Food, Children and the Holidays

   It’s half-past Thanksgiving.  Let’s evaluate and review how things went.  The cooperation and comraderie   of people involved was super.   A+. 

   The food was hot when it was supposed to be, cold when it was supposed to be; (no mean trick).  It was traditional with a touch of nutritional. (Three relish plates).  

   There were naps after dinner, as was expected.

   There was shopping with bargains after 6 P.M.

   I suppose there was football, can’t say for sure.

   There was a call for Tums.

   There was plenty of turkey; left-overs for sandwiches and soup.

   Each one here had his  favorite food. Mine was definitely  cranberry salad. The tartness goes with the heavy foods.  We have it only on Thanksgiving. 

   The hot wassail was good before dinner, with dinner and after.  

   Somebody brought a peanut butter pie that was unexpected and delicious.

   Mark’s noodles, a staple at family dinners, were done just right.  

Food got an A-.

   Although we did a lot of advance preparation, we could have done more.

Pumpkin and pecan pies were baked the day before.  Dinner rolls were baked, frozen 3 days before.  The sweet potato casserole could have had more advanced prep; as could the dressing.  I shouldn’t have waited until the last minute to put the wassail together.  

   Being with the babies was worth all the work.  One year old Vivie pretending to be a dog, crawling along the floor, making noises was precious.  The picture of my 6 great-grandchildren (plus one momma who snuck in) was memorable.  Each one special.  

   I’ll share some of my favorite recipes.

   We changed the original Turkey Chowder Recipe. Just make it simple.  When you have gotten as much meat off the carcass as possible, put the bones in a pot of boiling water and simmer for hours. Then throw the bones away and you will be left with turkey stock plus a little meat.  To this add chopped vegies (saute them first, if you are a purist) .   Add some rice,  Old Bay seasoning or herbs, and when it seems about right, add a can of celery soup. You may want to chop some of the turkey meat and add to the soup. A nice big pot full .

                                                Wassail

3 quarts of orange juice

1 quart cranberry juice

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

3 sticks of cinnamon

12 whole cloves

Simmer for an hour (or less if you’re in a hurry)

It would be nice if you tied the cloves in a cheesecloth bag.  

                                 Cranberry Salad

1 pound fresh cranberries, frozen, then finely chopped

2 cups sugar

1 ½ cups boiling water

1 6 oz. pkg. cherry Jello

1 cup finely diced celery

1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)

1 cup chopped nuts

Bring sugar and water to boil.  Dissolve Jello in water.

Add other ingredients and refrigerate,  stirring occasionally to keep well blended.  

   Next, it will be cookies for Christmas   I   

  

Thanksgiving, Family and More

      Most of us don’t give thanks just in November.  But we give it more thought then, knowing things slip by without proper acknowledgement. 
   For instance, now I remember to give thanks for books.  Oxford Lane Library has become my third best friend.  I request a book and pick it up a few days later at the drive-thru.  My own bookshelf is full of treasures I can look at again and again.  Some years ago a friend gave me a copy of “Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions”, by Sarah Ban Breathnach.  Nostalgia plus lovely old pictures such as the one just below. 

   Of course, thanks for family is uppermost. The telephone calls on Sunday evening keep me connected with the girls and family in the south.  How long the day would be without them.  I just have one foot in the technology world, I don’t text or skype, so the old fashioned telephone is still important.
   I learn that prayers for my nephew’s daughter are being answered; her lung transplant operation is going well.  My daughter’s share  stories of their activities and where to find chicken noodle soup in restaurants in Indianapolis.  In case I have a cold and happen to be there. I’m thankful those places exist.
   I’m thankful for new recipes, for me they are fun.  They must call for cream and chocolate to get a second look, as the one below did.  It could have been better.  Next time I will adjust the ingredients a bit.  You know, a little more cream, a little more chocolate.

Peanut butter Pie with Chocolate

   Thanks to for flowers.  Each season has something special. In autumn I bring in a geranium and slips from begonias for the bay window.  Soon it will be time for poinsettias and amaryllis.  Who can resist their charm?

   I would be remiss if I didn’t give thanks for friends, especially blog friends.  What joy it is to share.
   May each of you have many things to be thankful for.