Thanksgiving Approaches

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. In my family the day is full of activity. When I was a child I woke early to "help" my parents start the feast, I watched the parade at 9, and went back to "helping" with the meal as my brothers watched football. We usually ate around 3 o'clock. Afterwards - we put away all of the leftovers and cleaned the kitchen and then we set up the Christmas tree. By the time the tree was decorated it was dark outside and we could enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while we watched the tree lights flicker in the darkness. The day has always been full - and I love that.

This will be my first year "hosting" Thanksgiving. I've cooked the meal for a few years now - but this is the first time I've had a place to invite everyone. I've been planning the menu for a month. My goal is to keep some of the traditional food - and then add my own twist. The menu plan at the moment is:

Turkey and stuffing. My family LOVES stuffing - so I'm going to attempt to make a side of "dressing" and baste it with the turkey juices - - maybe it'll turn out ok. We'll see. I still need to be a roasting pan - I have not yet settled on what type I want. I think I'll just buy the same kind my mom used. It's cheap and it always gave us good turkeys!

Mashed Potatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole

Cranberry-Walnut Salad

Pumpkin Pie

Crescent Rolls


I'd like another vegetable - just haven't figured out what yet. My sister-in-law will probably make Green Bean Casserole and a dessert. I'm going to bake some spiced pecans to have as a munchy.


I'm also excited about literally playing "hostess" - my brother and sister-in-law will be staying with me for the long weekend. I'm having fun planning on what I need to do to make their stay comfortable. This is the time of the year where I love my job (teacher) - as I get the entire week off and I get to pretend like I really am a home-maker that week as I have fun cleaning the house and shopping and baking and looking forward to the family time.


I'll try to take some pictures and post later about how my first Thanksgiving went. :)