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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The Thanksgiving Menu


I sat down today and went through my recipes and made
the big old To Do List for the week.
The Thanksgiving meal takes days to prepare and
only 15 minutes to eat. haha.  But then the leftovers
treat the cook to a few days of well deserved rest and yumminess. :)

I changed some things on our menu this year.
I'm excited to see how it all comes together.

Menu

Appetizers
A tray of cheese, crackers, sweet pickles
and THESE spicy pecans.


Dinner

Pear and Pomegranate Spinach Salad
Something cold and fresh with all that heaviness.  See HERE

Bone-in fresh, free range turkey breast
This works best for our small, white meat loving group.

Mashed Potatoes
Trying The Pioneer Woman's make ahead recipe.
Ree, don't let me down!  Have you made these?  See HERE.

Gravy
No recipe here...just pan drippings, turkey broth, and
corn starch to thicken it up.

Roasted Whole Carrots
I thought these looked lovely and autumnal.  See HERE.

Green Bean Casserole
A fresh twist on the old classic.
No canned soup or beans.  Everything is fresh.  See HERE.

Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing.
My own concoction.  I'll share sometime.

Susan Branch's Cranberry Sauce
The best and so easy.  See HERE.

Light and Fluffy Dinner Rolls.
I've posted these before.  Super fast and easy.  See HERE.


Desserts

Deep Dish Pecan Pie
my recipe which I'll share at some point
Assorted Shortbread Cookies
HERE and HERE
Apple Dumplings 
Pumpkin Bread


Beverages

Assorted Wines, Punch, Coffee
Hot Mulled Cider

***

The lovely Lauren is bringing the apple dumplings and
pumpkin bread.  She has a year of marriage and cooking
under her belt and I'm so happy she's bringing a few things!
Not only does it help me out (I got to scratch apple and 
pumpkin pies off my to do list!) but I just love to taste other 
people's cooking.  Always fun!

Tomorrow I make the annual drive to the turkey farm!
You can feel the festivity in the air when you get there!
And if the weather is nice, you can hear turkeys gobbling!
So fun.

Are you doing anything different this year?




70 comments:

  1. We are doing our traditional Thanksgiving. Having all the kids and grandkids to our house. So much fun! Your dinner sounds delicious. Enjoy!

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    Replies
    1. Looks like I'm the number one turkey today :-)

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    2. Oh, you will have so much fun! Such a lovely, festive dinner. :) I know it will be beautiful and delicious!

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  2. I am making the same 3 things I make every year to bring to nannys house. Our Thanksgiving is a little different. We do lasagna, gabanadina, potato croquettes, and a million other things plus a turkey haha.

    Your menu looks delicious!!!! I cant wait to see the pictures. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love how we all have the turkey, but the other stuff can be so different! Potato croquettes...yum!

      I have no idea what gabanadina is, but I want a plateful. ha.

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    2. Lol its yummy!!! Its eggplant and olives in a magical sauce. Very yummy!!

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  3. My son the "cook" has decided to bring his famous Corn Chowder.....Not sure how it will fit into the traditional menu....but who knows it may become a hit!! Your menu sounds lovely, and I know Lauren feels a real part doing some of the cooking.

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    Replies
    1. He may start a new tradition! I'm sure it's delicious..I love corn chowder. Nothing surprises me on a Thanksgiving menu....I know a family that has tacos because they don't like turkey!

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  4. We celebrated Thanksgiving in October but I sure wouldn't mind having that feast all over again..that is if someone else did the cooking:) Betsy, your meal will be delicious!

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    Replies
    1. I hope it will be! You never know when you try something different! haha. My oldest might die if the mashed potatoes aren't good! lol....

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  5. We won't be having leftovers this year, we're doing dinner at Bethany house, but I did by my own turkey so we can chew on the bones sometime between now and Christmas. Can't go without turkey sandwiches now, can we?

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    Replies
    1. No, that would just never do! That's my favorite part! Maybe Bethany will send a few leftovers home with you.

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  6. Reading over your menu just made my mouth water! It all sounds delicious! Of course, you should get the Mister to film you in the kitchen as you prepare all of this, with your commentary and obligatory smile..... Might just be another Ree in the making.

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    1. Oh Ree...she makes it look so easy, doesn't she? I hope her potatoes are good. I love the idea of not having to peel, boil and whip those things at the last minute...always makes me and the kitchen steamy hot. haha. She swears they are wonderful, so I'll have to report back after Thursday. At least I don't have to make enough to feed 40. lol.

