Thanksgiving Plans

Usually it's at my house. I LOVE my wifes turkey!

She also make this thing with yams & a pecan curst which is similar to a pie, but it's not a pie. I really don't know what it is apart from being very good. It's her own invention.

We'll probably just have my mom & a couple of her family over (they also love the turkey)

I look forward to a day of not working, start drinkin' wine early & watching football.

This will be our father's last Thanksgiving....he is dying from emphysema. At this point, we don't know if he will even be here for Christmas. Hospice comes in to take care of him and we try to visit whenever we can. It's been difficult; I dearly love my father.

Anyway, my sister and I decided to have Thanksgiving dinner at my parents' house this year. We said that we would do all of the cooking, which means that we'll do the cooking at our own houses and then take everything to my parents. There will be 12 of us total and that's going to be difficult b/c my parents down-sized several years ago and now live in a cramped one-bedroom apartment. But we'll make do and it will be fine.

Our menu:

Turkey and Dressing (my sister)
Crock Pot Stuffing (me b/c the turkey won't hold enough stuffing to satisfy all 12 of us)
Baked Corn (my sister)
Mashed Potatoes (me...it's a make ahead recipe so I'm not rushing around at the last minute)
Gravy (my sister doesn't do gravy, so I'm making it with turkey wings on Wednesday night)
Asparagus with Leeks (me by request from mom)
Sweet Potato Casserole (me....not the mashed kind; this is something different that I tried last year and it was a hit, it's chunks of sweet potato with granola, maple syrup and dried cherries)
Relish Tray (my dad and I both just love pickles and such)
Confetti Coleslaw with Honey-Celery Seed Dressing (me)
Garlic Parmesan Rolls (me by request from my dad, so even though we're having stuffing, if my dad wants rolls, then he's getting rolls)
Cranberry Sauce (my mother who has somebody to help her make it)
Pumpkin Pies (my sister)
Chocolate Pecan Pie (me)
Sugared Pecans (I'm making them specifically for my mom, who asked me to...we'll just put them on the table with the desserts)
Assorted cookies (and I really have to get started on them!)

Thank goodness for crockpots and buffet servers!

Afterward, my sister and I will take some desserts to our aunt (my dad's sister) in the nursing home. I'm going to bake some extra cookies for the nursing home staff, too. Our aunt will have a nice Turkey Day dinner, but she loves pumpkin pie. And she just loves to eat cookies.

(My sister has promised to give me the turkey carcass, so I can make broth with it that weekend. Around here, it's akin to blasphemy to throw away a turkey carcass without using it to make broth first!)

I lost my father last year, too, wow so many of us losing our dads.

We already had Thanksgiving here in Canada, it's in early October. Since we are American/Canadian for a couple of years we tried to celebrate both, but I gave up making the huge turkey dinner while everyone else was in school and at work... it wasn't worth it. So, this year it will be just another day here in Canada.

This is the first year I am not going to be spending Thanksgiving with "my family". It is a tradition for us that we all get together at someone's house and have a big throw down with loads of food and all the distant relatives and friends that live in town come and we just eat until we want to die, watch football, do jigsaw puzzles together and play with all of the grand kids (my nieces and nephew). There is usually about 30-50 people there plus children, and enough food to feed about 100. This group includes my mother, father and my stepmother, my siblings in-laws, etc.

This year my husband and I are starting a new tradition. It is our first Thanksgiving together even though we dated for most of 3 years before getting married (long story). We are going to his father and step-mother's house for the weekend. Originally they were going to come to the big celebration with my family "back home" but that didn't work out. (Next Paragraph)

I am excited to be spending the holiday with my new extended family but am sad for the cause. My brother (whose house we usually hold the event at) has said some VERY hurtful things about myself and my sister, and we have decided our holiday would be better spent elsewhere. My sister just gave birth to a pre-mature little girl and doesn't want to host at her place. My new home with DH is 5 hours away from the rest of the crew, my sister doesn't want to drive so far with the baby, and my father has to work the day before and after Thanksgiving, so driving and staying here isn't an option. We have decided that next year we will try to host at our house when the situation may be different!

As for what I will be contributing... This year I am making three pies, two tried recipies and a new one. My father in law is diabetic so I am going to use "Whey Low" instead of sugar for everything in my pies (LOVE that stuff for baking!). I am making an apple pie, pumpkin pie and I am going to use a new recipe I found for a Pinto Bean Pecan Pie. My father in law's favorite pie is pecan, but until this recipe I hadn't figured out a way to replace the Karo syrup in the recipe I always used. I hope this turns out great, I will let everyone know! I am also making a cornbread dressing using my family recipe so that I won't miss out on my favorite thing. My husband has asked me to make my cream cheese and salsa balls appetizer since he really loves it, so I'll be doing that too. When we arrive at my in-laws I am going to help cook there also, not sure what all I will be making except I know I've been hooked into mashed potatoes and deviled eggs.

