Thanksgiving Day

Plain and Simple Roast Turkey Recipe

2009-11-10T14:04:00.000-06:00

Any type of stuffing works with this roasted turkey. You don't even have to use stuffing if you prefer not too. It tastes great with or without.
Indredients:

1 (18 lb.) whole turkey
5 C of your favorite stuffing
1/2 C unsalted butter, softened
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 1/2 qt. turkey stock

Direction:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Move the rack to the lowest position you can in your oven.

Place a roasting rack into a large roasting pan.
Clean the turkey by removing the neck and giblets and rinsing the turkey with cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towel inside and outside. Stuff the turkey cavity with your favorite stuffing mixture. Rub the turkey skin with the soft butter making sure to cover the whole outside of the turkey. Sprinkle on the salt and pepper to taste. Pour 2 C of the turkey stock into the bottom of the roasting pan. Place the turkey breast side up on the rack in the pan. Make a tent out of aluminum foil to completely cover the turkey but not over the roasting pan.

Place the turkey in the oven and allow roasting for 2 1/2 hours being sure to baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the stock in the roasting pan. If the stock should evaporate add 2 C to the roasting pan and continue adding as necessary 1 to 2 C at a time.

After 2 1/2 hours remove the aluminum foil and continue roasting for another 1 1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer reaches 180 degrees when inserted into the thigh. Be sure to continue basting every 30 minutes during the last 1 1/2 hour of roasting.

Remove the turkey from the oven and place on a large platter for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Serves 24

Thanksgiving Craft: Turkeys

2009-11-10T01:55:00.003-06:00

Turkeys are popular at Thanksgiving time, both as the main dish and as decorations. There are many different ways to create nice turkey that may become a tradition for decorating for years to come.

The simplest turkey to make is by tracing around a hand, fingers spread. The thumb becomes the head, the other fingers the feathers and the palm is the body of the turkey. Color the turkey, add details like eyes and cut it out. They can be hung on the walls, scattered around the table or used to create a mobile.

Another fun project is a paper mache' turkey. Prepare the paper mache' paste. The two most popular methods are:

1. Non-cooked - 3 part white glue to 1 part water
2. Cooked - 1 part flour to 5 parts water, boil about 3 minutes and let cool

Blow up a large balloon and cover with newspaper strips that have been covered in the paste. Once dry, prime the body and paint brown. Cut out colorful feathers, feet, and a head and attach them to the turkey body.

If you don't want the mess of a paper mache' turkey, you can make one out of a paper bag. Stuff the bag with newspaper or plastic bags and shape the body. You can decorate it like the paper mache' turkey, with feathers, feet and a head.

Another turkey craft that could also be used for a game is to make 2-liter bottle turkeys. Put a little bit of sand in the bottom to keep them from falling over. Paint the bottles brown and then decorate them. After you have ten of them, you could let the kids go bowling for turkeys.

If you have a pine tree, as well as other trees that have beautiful fall foliage, in your back yard, you have the makings of a completely free turkey craft. Gather the items from your yard, arrange the leaves on a piece of paper in a fan shape, to look like the turkey's tail feathers. Glue the pinecone at the base for the body. Add google-eyes, or cut out construction paper eyes, feet and beak and you have an adorable turkey right from your own yard.

To create a turkey wreath, cut out a circle of cardboard with the center cut out, leaving about a two-inch ring. Cut strips of red, orange and yellow construction paper an inch wide by about 4 inches long. Glue the ends together to create rings, and arrange them on the wreath for the feathers. Cut out a head and feet and attach at the bottom of the wreath.

With some imagination and a few simple supplies, you can create not only nice decorations for your Thanksgiving celebration, but memories too. Spending the time with your children to make a few turkeys will be remembered long after the pie and stuffing are all gone.

Cranberry Pumpkin Bread Recipe

2009-04-04T11:26:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs (beaten)
1 cups brown sugar
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

Directions:

In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Mix well. In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs and oil. Mix well. Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture and stir well. Fold in the cranberries.

Transfer mixture to two lightly greased loaf pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for approximately 45 to 55 minutes or until golden and baked through. Cool for 5 minutes in pan before removing to wire rack to cool completely.

5 Tips to Keep the Stress Out of Thanksgiving Dinner

2009-03-27T22:18:00.001-05:00

Why do people always get stressed at the holidays? Is it the rush to get everything done? Is it wanting everything to be "perfect"? Is it having to deal with family members that know how to push our buttons? Most likely it is a little of each.

