WILLARD started going out to everyone’s email boxes today; it takes two days for the whole list to go, and even though you might have just read yourself practically silly, you know there could be a surprise for you here, and of course, there is! ♥ But perhaps we need a little mood music? Here’s a song to dance you down the page; great soundtrack from the movie French Kiss . . .
This is a photo of my heart-shaped Lemon Pepper Tea Biscuits, just out of the oven, still warm, ready for someone to slather them with butter and Cranberry-Orange Marmalade. They are one of the recipes featured in a new cookbook I’m very excited about — it’s from Where Women Cook Magazine, and it’s called CELEBRATE!
I am one of the twenty-eight women featured in this book; honored to be included with such luminaries of the food world as Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman), Angie Dudley (Bakerella) and Molly Wizenberg (Orangette). One of the special things about this book, besides the obvious, is that each woman is pictured doing her thing in her own kitchen; there are tons of wonderful photographs, sixty recipes, and lots of tips for celebrating life, with cooking as the magical ingredient. My chapter is called “Kitchen Table Tea.” The kind of everyday celebration we have in the kitchen with our girlfriends. ♥ Each contributor chose a different theme to focus on.
(Do I like tea, really, or is it just the dishes? That’s the question!) Anyway, I have the first copy (still warm off the press) of CELEBRATIONS that was sent to me here on the island. I’m going to sign it and send it to one of YOU as a Thanksgiving present! Just leave a comment at the bottom of this post, and on Friday we’ll let the RNG (Random Number Generator) pull a name out of our hat and see in what corner of the world this book ends up. But for all of you, my girlfriends, scroll to the bottom of this post, and I’ll give you the recipe for the Lemon Pepper Tea Biscuits. ♫ Do I love you, Oh yes I love you . . . ♪
For me, the Thanksgiving countdown has begun . . . I started making my shopping list this morning . . .
Taking center stage is my grandma’s stuffing, which requires real bread that has to be air-dried for three days. Two days won’t do it. Don’t even think about putting it in the oven to dry. Those are the rules. So, I need to be ready. My ironing board does double duty as drying rack for the bread, spread out on cookie sheets in the pantry.
Plus, right now is gravy-making time; I need it for dinner, but I also need it for leftovers, so I start early and make extra. I learned to make gravy when I was very young, but still tweak it a little bit every year; a little of this a little of that; vermouth? Red wine? Plain this year? Joe always has his family’s 2¢ to add to the pot; sometimes requiring a restraining hand on his pouring arm. Shall we have sage? A teeny bit of cloves perhaps? Perfect gravy is the mark of distinction in our family — no one can describe exactly what makes it perfect, but we sure know it when we taste it!
I’m already done making the butters:
One for each biscuit plate (the baking powder kind). Yum.
I use leaves for place cards at Thanksgiving (as long as there isn’t snow on them!). I made these from rhododendron leaves, which are the perfect size, especially if you have a “Marjorie” coming to dinner, because her whole name fits on one! Plus they’re smooth and flat and don’t break too easily. I pick the leaves the day before and keep them in the fridge so they stay fresh, then write the names on as big as possible with a correction pen (after first practicing on a paper towel!).
OK, so would you like to go to the grocery store with us? This was yesterday!
We’re almost there, I kept thinking the leaf would jump off, but apparently it really wanted to get to the supermarket parking lot, and wasn’t going to give up until we were there!
OK, that’s enough of that. It’s been a red letter week for me, a feature in a new book, and another really nice article in the winter issue of Cape Cod Home Magazine. ♥ You guys must be spreading the word, something crazy is going on; so much to be grateful for. Plus, we have best friends coming from England next week! And to top it off, I already figured out what I’m giving you for Christmas! And I’m excited because I think you’ll like it!
So I am off to the City (that’s Domesticity City of course); I’m taking the day off to play with my house, nurk around in the guest room, organize the pantry, play ball with the new Kitty, hug Girl, kiss Joe, watch old movies, nap, and so on. But before I go, I want to give you that recipe and remind you to leave a comment to enter the drawing for the book — tell us the strangest, most quirky, or favorite thing you ever had at Thanksgiving — for me it’s always the same, Rainbow Jell-O, not very strange, but definitely quirky, and also a favorite. How about you?
LEMON PEPPER TEA BISCUITS
If you want your biscuits to be heart–shaped you will need a miniature muffin pan with hearts! I have this cast-iron one and I love it. This easy quick recipe makes one dozen delectable biscuits.
- 1-3oz pkg. cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 c. butter, softened
- grated zest of one lemon
- 1/2 c. sour cream
- 1 c. self-rising flour, sifted
- 1/3 c. either chopped dried cranberries or currants
- coarsely ground black pepper
- sanding sugar (opt.)