Yep I am blessed to be going to Russ' sisters house this year. She's a very good cook and I'll go and help her earlier. Just setting the table and stuff like that. I'll bring something over, probably a couple of bottles of white wine since we're having turkey. Later in the day we will go visit my sister and her family, it sounds like a nice day and I will have a clean kitchen and no aching back

I was just talking to my sister Kimmy about this earlier. We decided that we're going to do Thanksgiving at her house this year (and then I'll go with Jack to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family too at his mom's house later that day).

Unfortunately, part of my family is essentially pretending that the holidays just don't exist this year since our Nannie passed away recently. It's actually her birthday today My sister and I decided our Nannie would rather us spend the holidays lauging and celebrating rather than moping and pretending they don't exist, so we're just planning to make the best of things. Hopefully we can get the rest of my family (mom,aunt,cousins,other sisters) to follow suite and all come over to Kimmy's house that day! I think they will once we tell them they have no choice and we've already planned out everything!

I'm actually making out my recipe & grocery list at the moment and wow...it just keeps growing! (I'm doing most of the cooking). Hopefully everything will turn ok well; there's a lot of "new" recipes on my list this year!

Since my sister's husband died in 2009 we have started a new tradition of going out to eat and then to a movie on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Our neighbor invited over to his family's out of town gathering, but DH and I really love all the leftovers from Thanksgiving. We'll probably make our usual 16 pound bird for the 2 adults, 3 dogs and 8 cats in the family. We'll call DH's family who lives far away. They do get together on that day and we talk with them for a couple of hours. My family is dispersed across 5 states and both of my parents are gone so we don't congregate very often.

It's funny. Even though I don't feed people food to our critters, they know when mom is cooking turkey, cause that is the only meal of the year where they get a plate when we are finished eating. They all start to salivate about the time when the turkey aroma starts to permeate through the house.

I'll make the turkey with bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie for desert.

I guess we're doing Thanksgiving with my BFF from high school, who lives 3 hours away from us. At her house.

No I really don't want to drive there. I kind of want to do it here. But she doesn't want to drive- I think she doesn't want to leave her kitties at home. Can't help with the cats- but I really don't care if the Chiauaua (sp) comes here. It's smaller than Sneaky Pie And Sneaky Pie is afraid of it

I'll probably make a turkey sometime anyhow. The deals for it are just incredible, and I can get a couple of meals out of it.

We cooked a turkey for Thanksgiving last year, and we all commented on how sad it was that there was no black cat asking for a handout. Mistoflees LOVED turkey- when he was younger, one year he tried to jump the counter to get it.

But now we have Holly, and she loves chicken. And turkey. In some ways she's just like the cat we lost- she's all black, has yellow eyes and is almost as big as he was. But in some ways she is an entirely different animal. The way she follows Sneaky Pie EVERYWHERE. How mischevious she is.

Cheryl

We don't have thanksgiving here

I'd love to experience it though

I hadn't thought about it, actually. We haven't done much for Thanksgiving the past few years since Gary's heath issues became so debilitating. But I do love the tastes and smells! The oven in the RV fits a 12 pound turkey. Gary makes FABULOUS turkey and stuffing... I know how to do the stuffing, and I can do smashed potatoes (we like our mashed potatoes lumpy LOL). He'd have to do the gravy. He can't stand pumpkin pie, but I could buy a small one...

At the very least, we could be thankful for the good food!

We are doing Thanksgiiving resort style.

The resort restaurant will be open for park residents and guests only and my boss is providing deep fried turkeys, mashed potatoes and gravy, while the rest is potluck.
Then Friday after is my rehersal and Saturday my wedding.

Our plans are to have Thanksgiving at our house and invite another couple over, which we've done twice before since I moved to CA 3.5 years ago. We might have our other friend (Genever's 'Uncle') Scott over too. Last year I was flying home from England on Thanksgiving day, so I will make up for missing it! None of us has family out here, so it works out well to get together.

I'll make a Tofurky (i dont do the meat thing), and some sides, BF will probably make mashed potatoes, and our friends will bring over some actual turkey, I think they usually get a big turkey breast. Not sure about dessert yet, we're going to talk about it tomorrow night. And I'm sure there will be lots of good beers from the beer 'cellar' being shared as well.

I like that it's just a few of us, no stress (usually), just a nice big meal with good friends.