So how do we have a stress free Thanksgiving dinner? Here are five simple tips to have a more enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner.

1. Plan ahead - While planning the Thanksgiving meal, do you plan who is going to help? Instead of doing it all yourself, recruit your family to help. Not only will the work go faster, it's more fun working together. Make a list of what needs done before everyone arrives. Give everyone something to do and assign things that are age appropriate to the children. Before you know it, the leftovers will be wrapped in foil and everyone will have had a great time.

2. Covered dish meal - If you are having a large group get together for Thanksgiving, divide the menu amongst all those attending. The host family can provide the main dish (turkey or ham) and the drinks. Each family brings a favorite side dish and dessert. If you want to make sure there is a variety, provide a menu and mark things off as people chose what they want to fix.

3. Simplify - Instead of having a huge feast, prepare a smaller meal. We all tend to overeat at Thanksgiving, so make an effort to make fewer dishes. Not only will the preparation be smaller, so will our waistlines. Another option is to prepare as much ahead of time as you can. Slow cookers can be used to make all kinds of foods, even desserts. Many things can also be made as "freezer meals" and stored for weeks before re-heating them. The less actual cooking you need to do on Thanksgiving, the lower your stress levels will be.

4. Family harmony - While you can't make everyone happy, there are ways to promote a peaceful, relaxing dinner. Use place cards to put the people who tend to bicker further away from each other during dinner. This will help alleviate some of the tensions.

5. Be thankful - Simply taking the time to be thankful for all your blessings can reduce your stress level. Before everyone arrives, take the time to list all that you're thankful for over the last year. Have everyone share their blessings before dinner. Having a better attitude will help everyone enjoy the day more.

Stress doesn't have to ruin the holidays. If you stop to smell the turkey, and plan ahead, you can have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Planning and organization, while not great fun, can help you enjoy things later once all the guests arrive.

Creamy Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes Recipe

2009-03-27T11:10:00.003-05:00

This mashed potato recipe certainly isn’t low fat, but definitely delicious. In our house it’s reserved for holidays only :)

Serves 6, double or triple quantities as necessary.

Ingredients:

6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks.
¼ cup cream
¼ cup real butter
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup milk
3 peeled cloves of garlic (optional)
Chopped fresh chives of parsley (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Place potatoes in large saucepan and cover with water, add a little salt and peeled whole garlic cloves if using. Bring to a boil and cook over medium or high heat for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Drain, discard garlic and return to pan.

Add the milk and beat potatoes with electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add a little of each of the ingredients and keep mixing. Depending on your preference you may want to add a little extra or less sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally add the chopped chives or parsley if using and stir well. Serve immediately.

Note: For roasted garlic potatoes use the same recipe as above but do not add garlic cloves to potatoes while boiling. Instead crush the garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute over very low heat in a little olive oil. Add mixture to potatoes once cooked and mix with all other ingredients.

Creative Ways to Say "Thank You"

2009-03-09T12:01:00.002-05:00

By Jo Condrill

Thanksgiving Day comes once a year in the U.S., but every day there are people in our lives who deserve our thanks. Sometimes a simple "Thank you" is appropriate. At other times, it is more thoughtful to be creative in expressing appreciation. It's just good business.

Here are some suggestions for thanking people at work, at home, and in the community.

1. When you say "Thank you" tell the person specifically what it is you appreciate and why you appreciate it. "Thank you for going to the Post Office for me. It saved me a lot of time."

2. Send an e-mail note. When I sent a thank you note to my staff in the Pentagon, the energy level shot up.

3. Send a hand-written thank you note. These are noteworthy because so few of us take time to write and mail them.

4. Place an unexpected phone call just to say "Thank you." Connecting verbally adds warmth to your appreciation even if you reach voice mail.

5. Present a small certificate. Half-page certificates take up less space if displayed and are as meaningful as full sized certificates. They tend to draw attention because they are different.

6. Give a single flower from your garden, flowerpot, or florist, with a verbal "Thank you" or a note.

7. Put a candy bar or piece of fruit on the desk of the person to be thanked, with or without a note. (Be sure the person is not on vacation!)

