Thanksgiving! A time for family, elastic waistbands, a double order of patience, and stellar food. What better way to appreciate our blessings and show gratitude than a feast featuring the wild bounty of our oceans? After all, the attendants of the first Thanksgiving probably feasted on lobsters, clams, and mussels.

This year, embrace a new tradition and focus your Thanksgiving meal on North Carolina seafood. It’s packed with health benefits and flavor, plus it’s easy to prep. We outlined our recipe suggestions below.

APPETIZERS

Smoked Trout Blinis with Creme Fraiche

Fried Oysters with Spicy Remoulade

Scallops with Sweet Potato Puree and Onion Marmalade

Pastels (Fried Fish Pies)

Devils on Horseback

Roasted Oysters with Green Tomato Pickle & Cranberry Relish

Shrimp with Pancetta and Rosemary

OYSTER STUFFING

Oyster Dressing Grand Mere

Herbed Oyster Stuffing

Oyster Cornbread Stuffing

SIDES

Zucchini-wrapped fish with butternut squash hash & pinot noir butter sauce use any firm white fish!

Roasted Shrimp and green beans

Shrimp mashed potatoes

Seafood Bubbly Bake

Jalapeno Shrimp Cole Slaw

Bacon wrapped Bluefish