hey guys---what's everyone doing for thanksgiving---you know me, i have been writing my list since a month ago at least---but----
i was wondering what you all make for the big day-----i always want to try at least one new dish each year--just to keep it interesting and fresh---
but the problem is--i always end up having all the traditional stuff too----and sometimes it is all just way too much work---
if i do my shopping, maybe in two trips or better yet, let frank do some of it---i will tend to be more sane---you know the grocery thing---
i have been watching the cooking shows, but have been disappointed that they aren't really doing all that much holiday recipes yet---what are they waiting for--i mean it is pretty early this year----
i also am planning to have my oldest son's birthday dinner---which is always stressful---because poor thing has such a limited time off, it's just hard for us all to get together---i think or i should say, i hope he still likes for me to do it, as i do a dinner for all of the big kids birthdays-----
oh btw---my son i was talking about(dustin--"robhye"--his stage name which has become his everyday name which i can't get used to----you should hear his brother colin pronounce it haha--i digress) is an extra in the lincoln movie---the extras have a special showing for them tonight, i tried to get my son to go--but he couldn't get off :(-----he says he will probably see it when it comes to video----
so any suggestions on the not so usual dishes for thanksgiving--i would love to hear them or any special little traditions you do----thanks for sharing :)
hey--sorry, i didn't mean to ignore my friends who don't celebrate thanksgiving--please share your best ideas too!!:)
Ha! We don't have Thanksgiving...so can't help. I've got a dinner party this weekend though and was thinking of doing something nice and warming like beef bourgignon (can't spell it, sorry) and a caramel apple pie. Can't go wrong with the old-fashioned favorites.
ReplyDeletei keep thinking i am going to try that beef dish haha i won't even try spelling it----and that pie sounds awesome---thanks susan!!
DeleteWe do both Canadian and American Thanksgivings. We are pretty traditional folk, sticking to the old favorites...turkey, stuffing, sweet potato souffle, regular potato's, however for dessert we have butter tarts and skip the pie thing.
ReplyDeleteI am sure whatever you make will be amazing. Your family is so lucky to have such a dedicated mom at the helm!!
awwww thanks--that's sweet of you to say---and butter tarts--i am not familiar with them?
DeleteA couple of years ago, my husband made a green chile turkey casserole with green and red tortilla strips baked in for texture -- just a little riff on the stuffed bird. It was delish!
ReplyDeletemmmm sounds awesome---and i am all about a casserole---i love to make them and one pot dishes--thanks suze :)
DeleteThat's interesting that your son is getting work as an extra. My oldest daughter does extra work in Vancouver, and has the occasional doubling or stand-in role. She's been acting for about ten years.
ReplyDeleteAs for Thanksgiving (I celebrate in October in Canada, but my family in Georgia celebrates the US version):
This year I tried balsamic roast vegetables as something new (I get tired of the same-old same-old too) You use beets, brussell sprouts, yams-the orange ones, small white potatoes, carrots, small onions-optional. Be sure they are cut in a similar size for even cooking. Toss with herbs, olive oil and several dashes of balsamic vinegar. Bake at 350 for about an hour or so, tossing gently at the midpoint. It went over very well. We also don't stuff the turkey, but put lots of herbs in the cavity from our herb garden. Makes the turkey and the house smell great.
Hope you have a great Thanksgiving.
that's cool about your daughter--my son doesn't get to do much acting these days but the linclon movie being filmed in our city, gave him that great opportunity--now to see if i can spot him in the movie :)----so funny you should offer this amazing recipe--i just roasted some frozen vegetables the other night and was thinking about roasting some root vegetables for thanksgiving---your mixture sounds perfect!!! thanks d.g.:)
DeleteI am trying a new approach to the turkey. Slathering the bird with mayonnaise. Recipe on CooksCountry.com "Super moist roast turkey." Thomas Keller from The French Laundry restaurant in Northern California had something similar with turkey breast, and it was tender! I think it is a southern recipe. Love DG Hudson's idea too.