8. Bake some cookies. This is especially effective when men bake and present a few cookies in thanksgiving.

9. Say something nice about the recipient of your thanks to someone else when the person you appreciate can overhear you. This is especially powerful in a business setting.

10. For special occasions, present a US flag that has flown over the Capitol. It is a unique, reasonably priced item which few people own. A certificate of authenticity is provided in honor of any special occasion you designate. Call your congressman's office and ask for it. If you don't have a local contact, call 202 224-3121 and ask for your congressman or congresswoman by name. When you reach that person's office, ask to purchase a flag. They'll know what to do!

Jo Condrill was a civilian leader at ArmyHeadquarters in the Pentagon, and she led 3,000 Toastmasters to rank #1 in the world. She knows the value of gratitude. Author of "Take Charge of Your Life: Dare to Pursue YourDreams," "101 Ways to Improve Your Communication SkillsInstantly," and "From Book Signing to Best Seller." http://www.goalminds.com/takecharge.html

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Disney Stars Give Thanks - Miley, Demi, Emily and Brandon

2008-12-17T09:59:00.001-06:00

Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Emily Osment and Brandon Smith, give thanks on thanksgiving!

When Do You Give Thanks?

2008-12-08T15:33:00.005-06:00

By Roger Carr

Do you wait until Thanksgiving Day or Christmas to thank those that you love and those that have helped you? It is important to spend time during these special holidays to be thankful. However, it shouldn't be the only time you demonstrate your love and appreciation to others.

There are some great reasons to thank people throughout the year and not just during the holiday season.

1. Your appreciation may have more of an impact when it is done at an unexpected time. Giving thanks during the holidays can be somewhat expected. Surprise someone by showing your gratitude when it is least expected and it will be remembered for a long time.

2. It can be done immediately after an event you are most thankful for. That is when it will encourage others the most.

3. Your notes and thoughtful comments won't get diluted by those from others trying to catch up for the past year on their thanks.

4. You can give more time and personalized attention when showing your gratitude. You will not have to do something for a large list of people in a short period of time.

You should have no problem thinking of ones to thank on a daily or weekly basis. If you need some ideas, here are some to get you thinking:

1. Family and friends that have done something for you (including being your friend)

2. The person that delivers your mail and newspaper

3. Teachers, teacher aides, and school staff

4. Church staff, teachers, and helpers

5. Business co-workers and clients

6. Community workers (including police, fire fighters, and government workers)

7. Medical professionals looking after your family's health

What are some ways to thank those that have made a difference in your life? Try one of these ways or be creative with your own heartfelt method:

1. Send a handwritten note or letter that expresses your thankfulness.

2. Tell the person face-to-face how grateful you are for them being in your life.

3. Provide a simple gift to the person. Don't give an extravagant gift or you run the risk of minimizing the actions of the other person.

4. Help the other person in a way that benefits him or her.

Giving thanks doesn't just benefit the other person. You will receive benefits from doing it as well. You will begin to feel happier and more relaxed. In fact, it has been proven in studies that being grateful can have a positive effect on your health. It can reduce your stress and boost your immune system.

Why wouldn't you look for every opportunity to show your thankfulness to others? Don't wait for a holiday before you look for opportunities to show your gratitude. Give thanks on a regular basis throughout the year.

To learn more ways to give, sign up for the free Everyday Giving ezine at http://www.everydaygiving.com. Roger Carr is the founder of Everyday Giving. His life purpose is to help people help others.

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Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

2008-11-25T10:52:00.007-06:00

Ingredients:

2 cups pureed pumpkin
2 eggs (beaten)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup butter (melted)
1 pie crust

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into pie crust. Bake in preheated oven at 350F for approximately 60 minutes or until set through.

Topping:

1 pkg cream cheese
1 cup whipped cream
½ cup powdered sugar

Blend all ingredients together and use to top pie.

The History of Pumpkin Pie

2008-11-24T10:48:00.002-06:00

Pumpkin pies are a traditional fall dessert enjoyed during the Thanksgiving holiday. And Allen Smith says that today's pie is far different from the kind early colonists prepared.

Thanksgiving Craft: Placemats and Place Holders

2008-11-22T15:13:00.004-06:00

A beautiful table setting is the finishing touch to a wonderful Thanksgiving meal. By collecting a few simple things from around the house, and maybe a trip to the craft or fabric store, you have the makings of a festive table. Standard placemats start with a rectangle of construction paper, or fabric, in fall colors or white and come in endless varieties, limited only by your imagination.

