5 Thanksgiving recipes sure to wow your guests

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we're sharing some of our most favorite recipes posted in the Press Democrat. If your family has a favorite holiday dish we didn't include in this list, leave us a note in the comments!

Roasted Spatchocked Turkey

Michele Anna Jordan recommends NOT brining your turkey for Thanksgiving. According to Jordan, brining your turkey dilutes the taste of the bird. Plus, food experts advise against stuffing the cavity or using pan drippings for gravy – a shame when it comes to Thanksgiving turkey.

For Thanksgiving, Jordan shares a recipe for Roasted Spatchcocked Turkey, which includes removing the backbone of the bird and splaying it while cooking to ensure the succulent, juicy meat.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Wine

Along with roasting your bird perfectly, it's important to serve the perfect wine for the holiday. Consulting with Annette McDonnell, tasting manager of Paradise Ridge, Virginie Boone shares the wines you'll want to uncork on Thanksgiving, depending on the meals you will be serving. For example, dishes with chives are the perfect match with a bright sauvignon blank. Zinfandel, on the other hand, goes exceptionally well with turkey.

Sweet Potatoes with Apple Cider

Nothing says Thanksgiving like a side dish of Sweet Potatoes. In a recent pairing, Michele Anna Jordan matched the sassy flavors of McManis Family Vineyards 2013 California Syrah with the mellowed out comfort food, sweet potatoes. Here, Jordan shares a recipe for a simple dish anyone could whip up in 20 minutes, resulting in a delightful accompaniment to your Thanksgiving meal.

Crab Salad on Persimmon Chip with Beurre Blanc

With crab season underway, the succulent crustacean would be a delightful menu addition for the holiday. Chef Erik Johnson of J Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg shared a few of his favorite holiday recipes with Diane Peterson, including his take on a Crab Salad on Persimmon Chip with Beurre Blanc. The exquisite salad is sure to become a new family favorite! However, if crab isn't your thing, Johnson shared a few other wondrous dishes that will add new life to your Thanksgiving meal.

What to do with Thanksgiving leftovers

Then, of course, is the day after Thanksgiving. There are only so many turkey sandwiches you can take after the holiday is done. So what can you do with all that turkey? Michele Anna Jordan offers a few unique recipes that are sure to clean your bird.