ReplyDeletei think this sounds really good---mayo makes almost everything better---hey thanks so much--this is really fun :)
DeleteWe just started frying our turkey a few years ago to change it up, and we haven't turned back since. We inject it with butter, slather it with more butter, salt, pepper and paprika, then fry that baby up. Oh my, the skin is crispy and the meat is so juicy good.
ReplyDeleteIf you aren't for really making the turkey that unhealthy, why not just put a new spin on an old favorite? Add an extra ingredient to your potatoes (cheese or bacon maybe?) or your green beans. Maybe find a new dinner roll recipes. I know how stressful the holiday meal planning can be, but don't wear yourself down trying to create a new menu. Just a little change can make all the difference.
And how awesome is that, that your son was an extra in Lincoln. I am really looking forward to that movie!
you are so right theresa!!! i do tend to wear myself out and stress way too much--although i am getting better at relaxing a little-----thanks, yeah i can't wait to see if he is in it and not on the cutting floor :)
DeleteWe don't have any plans yet...
ReplyDeleteawww really---i hope you end up with the best thanksgiving ever, marie!!:)
DeleteHi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteThe traditional turkey is always delicious and makes such a grand meal. That is fun that your Son is an extra in the Lincoln movie.
Enjoy your thanksgiving
hugs
Carolyn
yeah we are so proud and excited, thanks carolyn :)
DeleteI make pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. Everybody loves those! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeletemmmm yeah--i love those---i can't believe i haven't made any of those (or robyn really haha) this year--thanks for the reminder sherry!!
DeleteI have made a pumpkin cheesecake for the past few years. I don't have the recipe with me now, so I can't share it with you, but I'm sure you could find a good one on-line. Last year I forgot to put the sugar in. I wouldn't suggest this. It wasn't as good. ; )
ReplyDeletemmmmm i adore cheesecake and pumpkin---gotta try this and thanks, i will look out for that sugar part--thanks joy :)
DeleteJust the four of us this year, but numbers don't matter...we have to have all the many sides whether we're four or fourteen : ) This year my oldest is making French Onion soup as a starter because she recently took a cooking class on soups and said the recipe is delish.
ReplyDeleteBesides that we'll have turkey, corrnbread stuffing (homemade), brussel sprouts with pancetta, corn pudding, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoe casserole, cranberries, squash casserole and then fruit salad, pumpkin pie and apple pie for dessert. Now I'm hungry!
mmmm sounds so great---esp. that squash casserole--you know (now don't laugh) i just had frozen breaded zucchini slices tonight and i was thinking they would be a great starter to a casserole---i know what you mean--it's usually not more than 8-10 at my house--my oldest son and his family always like to do their own----but you are right, you still end up having to do all of the favs anyway---i'm hungry now too!! thanks joyce :)
DeleteYum...I read over everyone's ideas and suggestions...look out kitchen, here I come! (my kitchen is generally weary of me)
ReplyDeleteI think DG's roasted veggies are doable (so long as I don't cut of one of my sketching fingers, hehehehe) so keep your fingers crossed for me!
Whatever you decide to cook...I wished I were on the guest list 'cause it sound like it's going to be one awesome dinner.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jenny
hey come on over--we would love to have you!! yep i know, the cutting part is a hard one for me too--thanks jenny :)
DeleteSomething I added to our menu a few years ago is roasted brussels sprouts. Similar to the above recipe with root vegetables, but I just use brussels sprouts and sliced leeks. Drizzle with olive oil, add salt and pepper, and pop into the oven at about 425 till tender-crisp. When they come out, drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Delish! Hope you have a lovely holiday!