Handy Turkey Placemats - Trace around a hand, with fingers spread, to create a turkey. The palm is the body, the thumb is the head, and the other fingers are the tail feathers. Each child can make their own. It can turn into a game, to try to find their handprint at dinnertime, to see who sits where.

Fall Foliage Placemats - Collect colorful fall leaves from your own yard to make a lovely, natural placemat. You can also use artificial leaves from the craft store, if you prefer. Cut two rectangle pieces of contact paper the size you need. Arrange the leaves neatly on the first piece. Carefully place the second piece on top, pealing part of the paper backing off a little at a time, and press in place. Give the placemat a boarder by gluing strips of construction paper about an inch wide along the edges.

Pilgrims and Indians - Draw or find a pattern for simple silhouettes of Pilgrims and Indians. Place one of each on either side of the placemat. Decorate them, or leave them as simple silhouettes. Craft feathers could be added for details around the edges.

Burlap Placemats - If you want to go with a more rustic look, cut rectangles of burlap. If you have a sewing machine, stitch around the outside edge about an inch in, with a zigzag stitch, to keep it from raveling too far. Decorated the placemat with ribbon or yarn.

Fabric Placemats - There are many lovely fall prints available that could be made into placemats. They could be bordered with a nice ribbon (make sure it's washable) for a simple placemat. The ribbon could be attached with fabric glue or double stick tape. Just be sure to use the permanent kind, if you want to wash them. Alternatively, you could make a quilted placemat and finish it off with binding, for a very elegant looking table.

Placeholders or place cards, can also be a nice touch at the dinner table. These help to eliminate the arguments of who sits where at dinner. They can be made by taking a piece of card stock, or heavy paper, about four inches square, folded in half. Print the name on both sides. If someone knows how to do calligraphy, that can add a nice touch. With all the interesting fonts available, it is easy to print out nice ones, and even add small graphics that fit the theme of the season right at your home computer.

Taking the time to create an attractive table adds a bit of color and fun to the festivities that will be enjoyed by everyone.

Thanksgiving Craft: Wreath

2008-11-22T15:09:00.003-06:00

There is nothing more special than to hang a Thanksgiving wreath on your front door. It is inviting as well as pleasing to the eye. For this Thanksgiving, why not involve your entire family in the craft of making a Thanksgiving wreath? Here are some suggestions.

Having ventured out to various stores, I found Thanksgiving items that were being displayed. One store had a beautiful wreath made of grapevine with fall-colored leaves attached. Although the leaves were plastic, it was a simple, yet elegant wreath. The more one looked at it, the more it seemed it could be spruced up by adding additional items such as berries, nuts, or perhaps a small pumpkin in the center.

Another wreath that was quite impressive was one that used the basic grapevine, but the leaves were freshly picked and dried, then glued to the vine. In addition, there were feathers and beautiful red and green checked fabric which was used to tie berry branches to the vine as well.

One wreath that was quite unique was made out of a large 8-1/2x11 picture frame. The leaves covered the outer part of the frame with berries and nuts placed within the leaves. The center, however, was the focal point of the wreath. A picture of a family with small text indicating three things they were thankful for on this special day.

Thanksgiving, after all, is a day of giving thanks and signifying not only the beauty of the holiday but one’s sentiments as well. A Thanksgiving wreath is not only a lovely way to express the holiday’s meaning, but a gift to share with family, friends, and neighbors as well.

There are so many different wreaths one can creatively and ingeniously make to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. Your local craft store has all of the items you need to create a wreath unlike any other. Remember to take pictures for your scrapbook as well. If the Thanksgiving craft in wreath-making has been a tradition in your home for years, then every picture taken is a reminder of how much love and attention you have given in designing a special wreath for your family.

At a time when world events seem to invade our daily lives, this year it is especially important to show not only how thankful we are for all we have, but show our thanks for the freedom we enjoy every day. Perhaps a wreath with a teddy bear dressed in red, white and blue may be appropriate at this time.

