Thanksgiving Plans

I just want to say this about our Thanksgiving. Our daughter who lives about three hours away, has always loved this holiday. She likes to cook and invite everyone who has no place to go. It was our tradition to go there with her. Last year she got her second diagnosis of cancer. She managed to cook the meal, but then we skipped Christmas and didn't have it until probably March. This year she is cooking again. We are very thankful that she is here and wants to do it. We never know who else will be there and really she doesn't either. She invites and the ones she invites, well they invite too. One year, there were waiters and waitresses from her favorite restaurant who had nowhere to go because their families were out of state. Also several men rode up on motorcycles that she didn't know. They had been invited by someone else. We welcomed them. When we lined up and held hands for my husband to pray over the meal, they removed their hats and kerchiefs from their heads. One man told us if he hadn't been asked to come be with us, he would be eating tv dinner in front of the television. Another said it was the first time he had spent Thanksgiving with a family in many years. I don't remember now the number he actually years, but I think it was 14. It was a special day. Daughter was glad they all showed up because there were no left overs to wonder what to do with. Time with our families is so precious. No, I don't have the perfect family. There is stress at times, just like with all families, but we can put it out of the way and be together and be thankful that we all still have each other. I feel it again this year. I am very much anticipating the day even though I may not know all the ones I might spend it with. Bring it on. I am ready. By the way, daughter is single, so it is really a sacrifice for her as she has no husband and children to cook for.

Originally Posted by blueyedgirl5946

I just want to say this about our Thanksgiving. Our daughter who lives about three hours away, has always loved this holiday. She likes to cook and invite everyone who has no place to go. It was our tradition to go there with her. Last year she got her second diagnosis of cancer. She managed to cook the meal, but then we skipped Christmas and didn't have it until probably March. This year she is cooking again. We are very thankful that she is here and wants to do it. We never know who else will be there and really she doesn't either. She invites and the ones she invites, well they invite too. One year, there were waiters and waitresses from her favorite restaurant who had nowhere to go because their families were out of state. Also several men rode up on motorcycles that she didn't know. They had been invited by someone else. We welcomed them. When we lined up and held hands for my husband to pray over the meal, they removed their hats and kerchiefs from their heads. One man told us if he hadn't been asked to come be with us, he would be eating tv dinner in front of the television. Another said it was the first time he had spent Thanksgiving with a family in many years. I don't remember now the number he actually years, but I think it was 14. It was a special day. Daughter was glad they all showed up because there were no left overs to wonder what to do with. Time with our families is so precious. No, I don't have the perfect family. There is stress at times, just like with all families, but we can put it out of the way and be together and be thankful that we all still have each other. I feel it again this year. I am very much anticipating the day even though I may not know all the ones I might spend it with. Bring it on. I am ready.

By the way, daughter is single, so it is really a sacrifice for her as she has no husband and children to cook for.

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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.

Originally Posted by Winchester

Mashed Potatoes (me...it's a make ahead recipe so I'm not rushing around at the last minute)

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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!

Originally Posted by blueyedgirl5946

I just want to say this about our Thanksgiving. Our daughter who lives about three hours away, has always loved this holiday. She likes to cook and invite everyone who has no place to go. It was our tradition to go there with her. Last year she got her second diagnosis of cancer. She managed to cook the meal, but then we skipped Christmas and didn't have it until probably March. This year she is cooking again. We are very thankful that she is here and wants to do it. We never know who else will be there and really she doesn't either. She invites and the ones she invites, well they invite too. One year, there were waiters and waitresses from her favorite restaurant who had nowhere to go because their families were out of state. Also several men rode up on motorcycles that she didn't know. They had been invited by someone else. We welcomed them. When we lined up and held hands for my husband to pray over the meal, they removed their hats and kerchiefs from their heads. One man told us if he hadn't been asked to come be with us, he would be eating tv dinner in front of the television. Another said it was the first time he had spent Thanksgiving with a family in many years. I don't remember now the number he actually years, but I think it was 14. It was a special day. Daughter was glad they all showed up because there were no left overs to wonder what to do with. Time with our families is so precious. No, I don't have the perfect family. There is stress at times, just like with all families, but we can put it out of the way and be together and be thankful that we all still have each other. I feel it again this year. I am very much anticipating the day even though I may not know all the ones I might spend it with. Bring it on. I am ready.

By the way, daughter is single, so it is really a sacrifice for her as she has no husband and children to cook for.

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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.

We are going over to my SIL's house first, then we are going over to my parents' house.

Originally Posted by blueyedgirl5946

I just want to say this about our Thanksgiving. Our daughter who lives about three hours away, has always loved this holiday. She likes to cook and invite everyone who has no place to go. It was our tradition to go there with her. Last year she got her second diagnosis of cancer. She managed to cook the meal, but then we skipped Christmas and didn't have it until probably March. This year she is cooking again. We are very thankful that she is here and wants to do it. We never know who else will be there and really she doesn't either. She invites and the ones she invites, well they invite too. One year, there were waiters and waitresses from her favorite restaurant who had nowhere to go because their families were out of state. Also several men rode up on motorcycles that she didn't know. They had been invited by someone else. We welcomed them. When we lined up and held hands for my husband to pray over the meal, they removed their hats and kerchiefs from their heads. One man told us if he hadn't been asked to come be with us, he would be eating tv dinner in front of the television. Another said it was the first time he had spent Thanksgiving with a family in many years. I don't remember now the number he actually years, but I think it was 14. It was a special day. Daughter was glad they all showed up because there were no left overs to wonder what to do with. Time with our families is so precious. No, I don't have the perfect family. There is stress at times, just like with all families, but we can put it out of the way and be together and be thankful that we all still have each other. I feel it again this year. I am very much anticipating the day even though I may not know all the ones I might spend it with. Bring it on. I am ready.