ReplyDeletei know, i love love love brussel sprouts---do you ever use the frozen ones---i think they may be one of those vegetables that aren't very good frozen---let me know---thanks dawn :)
DeleteI have a wonderful butternut squash recipe. My kids like it so much that I make it all year round, and the best part is that it's easy. Let me know if you would like the recipe Lynn! Congrats on your son being in the Lincoln movie! We'll probably see it over Thanksgiving. Julie
ReplyDeleteoh yes i would love to have your recipe--i just love any kind of squash----yeah, i hope to see the movie soon too! thanks julie :)
DeleteI didn't see your email address, so I hope you don't mind that I'm posting it here.
Delete1 package frozen squash ( drain)
1 1/2 cups coffee rich
3 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 stick melted butter
-mix flour w/ eggs until smooth no lumps
-grease pan and whisk all ingredients together until well blended
- bake at 350 for 1 hour
( check sides to make sure they're solid and cooked)
-serves 4-5 people
-to serve more just add another frozen squash without increasing anything else
oh thanks so much julie---this sounds really good!!:)
DeleteI love my mom's twice baked potatoes - they're so yummy. I gotta say though, I enjoy the traditional thanksgiving meal - turkey, potatoes, green bean casserole, etc. It gets you full real quick. And not to forget, I love, love pumpkin pie. That what makes thanksgiving - the dessert! :)
ReplyDeletemmmm those potatoes sound good!! oh yeah ya gotta have all the basics!! thanks livia :)
DeleteTwo items that have become traditions in my family are Pretzel Salad and Garlic Cheese Grits!
ReplyDeleteso funny you should mention grits--i was thinking of them--love love love them and i don't know the pretzel salad--could you share---thanks ms. a :)
DeleteFunny you should mention Thanksgiving. We looked around this year and all said "Let's have ham!" Far more satisfying leftovers1
ReplyDeleteoh yeah i love ham too--i would miss the turkey though! thanks joanne :)
DeleteMy children count on the traditional. Candied sweet potatoes, baked corn, monkey bread, stuffing, pumpkin and apple pie, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy and pounds and pounds of turkey. Left over cold turkey sandwiches while watching football and they're all happy as clams in tidewater.
ReplyDeletemmmm loving this----that monkey bread sounds really good---but we can't make monkey bread around frank--haha long kinda funny story, maybe i will blog about it one of these days ---love those sandwiches better than anything susan!:)
DeleteI like watching cooking shows. Which ones do you watch?
ReplyDeleteI haven't given Thanksgiving too much thought yet. But since the weather will most likely be cold, I'd like to have some good soup that day.
oh yeah----soup--one of my all time favorite foods!!--i just recently made pumpkin soup--we really liked it!---i watch "the barefoot contessa"---"semi homemade"---"paula deen"----and a couple more that i don't recall the names haha--which ones do you like cynthia :)
DeleteHow fun with your son being an extra in that movie. I saw previews for it; it sounds like a movie I would like to see (but like your son, I'm sure I'll see it on video)
ReplyDeleteI'm working on Thanksgiving and then Friday night we're going to my brother's to celebrate it since my niece on Thanksgiving puts on a meal at their church for the homeless/hungry so my brother/wife watch her kids and she and hubby and a whole bunch of volunteers put on the dinner, then the next night they celebrate Thanksgiving. So I'm not sure actually what they are going to have so that I can bring a side dish that goes along with it. Last year I brought a pasta salad and it was a big hit.
betty
yeah haha betty i hope to see it at the theaters!----what a nice thanksgiving tradition your family has!!! and pasta salad sounds great--what does yours have in it??
DeleteNothing un-traditional about our Thanksgiving meal! My mom and sister take turns hosting/cooking the turkey, while my other sister and I help fill in the meal with side dishes. I always bring a jello dish. I don't personally like jello all that much, but my husband loves it, as do all 5 of my little nephews. It's not Thanksgiving for us if jello isn't served!
ReplyDeleteyou are so right--and i hate to admit it that i have omitted the jello for too long---it's back this year--how about sending me your jello dish recipe--thanks michelle :)
DeleteI love watching Paula Dean and once tried the Turducken thing. What a mess we had too! :) Great posting, and OMGosh I can't even believe that only two more weeks until we stuff ourselves into a coma. :)
ReplyDeletei know--it's very early this year huh!! yeah i saw that turducken thing, no way i would attempt that one!! thanks so much :)
DeleteWe don't celebrate thanks giving over here. But used to love it when I lived over there.