I can honestly say that Thanksgiving is still up in the air for me. Im leaving the decision up to BF and he doesnt want to say no to his dad cuz he doesnt want to offend anyone but he doesnt want to go because he knows that Im still mad at the whole situation...**I can hold a grudge like no other** Im at the point where Im still mad and livid at the people involved and I still dont wanna go because who in their right mind wants brussel sprouts for Thanksgiving...(his step mother makes the dumbest healthiest crap for Thanksgiving....one year she made lasagna in a slow cooker WTH?!?!)

Geez Im such a miserable beep....Aside from participating in SS this year I seriously am not looking forward whatsoever to any holidays this year!!!! Can I just stay home and eat pizza!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will be working, thats it and spending time with the cats

I will be having it at my house. Since my in-laws live behind us, it's easy for them to come over. I have a bigger kitchen and dining room, so it'll be logical to just cook most of the food at our house.

My parents, as usual, decline to come down from Charlotte

blueyedgirl5946........thank you for your kind words about Dad. He's a special person in my life and has always been there for me. I'm trying to be there for him, but I'm having a very difficult time dealing with everything.

The reason I'm taking cookies to my aunt's nursing home staff is because they have to work on the holiday; they have no choice. And they do a good job taking care of their patients. That's a way that I can let them know that I appreciate what they do. About once a month or so I take something to them; sometimes it's a cake, sometimes it's cookies or cupcakes. One of the ladies who's there when I come in always gives me a big hug and thanks me for taking such good care of them. It makes me feel good and I know they enjoy the treats.

I'll post the recipes when I get home from work tonight for you. Both the sweet potato casserole and the confetti coleslaw recipes are very good and the coleslaw recipe has been in my family for years and years.

And thank you again.

Your daughter is an amazing woman! And you're right....time with our families is the greatest gift of all. We don't have the perfect family either; I don't know anybody who does. We just do what we can. I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

to all of you. It's been almost 2-1/2 years since my father died and I still struggle.

If you don't mind, could you share this recipe?


My family will be coming here for Thanksgiving. I always go way overboard and send everyone home with leftovers. After the meal many of us play cards until after midnight, so all the food ends up coming out again for another meal.

What we are having:

Appetizers

taco dip - my niece
cheese & crackers
sausage wontons
chips and various dips
chicken bacon ranch calzone and a ham, pepperoni and cheese calzone - ordered from a local bakery

Main meal

turkey
ham
french canadian meat stuffing
portuguese chourico stuffing
macaroni and cheese
potato casserole (already made and in the freezer)
mashed potatoes
vegetable (my sil)
cranberry sauce
rolls

desserts

chocolate chip cookies - already made and in freezer
snowball cookies - already made and in freezer
pumpkin cream roll - already made and in freezer
chocolate cupcakes with whipped cream filling - my mother
a chocolate dessert - my sil
chocolate candy bark

A couple of you had asked me about posting some of the recipes I'm making for Thanksgiving this year. Here they are. Please feel free to add your special holiday recipes, too.
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Party Potatoes

Think of these as mashed potatoes without the last-minute fussing. The swirled, peaked surface gives the potatoes an elegant look -- but not so elegant that you can't still put gravy on top. I make this because I refuse to be worrying at the last minute about mashing potatoes or making gravy.

Adapted from One Potato, Two Potato - Roy Finamore 2001

MAKE AHEAD: They can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored, tightly covered in plastic wrap and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature and finish in the oven while the roast turkey is waiting to be carved.

3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-1/2 inch chunks
9 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup low-fat sour cream, at room temperature
2/3 cup 2 percent milk, warmed
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Sweet paprika

Place the potatoes in a large saucepan with enough cold, salted water to cover them by at least an inch. Bring to a boil on high heat, then reduce to medium, partially cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Set over medium heat for a minute or two, shaking or stirring so the potatoes don't stick, until they are floury and have made a film on the bottom of the pot.

Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer on low speed, break up the pieces. Cut 6 tablespoons of the butter into 1/2-inch pieces and add to the potatoes, beating until the butter is absorbed. Add the cream cheese and sour cream, beating well after each addition. Add a little of the warmed milk at a time (it may not all be needed), beating until the potatoes are light and fluffy. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the butter. Spoon the potatoes into the dish and smooth the top. With a spatula or fork tines, swirl or score the surface of the potatoes to leave little peaks that will brown up during baking.