By the way, daughter is single, so it is really a sacrifice for her as she has no husband and children to cook for.

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That's wonderful. It makes me sad to think of all the people out there that have nobody to spend the holidays with. I would love to do something like this, but have no idea where I would start.

So many of us have lost loved ones recently or have loved ones who are ill. My deepest condolences to you. I lost my fiance' this June, he was 30 years old and my grandpa in July. Its been such a year. I'm ready for it to be over.

Since I was a little girl I always had two Thanksgiving meals at both grandparent's house. The past few years we have been eating at my dad's sister's house. There will be about 15-20 of us. So the tradition of eating at my maternal grandmother's house has come to an end since my grandpa has passed. It will be so bittersweet. My grandma is coming to join us at my aunt's house. I will probably bring a dessert.

I'm finalizing my Thanksgiving menu list! I'm cooking doubles of a few things since I plan to take some over to Jack's aunt's house for Thanksgiving lunch. After that, we're going to drive over to my sister Kimmy's place for Thanksgiving dinner later that day. My apartment is on the smaller end and since there's only enough seating (dining room & loveseat included) for 6 people and my family is huge, I'm cooking everything here then taking it over to my sister's house where she's hosting. (she's making a couple of things too, but I'm making most of it this year). I'm planning on spending the entire day tomorrow cooking/baking - my nephew Cooper is supposed to come over to help, so that should be fun! If anyone wants recipes, pm me! So far the menu will include :

-Turkey & gravy (I think I'm going to used an herbed recipe this year; it had really good reviews online!)

-Homemade Cornbread Stuffing - LOVE it; it's my sister Monica's recipe she FINALLY handed down to me! The only downside is I have to make several skillets of buttermilk cornbread & the turkey before i can make the stuffing....soooo worth it though!!

-Homemade Mac & Cheese (picture a more "grown up" version- Multiple White cheeses, fresh herbs, breadcrumbs,etc...)

-Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bread

-Sweet Tea

-Homemade mashed potatoes (They're definitely not diet-friendly, but I don't make them too often, so it's ok! Everyone raves over them at the holidays; I use yukon gold potatoes, whipping cream, butter, sour cream several cheeses, fresh herbs, and lemon zest/juice )

-My Aunt Sylvia's potato salad recipe

-Deviled Eggs

-Pumpkin Fluff Dip with Gingersnaps

-Salad with mandarian oranges, fresh cranberries, almond slivers, etc & dressing

-Yellow rice & sweet corn cassarole

-Blue Cranberry Sauce

- Glazed Pumpkin cookies -I'm not 100% sure if I'll have time to make these, but considering I'm looking up recipes, I'm sure I'll find one that I want to try!

It's a long list, but I'm cooking for two Thanksgivings and a lot of people, so hopefully everything will turn out ok! My nephew wants to go to cullinary school when he grows up, so I think he's excited about helping me cook!

We wanted to go to DH's parents house since this will mostly likely be his Dad's last Thanksgiving due to him dying from cancer. But I have to work Friday and we cannot afford it anyway. We need to rent a car to go.

We will have the meal here. A friend from church got us a 13lb turkey. We have invited a lady from our church since she does not have anywhere to go. Her daughter may come too.

We will be having:

Appetizers:

Cheese, crackers, and summer sausage
Peanut Butter and Celery (maybe)
Chex Mix

Meal:

Turkey
Stuffing
Instant Mashed potatoes
Gravy
Corn on the cob
candied yams
Rolls

Drinks:

Coffee
Iced Tea
Diet Soda

Dessert:

Pumpkin pie
Chocolate Cake

We're going to be having our Thanksgiving meal with Mom at the Nursing Home. Apparently they're having a Buffet style Thanksgiving.

Originally Posted by Catkiki

Chocolate Cake

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Uhhh chocolate cake sounds SOOO good right now! I would totally knock someone over the head for a piece of cake right about now!!

My SO and I are invited to his niece's place in Detroit for dinner. This will be my first US Thanksgiving and I'm really looking forward to it. After we pass the border I'll stop and pick up some flowers for her table. She told us not to bring anything but our appetites. Sounds lovely.

I've been off sick the last week but I have to work tomorrow. TPTB are forcing people in that have more 25 years of service in.

I'll be helping my parents prepare a meal as usual for Thanksgiving for the immediate family (and my sister's husband.)

We're planning:

Veggies and Dip (my sister's bringing this)

meal:
Ham (with brown sugar and pineapple/cloves glaze)
Turkey breast (bone-in)
Gravy
Stuffing (Stovetop because that's what everyone likes)
Cranberry sauce
Green bean casserole
Asparagus
Mashed Potatoes (my specialty!)
Sweet Potato casserole
Biscuits

dessert:
Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream
Peach or Apple Cobbler (I haven't decided yet)