ReplyDeleteWww.thoughtsofpaps.com
you can still share some of your favs :)
DeleteWe don't do anything original for Thanksgiving. What's new for us is that we're staying home this year due to our tight finances and we're going to attempt to make a turkey ourselves. It should be interesting! :)
ReplyDeleteoh that is cool---this will be something you will always remember--your first turkey at your house--let me know how it goes christine:)
DeleteI go to Allrecipes.com when I want something different. Like you, I want to do something different for T-giving.
ReplyDeletehaha me too--i am always looking up recipes---robyn will have to tell me "mom get off of there, you are stressing way too much" haha---thanks susan :)
DeleteLynn, I've got nothing original to add, but I enjoyed reading the ideas above. I just found out a couple days ago that I'm hosting this year...somehow the idea of deep-frying the turkey is sounding really brilliant to me. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who isn't quite sure what to do with my dinner!
ReplyDeleteoh cool---are you having a large group---wow---i could never have the guts to try the deep-frying thing, but i hear people say, if you do it you will love it so much, you will never roast one again---let me know who your dinner goes meredith :)
DeleteI just love all the regular Thanksgiving foods, so I stick with that. Last yr I made INSTANT mashed potatoes with sour cream, ahead of time, ...and baked them with the turkey. not nearly as good as my mashed potatoes, but was a lot easier....
ReplyDeleteyou know, i was toying with the idea of actually doing real mashed potatoes this year---haha we will see---but your idea of adding the sour cream, sounds like a great alternative!! thanks annmarie :)
DeleteHope you have a great Thanksgiving with family and friends.
ReplyDeleteFor a different dish - perhaps a bread, or a corn dish. I recently made a glazed carrots that my spouse loved; and a greek style roasted potato wedges dish with that Cavenders seasoning and oregano. A carrot ginger soup? Broccoli cheese soup? A sauteed mushroom dish maybe. pears in a wine sauce. Pureed white beans.
You'll think of something, enjoy.
wow---i wish you lived next door--these all sound amazing----esp. that carrot ginger soup----keep em coming--and a very happy thanksgiving to you too anthony!:)
DeleteI love Thanksgiving cooking! I stuff the turkey with chopped onions, butter, and Parsley, then sprinkle salt, pepper and Parsley on the outside and pour some cognac and white wine over it. It's very moist, has a slightly different flavor, and gets rave reviews. I know this sounds really weird, but I've also started making a meatloaf (traditional beef, not turkey) with Thanksgiving dinner. My husband doesn't love turkey and will not eat ham, so I wanted to give him another meat choice. I made a small one the first year, because I didn't think very many people would go for it, but it was a huge hit, so I've moved on to a bigger one. There's a recipe from Southern Living for an apple cake with browned butter frosting that is amazing. It's a little different, but still a good fall dessert. I also have to have rice with Thanksgiving dinner. I make it with some of the juice from the turkey in place of some of the water and add a packet of vegetable soup mix. It's great and easy! Happy cooking! :-)
ReplyDeletemmmm that turkey sounds divine--and who doesn't love meatloaf--i know it is one of my favs----and thanks so much danielle for the great rice tip!!:)
DeleteI always want to try a new dish, but my family always wants the traditional stuff. When I try a new dish, no one really likes it anyway....so, the older I get, the more I just stick to the same old stuff. If it was just the girls, we'd prob. bag the turkey and have all kinds of salads and veggies, and brownies! The men want the standard fare, so that's what I do. And I don't care what you fix, it's ALWAYS too much and ALWAYS a lot of work!
ReplyDeleteit is a lot of work---my least favorite part of the day is packing up the leftovers and cleaning up!!! the brownies and salads sound good mare :)
Delete