Traditional Roast Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing & Homemade Gravy Recipe

2008-11-18T11:22:00.008-06:00

For the Stuffing:

½ cup whole chestnuts or dried if you can’t find whole
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, peeled and minced
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cooking apple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1 egg, lightly beaten
5 cups stale bread, cubed
1 ¼ cups chicken broth
¼ cup butter, melted
Olive oil
Salt (sea salt is preferable)
Pepper

1 10 lb. turkey

For the Gravy:

2 carrots, roughly chopped
1 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
Corn flour
Chicken stock
Butter

Directions:

The Night Before:

If possible, the previous night, or at least one hour before cooking, prepare your turkey. Remove any giblets and rise well (inside and out) with cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. Generously rub turkey with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and place back in refrigerator until time to cook.

The Next Morning:

Preparing the Stuffing:

To roast the chestnuts, cut an X on the flat side of each chestnut and bake 15 to 20 minutes at 375F oven. Let cool for 10 minutes and then peel and chop.

Do not turn oven off as it will need to be preheated for cooking the turkey.

In a large pot over low heat, heat the olive oil then add onions and celery. Sauté for about 3 minutes or until soft. Stir in crushed garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme and apple and sauté for a further 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in egg, then add chestnuts and bread. Toss mixture well. Stir in warm broth and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.

Preparing the Turkey:

Remove turkey from fridge and loosely stuff the neck cavity with chestnut stuffing, fold the skin under and secure in place with a toothpick. Then loosely stuff the main cavity, making sure to leave room for expansion and the air to flow through.

Then prepare your roasting pan. Use a large roasting pan and at the bottom add two roughly chopped carrots, onion and celery. Place the rack over the vegetables. Now place your turkey, breast side up, on the rack. Drizzle with melted butter.

Bake, uncovered, at 375F for the first 30 minutes, then baste and reduce oven temperature to 325F. Continue basting turkey every 25 to 30 minutes. The cooking time should be approximately 20 minutes per pound of turkey, which would be about 3.5 hours for a 10b turkey. To check if the turkey is cooked pierce the thigh bone, juices should run clear without any pink. Also use a meat thermometer on the thickest part of the thigh. The temperature should show 180F. Turkey should be golden and crispy on the outside too.

Remove the turkey from roasting tray and reserve juices for gravy.

Tip: For extra added safety, I like to remove the stuffing from turkey once turkey is cooked and bake on a separate dish for approximately 10 extra minutes.

For the Gravy:

Mash the vegetables in the roasting tray, then push all ingredients through a sieve. Discard any remaining vegetables or fat. Place the sieved liquid in a saucepan and simmer over low heat. If you don’t have enough liquid then add 1 cup or more (depending on how much gravy you need) of chicken stock; you can also add a couple of tablespoons of butter.

In a small bowl add two tablespoons of corn flour and mix with cold water (about ½ cup) until all lumps dissolve. Slowly add a little of this mixture (tablespoon by tablespoon) to the saucepan, stirring well after each addition and allowing time for gravy to thicken. Keep adding corn flour/water mixture until gravy thickens.

Tip: You can also add a couple of tablespoons of red wine to the gravy or Madeira for a richer taste. The alcohol will dissolve during the cooking process and children will be able to have the gravy.

3 Fun Family Thanksgiving Ideas

2008-11-15T15:49:00.005-06:00

Thanksgiving is always a fun time of celebration and eating with your family. Here are some ways to make Thanksgiving even more fun for your family this year.

Thankful cards

Make a card for each family member that will be your guest for Thanksgiving this year. On each card, tell that person what you love most about them, and why you are thankful for them.

Recipe books

A few months before Thanksgiving, write a list of each family member. Beside their name, make a note of their best dish. Call each member and ask for a copy of that recipe, plus one or two of their own favorites that they’d like to share. When you have all the recipes ready, compile them into a booklet and print them, using your computer and printer. (You can also use professional services, if you wish, to make a longer-lasting recipe book.) After your guests all arrive for your Thanksgiving dinner, give them each a copy of your special recipe book.

Mini family scrapbooks

Gather family pictures, if you don’t have many pictures, take them to a local copier and have extra prints made. Purchase mini scrapbooks at a scrapbook supply store, along with stickers, markers and various scrapbook supplies. Create miniature family scrapbooks, using one picture per page. Write what you are thankful for, in relation to each family member, on their designated pages. On Thanksgiving Day, give a copy of your mini family scrapbooks to each family member as a memento.

