We enjoyed the peak of the fall colors this week with a picnic lunch in the National Forest and then struck out on a trail with no idea where it led. This gorgeous lake was our reward.
We didn’t see another soul all day … unless you count the Double-crested cormorant drying it’s wings, or the Great Blue heron fishing, or all the turtles on logs soaking up the sunshine.
It’s only a week now before a big holiday in the U.S. — Thanksgiving. In the grocery store we have noticed the carts are carrying pretty much the same items: celery, onions, potatoes, glass jars of gravy, green beans, canned pumpkin, packaged bread crumbs, a couple bottles of wine, all tucked in around and piled on top of the centerpiece of the cart:
The Turkey!
It’s probably the same scene in every store in every town in America this week.
From the Pilgrims to the Pandemic, Thanksgiving dinner: the one meal of the year that never seems to vary. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn or green bean casserole (or both), pumpkin and apple pie for dessert, it’s always the same.
I’ll be joining my mom in Florida for the day. She is still in the rehab center after her fall a month ago. Mom is not impressed with the food there so who knows what we will be served!
I would like to know:
If you are American, is your Thanksgiving feast any different?
Do you stick to the tried-and-true basics, or is there a quirky, must-have, special addition to tradition for your family?
About the same here in Kansas. (Might want to make a bit and freeze for your Mom to have after the bland meal from the facility. Unless you're flying.) My parents would make a bit of oyster dressing for holidays in Oklahoma. I couldn't figure that out considering there's no oysters in Oklahoma. He explained that the old stores had a barrel of oysters, so it was a special thing for the holidays. Smelled yucky to me. I've made my grandma's whole apple dumplings for some holidays. Pretty labor intensive and I always get flour in the floor. Your Mom will love her visit! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your festive meal, traditional or otherwise. Unless it is not permitted, maybe you can take your mom some real food. No doubt she would appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteAlways turkey, stuffing, gravy, corn cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and rolls. My kids won’t let me change a thing.
ReplyDeleteOh, gosh, I forgot the cranberries!
DeleteWe usually have the traditional dinner. This year My Mom cooked in October when 3 of 4 of us could be there...pork roast, beef roast, roasted carrots, potatoes, parsnips, gravy, green beans, squash, coleslaw, raw veggies, pickles and apple crisp for dessert. This year Far Guy and I will have ribs and salad:)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteLove the reflection in that lake.
Take care.
Yes. Pretty much all the same…turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, fresh cranberry sauce, homemade pumpkin pie. Our family adds in macaroni and cheese and a sushi rice dish from our grandparents' table. "Maze (ma-zey) Rice" shows up at holiday family gatherings. My ninety-four year old mother is passing that responsibility onto me this year. Ohhhh, the pressure!
ReplyDeleteHave a memorable time with your mother. Safe travels!
Mac and cheese seems to be a Southern Thanksgiving tradition and is always on the table when we share Thanksgiving with Paul’s children. His daughter makes the best — in a crockpot.
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DeleteI'm sure your mother will enjoy the day in your company, whatever food they serve up. We don't have Thanksgiving here of course, but it's interesting how turkey has become an essential part of Christmas dinner; in my youth it was always either a goose or a cockerel.
ReplyDeleteI do the regular menu ... turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and pies for dessert! My children and grandchildren add to the menu. For example my grand daughter is making the "traditional" green bean casserole with onions ( a favorite of hers and her brother) and a salad she has learned to make at Houlihan's ( a restaurant that cooks from scratch) while she s attending college!
ReplyDeleteIn past years, we have done a "traditional" Thanksgiving Day meal with turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, homemade cranberry relish, gravy and green bean casserole, also pumpkin pie for dessert. This year we're dining at a family member's home and the menu will include chicken and ribs and salads with apple pie for dessert. Different, but sure to be delicious and shared with family which is the best part of the celebration.
ReplyDeleteWaiting to hear if we get to drive to Buffalo tomorrow. Granddaughters here have had a covid case in the K-2nd grade cohort that has lunch and recess together. Daughter in Buffalo is pregnant and she gets the final word. We may postpone and have a Covid test next week. Doubt that we have been exposed but never know.
ReplyDeleteAs to the feast Brussels sprouts have taken over from the green beans or peas of late. Otherwise all the traditional.
I’d definitely go for Brussels sprouts as replacement for the green bean/mushroom soup/canned onion rings option that seems to be ubiquitous these days! I hope your family is all healthy and can get together on Turkey Day, Marcia.
DeleteI do roasted Brussels sprouts with chestnuts instead of green bean casserole and a Nantucket Cranberry Pie instead of the pumpkin, and the "bread" is Czech poppyseed kolackies.
ReplyDeleteYup. We're following tradition with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce (from the can) and pumpkin pie.
ReplyDeleteDear Cynthia, living alone and being a vegetarian for 41 years now, my Thanksgiving meal is a little different. But when I've been invited to the homes of friends or family members, the list you provided is normally what I see on the table. Generally, I bring something to these gatherings, like stuffed acorn squash or Tzimmes. And one of my nieces always, always, makes a vegetarian dressing for me. And for that I am so grateful on Thanksgiving day--that an so much else. A whole life of "else's." Peace.
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