Sprinkle paprika to taste on top of the potatoes. Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into small pieces and scatter them over the surface. Bake until the potatoes are heated through and the top is lightly golden, about 30 minutes. Serve hot. 12 servings

Per serving: 196 calories, 6 g protein, 21 g carbohydrates, 8 g fat, 27 mg cholesterol, 6 g saturated fat, 147 mg sodium, 2 g dietary fiber

Note: I don't think you need all the cream cheese and/or sour cream. I think it's too much. And I don't need all the milk. But they are good. I also sprinkle just a little reduced-fat grated Cheddar on top.

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Confetti Coleslaw with Honey-Celery Seed Dressing

4 c. shredded green cabbage
½ c. diced green pepper
½ c. diced red pepper
½ c. shredded carrot

Honey-Celery Seed Dressing:
3 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. paprika
¼ tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
¼ c. vinegar
1/8 tsp. dried onion
1 c. vegetable oil
1 tsp. celery seed

Combine cabbage, peppers, and carrots in glass bowl. Cover and refrigerate. In blender, combine honey, mustard, paprika, salt, lemon juice, vinegar, and onion. Slowly add oil, while blending, until thick. Stir in celery seed. Cover and store in refrigerator. Just before serving, spoon Dressing on coleslaw and toss until coated. Makes 8 servings.

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Sweet Potato Casserole

2-1/4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 3 large), peeled and cubed
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
TOPPING:
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped
1/2 cup granola

Place sweet potatoes in a Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain and place in a large bowl. Cool slightly. Stir in maple syrup and vanilla.

Transfer to an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Combine the pecans, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon; sprinkle over the top.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with apricots, cherries, and granola. Bake 5-7 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 160 degrees and the fruits are heated through. Yield: 8 servings.

Note: If I don't have granola on hand, I'll use Honey Bunches of Oats Just Bunches breakfast cereal. And since dried cherries can be very expensive, I use cherry-flavored Craisins.

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I got this recipe from a link to USA Today on my food board. I think it's a Cook's Illustrated recipe though. It's very easy to make ahead. I do double the recipe, so it takes a little longer to make. It's really good and what makes it so nice is the fact that you don't have to hassle with making gravy at the last minute. Like I said, I refuse to have last-minute hassles!

All-Purpose Gravy

3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 carrot, peeled and chopped fine
1 rib celery, chopped fine
1 onion, minced
1/4 cup flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. minced fresh thyme or 1/4 tsp. dried
5 whole black peppercorns
Salt and pepper, to taste

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and cook until softened and well browned, about 9 minutes, stirring constantly, until thoroughly browned, about 5 minutes.

Gradually whisk in the broths and bring to a boil. Add the bay leaf, thyme, and peppercorns, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 20 to 25 minutes, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface.

Pour the gravy through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean saucepan, pressing on the vegetables to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the vegetables. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Makes 2 cups.

Test Kitchen Tip: The color and flavor of this gravy come from cooking the vegetables and flour until they are well-browned. It may seem as thought they are turning too dark, but, trust us, it is a step necessary to producing richly flavorful and colored gravy.

My note: I'll brown those vegetables for a good 45 minutes or so, til they're really dark. I think it makes a better gravy.

To make ahead: The gravy can be refrigerated in an air-tight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat over low heat, stirring to recombine, or microwave, stirring often, until warm and smooth, 1-3 minutes. To thaw, place the gravy and 1 tablespoon of water in a saucepan over low heat and bring to a simmer slowly. The gravy may appear broken or curdled as it thaws, but a vigorous whisking will recombine it.

Thanks for sharing! Those Party Potatoes sounds yummy! BF does the mashed potatoes in our house, and I might make him at least look at the recipe and see if he might like to try that instead.. or if not for Thanksgiving, we could make it some other time.. MMMM!

I'm so glad she's well enough to want to do this again! And what a WONDERFUL way to celebrate Thanksgiving!

We decided what we're doing. We're going to make stew. We donated what we would have spent on Thanksgiving to the county food bank today.

Were going out to eat with my husbands family then having a traditional turkey dinner here at the house with my mom and aunt and possibly my cousin too.

Laurie what a wonderful thing to have done!

I am picking up our free turkey and just making it for husband and I and cats get leftovers(umm sounds better to husband then they share our turkey with their wet food(I do that so we don't have gorged cats sick:S
A good number of the cats and the dog this will be first thanksgiving,for dog first hes part of a family and gets to celebrate.

That and some cranberry sauce and instant potatoes(preferred in this house)

First kitty Thanksgiving - such a treat for all!

We might put our stew on instant stuffing.

We are doing Thanksgiving tomorrow since I have to work on the holiday.

I do get off at 2 and will be home by 3 but I just don't trust Aberdeen, Baylen and Meatlof to prepare the turkey.