The History of Thanksgiving in America

2008-11-01T16:57:00.004-05:00

When people think of Thanksgiving, most remember the story of the Pilgrims and the Indians at Plymouth Rock. The Pilgrims first arrived in America on December 11, 1620, not prepared for the winter they were to face. Out of the 102 who arrived on the Mayflower, forty-six of the people died during the first few months. Despite the devastation, they had a good harvest, partly in thanks to the Indians who lived nearby.

They had a traditional British Harvest Feast in thanks to God for surviving and the blessings of provisions that would see them through the winter. In contrast to our modern Thanksgiving menu, they actually had more meat than vegetables, including venison, fish and wild foul, which may or may not have actually been turkey. They probably didn't have much in the way of desserts, as they didn't have a lot of flour or sugar on hand. They probably had some fruits and corn. Instead of pumpkin pie, they probably had boiled pumpkin. The first Thanksgiving feast lasted for three days.

Thanksgiving was not an annual event in the U.S. for many years. In 1623, there was a drought and instead of having a celebration, the Pilgrims held a prayer service. When their prayers were answered the next day, they invited their Indian friends to join them in another Thanksgiving observance.

June 20, 1676 was celebrated as a day of Thanksgiving in Charlestown, Massachusetts. However this was very different than the first Thanksgiving. This was to celebrate a victory over the Indians. Another victory, this time over the British, was celebrated in October of 1677 by all of the thirteen colonies. George Washington established the first national Thanksgiving day in 1789, however not everyone thought it was a good idea, including Thomas Jefferson.

It wasn't until 1863 that what we know as our modern Thanksgiving came into being. Sarah Josepha Hale decided to promote Thanksgiving in her magazine, Boston Ladies' Magazine and in Godey's Lady's Book. She also wrote letters to different governors and presidents. Abraham Lincoln finally established Thanksgiving as the last Thursday in November. The date was changed a few times (to the third Thursday), but in 1941 was finally established on its current date, the fourth Thursday in November.

Over the years, it has drifted away from its original focus on being thankful. It has become a day to eat and watch football. While those aren't bad things, it is good for people to take the time to actually be thankful for their blessings.

Thanksgiving Leftover Quiche

2007-11-22T11:51:00.002-06:00

This is a quick easy quiche that you can make from Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s great for those office parties and after Thanksgiving get together.

Ingredients:

5 large eggs
2 1/2 -3 cups leftover stuffing or half of a 6 oz package bread stuffing mix, prepared according to package directions
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup diced cooked turkey
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup half and half
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Beat one egg and add stuffing to it. Press this into the bottom of a deep pie dish or a quiche pan if you have one, it will serve as a mock-crust for your quiche. Bake on the bottom rack of the oven for 15 minutes at 425 degrees F. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the stuffing-crust. Layer in the turkey, onion, mushrooms in any order you wish. Beat remaining 4 eggs in a small bowl. Stir in the half and half. Season with salt and pepper to your tastes. Pour egg mixture evenly over the layers in the pan. Bake on the bottom rack of the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. Let it stand and cool for about 15 minutes to firm up before cutting and serving.

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Thanksgiving Turkey Leftovers

2007-11-22T11:51:00.000-06:00

After a big Thanksgiving meal, many people end up with quite a bit of extra turkey. Nibbling on leftovers is fine, but here are some additional healthy ways to use that leftover turkey.

Sandwiches
This is our family favorite. Simply slather mayonnaise on your favorite bread and add turkey. Enjoy! Of course, you can make this sandwich fancier by using toasted garlic bread, or adding some seasonings to the mayonnaise. You can quickly whip up some gourmet style mayo by adding some of the packet ranch dressing mix to it.

Instead of regular old sliced bread, make turkey sandwiches with fresh or chiabata bread for a different taste.

Open Faced Turkey Sandwich
Start with some really good toast. Rub a little garlic or butter on it if you’d like. Then, lay slices of turkey on it and cover with gravy. Heat up some left over stuffing and stick it in the toaster oven or your regular oven to give it a nice little crust and dinner is ready.

Turkey and Rice Soup
Use the leftover bones from the turkey and throw them in a large stock pot. Cover them with plenty of water and add some onion, celery, carrot and salt and pepper. Bring it to a boil and boil for about 45 min. Strain out the liquid, return it to the pot, add some rice and leftover pieces of turkey. Add any vegetables you like as well and cook until the rice and veggies are tender.