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  7. Wow, you go all out indeed
    But that I knew at your feed
    Even some things I could eat
    That surely can be beat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Then come on down
      to our town
      We'd love to have you
      with the rest of the crew.
      Dust off that passport
      and run to the airport.
      I'll send home a bag for Orlin and Cass
      so they don't give me any sass.
      ha.

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    2. haha trip there would cost a ton
      But sure it would be fun

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    3. Have Orlin and his nanites
      hover you here in the daylight.
      lol....

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  8. Your menu sounds delightful. I sure don't know where you get all your energy.
    I bought the turkey and son is roasting it at their house.
    I'm making stuffing and scalloped potatoes.
    The rest of the family and some close friends are brings all the other goodies.
    I'm sure it's going to be delicious and traditional.
    I love this time of year and can't wait to eat that dinner in "15 minutes".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yours sounds wonderful...and how nice to have lots of cooks to join in!
      Stuffing and scalloped potatoes...I would be happy with just those two things on my plate! haha.
      Well, maybe pie, too. :)

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  9. I think I just might invite myself for dinner at your house!

    I've never actually made a Thanksgiving dinner, or even cooked a turkey. I wouldn't even know where to begin!

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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    Replies
    1. Well, Ms Sprinkles, you know I'd love to have you come for Thanksgiving dinner! The more the merrier, I always say!

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  10. What time?
    My knife and fork are packed....I'll pick up Martha!
    Sounds perfect Betsy.....good luck!
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    Replies
    1. Wouldn't that be fun! Please come...and bring Martha! I'll set a couple more places...Lauren and I would welcome a few more ladies around the table!

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    2. And....we can help with the cooking!
      I would also love that.....neither of my daughters have cooked a turkey!
      They all love to come here.....and MOM does it!
      Perhaps one day.....Lauren and Taylor will prepare the feast....
      Have a great dinner!
      Martha.........get baking......we are going to Betsy's!

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    3. You know I'd love that...bring pie! Bring greek salad! ha. :)

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    4. Hey Linda! Pick me up too! *packing my knife and fork too* I am a great sous-chef. So I've been told :-)

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    5. yay! Now we have a party! And somebody pick up Pat....he can ride in the trunk...he's trying to avoid the air fare. haha.

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    6. I don't cook or bake too much... but I make a mean mandarin orange cheesecake!

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    7. Yum...never met a cheesecake I didn't like!

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    8. I'm coming too ~ looks fabulous . . . . :)

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    9. You just want Suzie's cheesecake, don't you! ha.

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    10. Bring Keith with you....it wouldn't be right without him! And he can cook!

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    11. lol . . . . oh dear am that transparent? . . . rofl
      ok I'll bring Keith and some chairs . . . . plus my knife and folk plus my Fred Flintstone mug . . . lol
      Just imagine all your friends and admirers there ~ wouldn't that be fun . . . can I sit next to you? . . . :)

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  11. O.M.G! YOU, my dear, are a cook!
    I'm taking my husband and 3 daughters to my parents' home that is only an hour and a half away. It's been our usual for a few years since my husband's parents passed away. One time, we cooked... or I should say, my husband. I wasn't born with the cooking gene; however, I do believe I will try those spiced pecans. I was so busy over at the other sight reading all the comments that I almost forgot to come back here.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Betsy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, I do love to cook! ...and eat, too. haha. The spiced pecans are wonderful! I made them last year and ate the whole batch and had to make them over again! haha. :)

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  12. I am drooling. This looks sooooooooo good! I am going to check out some of those links. The spiced pecans sound intriguing and I love a tasty green bean casserole. And cornbread sausage stuffing? Yum. I think I will have to celebrate American Thanksgiving too. Wouldn't want you to be lonely!
    I was ill over Thanksgiving, but had I not been I was to attend a Thanksgiving BBQ where we were having lots of appetisers, steak, corn-on-the-cob, mashed potatoes with a little chunk to them, Caesar salad, and a selection of mini-cakes and ice cream for dessert. Not a "traditional" meal, but fun and delicious.




    ReplyDelete
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    1. The spiced pecans are so good! They would make a nice gift, too.
      Yes, you were sick on thanksgiving up there...so glad you had that fun bbq before!

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    2. The fun BBQ was Thanksgiving Sunday and that is when I was ill, so no BBQ for Suzy... but the others enjoyed it immensely. Maybe I can ask for a raincheck!

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  13. I'm making Ree's mashed potatoes too. They are the best and it's the only way I make them anymore. They work well when made ahead, but also taste good to eat right after you make them.
    Your feast looks wonderful!

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    Replies
    1. Yay...I'm so glad to hear someone has tried them! I'm so excited about not having to mess with them on Thursday!