Preheat oven to 400°F. In a deep, medium-sized bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and zest with mixer on med speed until smooth. Scrape down bowl. Stir in sour cream. 
Gradually beat in flour until well blended. Stir in cranberries or currants. Put a heaping tsp. of dough into each cup of an ungreased miniature muffin pan, filling the space completely and leveling the surface of the dough. Grind pepper over the top. Sprinkle with sanding sugar (if desired). Bake for 15 min. or until light brown. Pop out muffins into a basket lined with a tea towel; cover to keep warm. ♥
Guess what? A foghorn is blowing, I can hear it sounding out up from the water. Later gators. ♥ have a wonderful day! xoxo
The Lemon Pepper Tea Biscuits look delicious! They make me think of Scotland…my sister-in-law lives there with her family. We can’t make the trip this year, but we had an amazing time visiting last winter. Happy Thanksgiving!
Our Thanksgiving dinner would not be complete without mashed carrots and turnips (mixed together) an English tradition my mother must have learned from her mother. Its amazing how this simple golden, orange side dish (tastes better when mashed with a very OLD potato masher) can bring back years of wonderful Thanksgiving memories! The new cookbook looks wonderful! You truly are a Thanksgiving Blessing to us all….. Andrea
Thank you Andrea!
The cookbook got me to thinking…well, about cookbooks. My mother bought “The Joy of Cooking” cookbook for me when I was just starting out on my own. Now, as I am in my 50’s, I still refer back to it for the basics things I need to know, just like I did when I was 18 and learning to cook. It is worn and yellowed, and numerous pages are falling out (cookie baking pages to be exact), but I love it anyway. I have sons, but perhaps I will still pass it down to one of them. Next to my Joy book, are your books. I keep them out of of the sun and harms way. I take them out when I want to cook, or read or display them, or my favorite thing of all…share them with a friend. They are all just as special as my Joy book. This summer I bought two of Julia Child’s books. They aren’t signed or worth a lot of money, but I have enjoyed ready them over tea, just like yours. I hope my name is picked but if not, I hope someone else enjoys this new cookbook. I love my special shelf of “JOY”. 🙂
Loved that!
Oh dear…my apologies for my grammar mistakes! I am a second grade teacher so I should know better but today was an especially long day! I should do my posting in the morning when I am fresh and alert! 🙂
Tracy
You’re fine! Just love having you here!
Hey there Susan,
I’ve been in love with your books, recipes and all for so long I don’t even know how or when “this” started! I open one of your books and just get lost in dreamland! The pictures, drawings, and such just take me away to another time. I have your set of 3 metal tins in my kitchen and enjoy their gentle beauty each time I glance at them. They blend so well with the jadite I’ve collected over the years, here and there when I’m out junking. I love listening to the music you’ve selected and then I go get out my own Billie Holiday cd’s and that sets the tone for the day.
My most unusual Thanksgiving recipe…well it’s not really a recipe. My family is very casual and never does anything too fancy. A few years ago my sister and bil were visiting from Colorado and I bought a bottle of wine to serve, one I’d just seen talked about on one of the morning network tv shows.. I made it a big deal and got out the nice crystal and…..well that wine was horrilbe! It was so bad that no one would even drink it! (it was fun watching everyones faces though, trying to be polite!)
I’ve decided to just stick to our tried and true ways and never try to impress anyone again and just be myself always!
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving…and I’ll be watching for the mailman for that awesome new book!
Love ya,
JUDY
Hi, Susan!
I love the name tag leaf idea! I am going to do that this year. Thank you for such a wonderful idea!
Here’s my strange and unusual Thanksgiving food – creamed onions. Okay, so that doesn’t sound so strange, but there’s a story. My dad loved creamed onions. We had them every Thanksgiving, except the year my step-mom forgot to make them. Dad was quite upset. However, that was the only year there were no creamed onions on the table, and I really do mean the only year. Dad passed away in 1987, and although no one eats creamed onions, my sister and I make sure that they are always on the table, in memory of Dad.
I am very excited about the Where Women Cook cookbook. Thank you for giving away a copy of this beautiful book.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Terry
Very dear!
Hi Sue! I’m excited about the new Where Woman Cook cookbook. I took time out from reading this and went immediately to my library’s website to put a copy on reserve. Happily, I’m the next in line.
Okay, this one’s easy for me. When we were kids, my mom made a concoction that we all thought was delicious. We didn’t have a name for it, so every year we’d ask her to make some more of that strawberry junk (we were eloquent children). Before long, it became known as Strawberry Junk, and it was against the law to leave it off our holiday table. It’s into its third generation and still going strong.