Turkey Enchiladas
You can fix turkey enchiladas just like you would chicken enchiladas with your favorite sauce, tortillas and cheese. Just shred the turkey, and heat it with some cheese and enchilada sauce. Spoon the mixture on flour or corn tortillas and roll them up. Place the tortilla rolls in a greased baking dish and top with more enchilada sauce and plenty of cheese. Then bake them up until the cheese is nice and bubbly. They are a great way to use turkey in something that has a completely different flavor.

Turkey Wraps
Tired of turkey sandwiches? Use a tortilla instead. Pile on lettuce, raw veggies and plenty of turkey. Top with some ranch dressing and roll it up for a portable lunch or snack. Another fun idea is to mix shredded turkey with a little mayonnaise, some chopped apple, grapes and a few walnuts for a turkey salad wrap.

Turkey Salad
Make a gorgeous, colorful salad, using all the vegetables you can find in the store. Add sliced turkey to the top and add your favorite salad dressing. Or make a turkey Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, turkey, parmesan cheese, croutons and Caesar dressing.

Turkey Chili
Shred your leftover turkey and cook it along with beans, tomatoes and your favorite chili seasonings. Of course you can also toss in any leftover veggies like corn or green beans and cook them right along with the rest of the chili ingredients. Serve with cornbread.

Thanksgiving Leftover Pot Pie

2007-11-22T11:44:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:

1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup celery, diced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 package (9 oz.) frozen chopped spinach
3 cups cooked turkey
1/2 cups country or baked ham
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) canned cream of chicken soup
2 1/2 cup milk, divided
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cup self-rising flour
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup butter or margarine

Instructions:

Cook onion, sliced carrots and celery with a little bit of vegetable oil in the skillet under just tender. Stir in the spinach and pour it all into a shallow baking dish (at least 3 quarts or bigger). Spread the chopped turkey and ham cubes evenly over top of everything in the dish. Next, in a medium mixing bowl blend together undiluted soup, 1 cup of milk and ground pepper. Pour this evenly over top of everything in the dish. Now mix together the flour, grated cheese, butter (or margarine) and remaining milk until nice and smooth. Pour this over top of everything in the dish. Bake 45 minutes to one hour at 400 degrees F. The top will be golden brown when done.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T13:58:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving Crafts for Children - Pilgrim Hats

2007-11-20T17:38:00.001-06:00

At Thanksgiving time, you should take a moment to tell your children about the Thanksgiving story, but perhaps a better way to spark a conversation is to have your child make a pilgrim hat with you while you tell them about why we celebrate Thanksgiving. Plus, when you make a cute pilgrim hat, your child or children can wear it at Thanksgiving dinner for a little bit of authenticity. There are a lot of ways that you can make a pilgrim hat for either a boy or a girl.

Here are some ways that we found.

Girl's Pilgrim Hat

To make a girl’s pilgrim hat, take an 11” x 17” piece of paper and fold it half length ways. Unfold it so you can see the crease. Fold up one side of the paper so the edge is even with the crease. On the other side of the crease, cut two slits evenly spaced going almost all the way to the crease. Punch a hole in each end of the folded half of the paper. Cut two pieces of ribbon about 15 inches long and tie one end of each ribbon through the holes. The folded section will be the brim of the pilgrim hat and then the ribbons can be tied under the chin. Where you cut your slits, you need to bring them together and staple together to form a bonnet.

Boy's Pilgrim Hat

Making a boy’s pilgrim hat is much easier! All you will need here is a paper plate, some black paint, glue, and construction paper. Start by painting the paper plate black and let it dry. Cut out the center of this pilgrim hat leaving the outside rim about two inches thick. Cut a piece of construction paper about 8 inches by 8 inches. Tape this into the circle you cut into the paper plate. You need to be sure that this piece sticks out as much as possible, but you also want it to be secure. Out of a piece of white paper, cut a 2 inch by 8 inch rectangle and glue it on the black paper where it meets the paper plate. Cut a rectangle shape out of yellow construction paper and glue it to the middle of the white strip as a buckle.

There are lots more patterns you can find to make a pilgrim hat for either a boy or a girl. We are willing to bet that if you think about it, you might even be able to come up with ideas of your own! Just think about what a pilgrim hat looks like and then utilize the supplies you have on hand.