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  14. Lovely menu ideas for the thanksgiving

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jay....it's always fun to pick out the menu! I'm excited to try the new additions!

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  15. Am I doing anything different this year? Yes. I am coming uninvited to Cedarville. I'll bring a sweet potato casserole for 100. I think you might have a few others show up when you put a delicious menu in a blog post. 4:00?

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    1. Don't be silly! You ARE invited! haha. Sweet potato casserole...perfect! Yummy! Think I better pull out another table? ha. Good thing I have all those extra dishes from the auctions. :)

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  16. Looks like you are going to spoil your family again.

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    1. It is fun to do! :) I just wish they were bigger! Some day...maybe we'll have a dozen grandkids and I'll wish for a quiet, smaller group. lol....

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  17. Hi Betsy - I'm so glad everything you cook is fresh, and home-made .. and you use the pan juices for the gravy ... it's such a joy to read and think about the tasting thereof ... and yes I agree with Anita .. I'll be there too!!

    Enjoy going to the turkey farm today ... I'll be over for the brown meat! Cheers and happy preparations ... seems like you're getting organised ... and wonderful Lauren's sharing the time with you ... Hilary

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Oh, I do love fresh and homemade...I mean, if you're going to go to all the trouble, it should taste it's very best, right? Please come...hop on a jet today and you can help set the table. :)

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  18. I hope that you have fun cooking and preparing!! xx

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    1. Thanks, Amy! Should be fun...but Friday is really the fun day. ha.

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  19. Gosh Betsy . . . that looks fit for Kings and Queens ~ what number are you at? . . . lol
    What a feast ~ lucky people . . . :)

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    1. I think the Anitas tipped it to 100. Can you bring extra chairs? ha.

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  20. Sorry, I can't join you this year. I have no transport, the chain on my bicycle has come off, so I'll have to stay at home and have my usual Fish, Chips and Mushy peas.

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    Replies
    1. Put up a smoke signal and Hilary and Ed will stop by and pick you up. :) You do know how to make a smoke signal, don't you?

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    2. Sure, Pink Cloud, you get a nice big smoky bonfire going (preferably outdoors) and hold a blanket over it and send 3 short puffs, 3 long puffs, and 3 shirt puffs (SOS). Right?

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    3. "3 SHIRT puffs"? My automatic smell checker cut in then. Sorry, can't tune if off!

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    4. After you finish your meal, you'll need a puffy shirt. haha.

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  21. Sounds delicious - and how lovely that Lauren will contribute a share. One day, maybe, you'll get to contribute just a share at their house. I'm getting closer to that with our family Christmas meal, if the young ones move north again next year.

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    1. The stages of life...love that...yes, some day we'll be taking a dish and visiting them, I'm sure. ha.

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  22. Wow, talk about knocking yourself out...!

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  23. That is quite the menu you are going for! It sounds delicious- But I didn't see anything for the cats! Or do they get to lick the turkey pan when all is said and done? ;)

    We are going up to Seattle to enjoy Thanksgiving with the Husband's side of the family. Each family brings a side dish to lighten her load, too. My sister-in-law has been doing the whole shin-dig for the last 15 years. It started out as just her, her husband, my in-laws and us with our one-month-old son, and now it's grown to her and her husband, their daughter, us with our two sons, her parents, her husband's parents, her brother-in-law's family (they have 5 children) and usually an extra friend without family in the area. We are elbow to elbow and the kids have long outgrown the little breakfast nook table they are settled out- but that just makes it all the more fun!

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    1. Oh, that sounds fun. I really can't wait for the family to grow big like that so we're busting at the walls. Can't wait for several generations to gather like that. I miss it! (long sad story) I know you'll have fun. What are you bringing as your dish?

      I'm sure the cats will be around at the end when I'm picking meat off the bones. ha.

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    2. Our family always brings the fruit salad- a tradition from my mother's side of the family: apples, grapes, bananas, maraschino cherries, and mini marshmallows are mixed together in cinnamon whip cream- in fact, no one on the Husband's side ever had fruit salad at Thanksgiving growing up and now it's become a mainstay for them, too!- love that :) I think that's the fun part that as the family grows, new dishes are introduced and become indispensable. I'm sorry to hear that you no longer have the generational gathering :(
      Hopefully there's some grand babies in your future to help out on that end!

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  24. wow. it all sounds quite delicious...esp that salad...
    we are doing a non traditional thanksgiving meal...still not sure what we are having
    but i will be helping in the kitchen...smiles.

    hope you and yours have a wonderful thanksgiving...

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  25. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Looks like you will eat well and have great company. Enjoy! Taria

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