I was inspired to make and post this tasting menu because Thanksgiving is coming up in Canada, but I make tasting menus for birthdays, or any other time I feel like doing something nice for someone or cooking a bunch of food. I’ve also never cooked a whole turkey myself, so upfront I’ll say there is no turkey in this tasting menu! I know the saying goes “there’s no time like the present” but I don’t believe that when it comes to making food that other people have to eat.
It’s a long post, so I’ll get right to it. Here are some recipe ideas to give yourself, you and your significant other, family or friends a great night in, anytime! I included the nutritional value for each item, plus a total for the overall meal.
Six-course tasting menu
The recipes link to pages on the blog to keep this post shorter. Four dishes are vegan and for two of the courses (pasta and main) there are meat and vegan options.
I’ve added wine pairing suggestions, but I’m totally into drinking Prosecco and to me, it goes with everything. At 80 calories a glass, it’s also better for you … well in my mind! Wine pairings average about 2-3 ounces a glass, so for the full meal it is the equivalent of 2 full glasses of wine)
First course: Appetizer
Blistered Shishito peppers

A perfect kickoff to the night.
Note: Substitute banana peppers if heat is a concern.
Approximate nutritional information for 1 serving (Using 1/2 a portion size for a tapas size)
- Calories: 131.5
- Fat: 10g
- Carb: 9g
- Protein: 2.5g
Wine pairing
Second course: Soup
Mushroom soup

This soup's so good, you'd think it had cream in it!
Approximate nutritional information for 1 serving (Using 1/2 a portion size for a tapas size)
- Calories: 105 calories
- Fat: 4 g
- Carbs: 5 g
- Protein: 4g
Wine pairing
Australian Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
Third course: Salad
Bibb (or Butter lettuce salad)

Approximate nutritional information for 1 serving (Using 1/2 a portion size for a tapas size)
- Calories: 164
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Protein: 4 g
Wine pairing
Fourth course: Pasta
Spaghetti with meat sauce

Approximate nutritional information for 1 serving (Using 1/2 a portion size for a tapas size)
- Calories: 281
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Protein: 14 g
Spaghetti with tofu

Approximate nutritional information for 1 serving (Using 1/2 a portion size for a tapas size)
- Calories: 181
- Fat: 4 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Protein: 9 g
Wine pairing
Fifth course: Main
Pot roast with potatoes and carrots

Approximate nutritional information for 1 serving (Based on brands and amounts used in the recipe)
- Calories: 347
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 27 g
- Protein: 32 g
Wine pairing
Australian Syrah or Argentinian Malbec (full bodied)
Portobello mushroom roast

Approximate nutritional information for 1 serving (Using 1/2 a portion size for a tapas size)
- Calories: 135
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Protein: 5 g
Wine pairing
Australian Syrah or Argentinian Malbec (light to medium body)
Sixth course: Dessert
Salted almond butter fudge

Approximate nutritional information for 1 serving (Based on brands and amounts used in the recipe)
- Calories: 175
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 7.3g
- Protein: 4g
Wine pairing
Tawny Port or Grappa
Approximate nutritional information for 6 courses for 1 person (Based on brands and amounts used in the recipe)
With meat
- Calories: 837 (with wine pairing 1,097, with Prosecco 997)
- Fat: 43g
- Carb: 64g (with wine pairing or Prosecco 74g)
- Protein: 57g
Vegan
- Calories: 760 (with wine pairing, 960, with Prosecco 860)
- Fat: 32.5g
- Carb: 53g (with wine pairing or Prosecco 63g)
- Protein: 38g
Sumptuous!
Thank you very much!
So yummy. Love the wine pairings!
Thanks so much!
Thanks for sharing! Everything looks delicious!
Thanks so much! I appreciate it
This is great! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much! 🙂
Everything looks so good!
Thanks so much! I appreciate it
Great idea. Everything looks delicious too
Thanks so much! I appreciate it 🙂
This really is a great date night or birthday dinner too. Thanks for sharing
Thanks a lot! I really appreciate it!!
Fabulous idea!!! Everything looks great too 🙂
Thanks so much! It was good 🙂
Such a great idea for lots of occasions. Love the wine pairing idea!
Thanks so much! I appreciate it 🙂
This is a wonderful idea! You’re so creative
Thanks so much Michelle!
Amazing idea
Thanks so much Aldo
It looks delicious! Thank you.
Thank you very much! I really appreciate it!
Wow great menu! Thanks for sharing the wine pairings, what a great idea to do at home
Thanks so much! I appreciate it. It makes it seem more like a restaurant with the wine pairing 🙂
Everything looks so good. I’m addicted to eating blistered peppers. And I’ll definitely be trying some of those vegan options.
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Thanks so much! i’m also addicted to blistered peppers! They’re sooooo good 🙂 And thank you! Let me know what you think if you do. Have a wonderful day!
I remember when you did one for my birthday. It was awesome!
Thanks C! I’m so glad you liked it 🙂