prevents explosions, trust me), and pop it in the microwave for 5-7 minutes until tender. Set it aside.
2. **Turkey Time:** Pat your turkey tenderloin (or chicken breast) super dry with paper towels. This is crucial for that lovely golden crust. Rub it all over with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with sage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you have that rosemary sprig, tuck it under the turkey.
3. **Roast Away:** Grab a small baking sheet. Place your seasoned turkey on one side. On the other side, toss your Brussels sprouts with a tiny bit more olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them cut-side down if you’re feeling ambitious. Pop the whole tray into the preheated oven.
4. **Cook & Flip:** Roast for about **15-20 minutes**. Halfway through (around the 10-minute mark), flip the Brussels sprouts and check on your turkey. A meat thermometer is your BFF here – you’re aiming for **165°F (74°C)** internal temp for turkey/chicken. If the sprouts look too done before the turkey, pull them out.
5. **Mash it Up:** While the turkey is resting (very important!), scoop the flesh out of your microwaved sweet potato into a small bowl. Add the butter, a splash of milk, a pinch of salt, and mash it up. Taste and adjust – maybe a tiny bit of brown sugar if you’re feeling decadent.
6. **Plate & Enjoy:** Slice your turkey, arrange it artfully (or just plonk it down, no judgment) next to your mashed sweet potato and roasted Brussels sprouts. Add a dollop of cranberry sauce if you’re using it. Ta-da! Your personal Thanksgiving feast awaits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• **Forgetting to Preheat the Oven:** Rookie move! Cold ovens mean sad, unevenly cooked food. Don’t be that person.
• **Not Drying Your Meat:** This is *key* for a beautiful sear. Wet meat steams, it doesn’t roast. You want golden, not grey.
• **Overcooking the Turkey:** A dry turkey is a tragic turkey. Invest in a meat thermometer, seriously. It’s worth it.
• **Ignoring the Resting Period:** Impatient, much? Pulling the turkey straight from the oven and slicing it immediately lets all those precious juices escape. Let it chill for 5 minutes, please. Your taste buds will thank you.
• **Being Too Serious:** This is Thanksgiving for one! Relax, have fun. If something burns a little, laugh it off. It’s character building!

Alternatives & Substitutions

Life’s too short for rigid recipes, right? Here are some tweaks:

• **No Turkey? No Problem:** A thick **pork chop** works wonderfully here, just adjust cooking time. Or go vegetarian with a big portobello mushroom cap!
• **Sweet Potato Hater?** Swap for a regular baked potato or even some quick-cooking couscous. Or mashed cauliflower if you’re feeling extra virtuous.
• **Brussels Sprouts Are the Enemy?** Green beans or asparagus spears roast up beautifully alongside the turkey. Just give them less time, maybe 8-10 minutes.
• **No Sage?** A pinch of dried thyme or a mix of “poultry seasoning” will do the trick. Or skip it if you prefer! Your kitchen, your rules.
• **Fancy Gravy?** If you’re feeling ambitious, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth after the turkey is out for a quick pan sauce. But honestly, the store-bought cranberry sauce is doing just fine.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I make this ahead of time? Oh, you planner, you! While it’s best fresh, you *could* prep the sweet potato and cut the sprouts. But honestly, it’s so quick, why bother with lukewarm Thanksgiving?
• My turkey is still pink! What did I do wrong? Did you forget to preheat? Or maybe your oven runs cool? Pop it back in! Or, more likely, you didn’t trust the thermometer. **Always cook to temp, not to time!**
• What if I only have a toaster oven? If it’s big enough for a small baking sheet, go for it! Just keep a closer eye on things, as toaster ovens can be feisty.
• Can I add stuffing? You absolutely can! Just grab a single-serving microwaveable stuffing cup or make a tiny batch from scratch. We’re not judging your carb consumption here, **FYI**.
• Is it okay to eat Thanksgiving alone? Is it okay to enjoy delicious food in peace without having to share or make small talk? Uh, YES! It’s *more* than okay. It’s a luxury.
• What wine pairs with this? A nice Pinot Noir if you’re feeling classy, or honestly, whatever you have open. A cold beer works too. Or sparkling cider! It’s your party!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, chief! Your very own, incredibly delicious, ridiculously easy Thanksgiving For One. You’ve conquered the kitchen, fed your soul, and probably didn’t even break a sweat. Now go impress someone—or more realistically, just yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Pat yourself on the back, put on your comfy pants, and savor every single bite. You rockstar, you.