Pecan Muffins with Cherries

2007-11-20T17:18:00.000-06:00

Breakfast, snack or dessert these are good any time of day!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs (separated)
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
1 small jar Maraschino cherries, drained
1 package (8 oz) finely ground pecans
Pecan halves
Powdered sugar

Instructions:

Cream the butter and sugar together well. Mix in beaten egg yolk, flour, baking powder, cherry juice and egg whites. Grease the muffin pan or line with papers. Sprinkle finely ground pecans into each well or cup. Put in a spoonful of dough, a whole cherry, then another spoonful of dough on top of the cherry so that the cherry will be in the center of each muffin. Sprinkle more ground pecan on top and place a sliced pecan half on top of each muffin, more if you want more on top. You can place several pecan slices in the shape of a flower on top for a decorative look. Bake 10 minutes at 400 degrees F. Remove from muffin pan to wire racks for cooling. Sprinkle finished muffins lightly with powdered sugar.

AuGratin Carrots and Onions

2007-11-20T17:12:00.000-06:00

Everything is better AuGratin and this delicious side is no exception!

Ingredients:

1 (16 ounce) package baby carrots, sliced
2 medium onions, sliced
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup fine dry bread crumbs

Instructions:

Mix together carrots and onions in a pot. Add enough water to cover, and a dash of salt if desired. Bring to a broil. Cook until tender, but still firm (about 5 to 10 minutes) Drain. Spread a layer of carrot and onions in the bottom of a baking dish. Next layer about half of the cheese. Layer more carrots and onions, then the rest of the cheese. Melt 3 tablespoons butter or margarine in a saucepan.

Gradually add flour to the butter and blend well until smooth. Slowly add the milk and continue to stir until thick and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Pour the sauce over the layers of carrot onion and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Thanksgiving Poems

2007-11-20T16:49:00.000-06:00

The First Thanksgiving

When the Pilgrims
first gathered together to share
with their Indian friends
in the mild autumn air,
they lifted the voices
in jubilant praise
for the bread on the table,
the berries and maize,
for field and for forest,
for turkey and deer,
for the bountiful crops
they were blessed with that year.
They were thankful for these
as they feasted away,
and as they were thankful
we're thankful today.

Author Unknown

The Little Pilgrim

Cranberries dripping down my chin
Have stained my pilgrim suit.
I ate too much Thanksgiving day
But I don't give a hoot.

I slurped a pile of dressing,
Gobbled down a turkey thigh,
Dribbled messy cranberries
Devoured some pumpkin pie.

Within me on this special day
It's a thankful heart that beats.
For all the things that I enjoy
But mainly for the eats.

Author Unknown

Giving Thanks

For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped,
For the labor well done, and the barns that are heaped,
For the sun and the dew and the sweet honeycomb,
For the rose and the song and the harvest brought home --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

For the trade and the skill and the wealth in our land,
For the cunning and strength of the workingman's hand,
For the good that our artists and poets have taught,
For the friendship that hope and affection have brought --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

For the homes that with purest affection are blest,
For the season of plenty and well-deserved rest,
For our country extending from sea unto sea;
The land that is known as the "Land of the Free" --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

Author Unknown

'Twas the Night of Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T16:18:00.000-06:00

'Twas the Night of Thanksgiving
By Unknown

'Twas the night of Thanksgiving,
but I just couldn't sleep.
tried counting backwards;
I tried counting sheep.

The leftovers beckoned, the dark meat and white,
But I fought the temptation with all of my might.

Tossing and turning with anticipation
The thought of a snack became infatuation.

So I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door,
And gazed at the fridge full of goodies galore.

I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,
Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.

I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,
Till all of a sudden, I rose off the ground!

I crashed through the ceiling,
floating into the sky,
With a mouthful of pudding
and a handful of pie;

But I managed to yell as I soared past the trees,
"Happy eating to all... pass the cranberries, please!"

For more Thanksgiving information check out :
http://www.classbrain.com/artholiday/publish/thanksgiving.shtml

Pumpkin Pie Cake

2007-11-20T00:50:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

1 (29 oz) can solid pack pumpkin

1 ( 12 oz) can evaporated milk

4 eggs

1 1/1 c. sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1 box (18 oz) yellow cake mix

1 c. melted unsalted butter

1 c. chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar and spices in mixing bowl. Pour into an ungreased 13 X 9 pan. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix and sprinkle the pecans over the top. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes or until cake is set in the center. Cool to room temp and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.