I give you herewith, Strawberry Junk:
1 large box strawberry Jello mixed with 3 cups boiling water. Let thicken in refrigerator, then whip with mixer until it looks bubbly.
Have ready :
1 cup cream, whipped with sugar and vanilla to taste
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 large box frozen strawberries, partially thawed.
Mix everything together and pour it into a serving bowl.
My logical mind tells me this should be dessert, but it has to be served with the main meal at our house. It tastes surprisingly good with turkey 🙂
I totally get it, and he name too! 🙂
Susan~
Oh, I can hardly wait to see the Celebrate cookbook! I adore the magazine, so I know the cookbook must be beautiful. Congratulations on being included with such a wonderful group of bakers….just as it should be!
My favorite food at Thanksgiving is pumpkin pie and it has been that way for as long as I can remember. One of my dearest memories is of my grandmother baking pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving and always making one just for me. She would always pull two pies out of the oven and say, “This one is for Karen.” Now that she has taken up her abode in Heaven, how could I ever love any food more than pumpkin pie?
I hope that you and your family and friends have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!
Kisses~~Karen
Thank you Karen!
LOVE this time of year. Getting ready for Thanksgiving…and my sweet littlest Granddaughter’s 3rd birthday! I usually do not cook Thanksgiving dinner but always make my mother-in-law’s pumpkin pies. I do not know where the recipe originated but suspect a long history (she was born in 1900) Thanks for sharing your world with us Susan. So warm and fuzzy!
What a wonderful surprise that cookbook would be in my mailbox! I would read it cover to cover and then bake/cook my way through it – because it would just be rude not to! Thanks for the chance to win! And Happy Thanksgiving! xo, Nan
Thanks for letting us spend the day with you! Love, love, love that cookbook!
The strangest thing I make for Thanksgiving is “Pink Stuff”. It’s basically a fruit salad of sorts, but very pink and very delicious! I got the recipe from a good friend on the island here and now it is a staple and has taken the place of fruit salad. Yum.
Pink is welcome everywhere! Are you on MV?
I wish I was on MV!! No, I’m in Washington state on little Camano Island. It’s a drive on island about 50 miles north of Seattle. It’s very stormy and blustery this evening with the possiblity of snow this weekend. I’m quite excited! Someday I will visit your island as it’s always been a dream of mine! Maybe I can trick or treat at your house :-).
You would love it!
I have not doubt and I will do it! Marthas Vinyard is on my Bucket List, preferably in the fall.
It really is the best time. Or June first. There is a moment when the roses bloom and it’s usually June 1. 🙂
Hey Susan! I LOVE your books, blog and artwork. My husband doesn’t like turkey, so the last two years I’ve actually had his family over for Thanksgiving brunch…this serves the “not eating turkey” part for him, and since I love cooking breakfast, that helps me! It also helps his family since they drive almost 2 hours to see us, so they are able to come earlier in the day and hopefully leave before dark. Not exactly a “quirky” thing, but there you have it. When his family has hosted for Thanksgiving, they don’t usually have the traditional turkey, etc because they are from Zambia so they serve lots of rice along with a whole host of different foods…not my favorite on this oh-so-American holiday, but what can you do? 🙂
Gotta go with the flow. Maybe you can get a turkey cookie cutter and fill it with your pancake batter ? 🙂
That is a great idea! So clever as always.
🙂
Ahh, Thanksgiving memories!
When my boys were quite small, we had just moved away from family, and were going to be spending Thanksgiving by ourselves. I decided I needed to make it very special. There were of course the usual traditional foods, but I went the extra mile making potatoes, sweet potatoes, three different vegetables, salad, Jello salad, homemade rolls, and ending with 4 different deserts including a lemon meringue pie which I had never made before (unfortunately it didn’t gel!). I set the table with linen tablecloth and napkins and put out my mother’s best china. Also her stemware for water and wine (grape juice for the boys). There were candles and fresh flowers on the center of the table. My youngest son who was about 6 came into the diningroom just as I was finished setting the table. His eyes got really big, and he said “Mom! This is just like living in a palace!!” That made it so worth while, and brought tears to my eyes. A Thanksgiving to remember. 🙂
Thank you so much for all the memories you share with us,
Chris
Adorable!
Guess what, when I was on Amazon the other day I saw the book, saw you where in it,I of coarse had to have it cause you where in it. I got it and love it
Wonderful, thank you Jeanie!
Loved the idea of slipping outside to look in the windows to see everyone around the table………so many memories. Plan to make the heart-shaped tea biscuits soon. Invited to neighbors so won’t be cooking this year. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving….so much to be thankful for. Blessings to you and Joe. From Gail Buss and (my Joe too!)
Thanks Gail and Joe!
I don’t know why but the video clips made me chuckle! The leaf looks as if it’s levitating and you’re chasing it toward the market! As for the book? I’m ready to place my order should the fates not be with me during the drawing…I can’t wait to pour through it! One more thing, you reference your pantry – have we ever seen the pantry? I for one, wouldn’t mind a little peek someday.
I thought I might do that someday! Big pantry in an old house, always fun to see.
Oh how I would love to have a pantry!!! But since I don’t, it would be so nice to have a tour of yours Susan 🙂
The cookbook looks lovely, I will have to get it! My favorite thing for Thanksgiving is the stuffing, always has been, always will be. Such a perfect food, it should be its own food group!
hahahaha!
What a Willard! Think it is your best one yet, Susan. The artwork is lovely and the place settings gorgeous. The music link, however, brought lots of tears to my eyes as well. “Lida Rose” was a very special “tune” to my dear old Great Aunts who subbed for my Grandmother who passed away before I was born. Andy Williams was quite the handsome dude in 1964 and a dead ringer for “Don Draper” of the tv show, “Mad Men”. Hard to believe Andy is now a little old man … of course none of us look or seem any older … lol. Thanks so much for all of the entertainment today.
I’m still singing that song!
Saturday my husband and I enjoyed a Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner with friends. Our contribution was Sweet Potato Casserole. Always a delicious favorite. Sharing an early Thanksgiving dinner and your blog is really getting me in the mood for the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
My favorite part about Thanksgiving Day as a child was watching the NY Macy’s parade on TV…once we saw Santa at the end of the parade we knew we were in for a delicious feast made by Mom and the hoilday season was about to begin. I always loved mom’s bread stuffing … it was the best. And we all sat at the dinning room table with mom’s Irish linen tablecloth on it and her best dishes. It was the one time of year that we said grace at the table…it sounds odd but it made it very special … it made you very aware of how lucky we were to have each other. That special feeling I got as a child … I’m finding it here on your blog…the feeling of friendship. Happy Thanksgiving Susan … .thanks for all the great ideas.
I suppose I’d have to say that our quirkiest Thanksgiving was in 1968. My husband and I had only been married for about a year and had moved from California to Abilene, Texas so that he could finish college. We had no family close by and it was cold and grey, not at all what we were used to. So off we went to the Dixie Pig (the only restaurant open that day) for a delicious meal of chili for our Thanksgiving dinner. Makes us laugh to this day! While the meal and gathering around the table is all a part of Thanksgiving it really is essentially about thanking the Lord for His gracious blessings!
Even for the Dixie Pig Chili! 🙂
I absolutely adore Thanksgiving and all the family time and traditions. This will be the 1st year that we won’t all be able to get together and that makes me sad. I think there are two memories that stick with me and the 1st is when I was a very small child I truly did not like Dressing and my Mother being from the South always made Cornbread Dressing with Oysters?? YUCK and my middle sister and I would stuff our “dressing” down this drain that was in our basement I can’t imagine now if that caused my Dad any pipe problems? It is odd but now as adults we would kill to have my Mothers’ dressing and we tried to make it last year and it just wasn’t the same? The 2nd memory was similar to an earlier message my sister just had to make the turkey her first year married and we were all skeptical but gave in, and she made it breast down? and also left the giblets in the sack (gross) and just cried when she realized that cavity also needed attention!!! We always bring that up every year and I still think almost 30 years later that it still bothers her….if you are lucky enough to have all your family around you this year…treasure the time even if it brings yearly drama….I would give anything to spend the day with my parents and extended family members. Congrats! Susan for all your “honors” and upcoming cookbook I would love to have a signed copy….thank you for thinking of all of us it is greatly appreciated….Happy Thanksgiving preparations to you!!!!
Thanks so much Deborah!!!
Hi again Susan
I left a comment earlier but I totally forgot to say,,, What you said about Thanksgiving day, you call everyone to the table and step outside and look in and see them talking and gathering around the table. That was so fabulous. I loved it. I am going to do that every year and I will take a picture also just like you did. It will be my new tradition. Thanks Susan for making us all so happy and cozy.
deezie
I have a quirky Thanksgiving food, braised chestnuts and celery. Sounds funny tastes delicious!
Hi Susan Bless you for all you do. When I was young my Mother didn’t cook so I would try to get invited to friends houses for dinner, every Thanksgiving for years I went to my friend’s grandma’s house, she was the best cook, when she knew we were coming there would always be chocolate cake and berry pies, she made giblet gravy with mushrooms and hard boiled eggs, that was my favorite part of thanksgiving, my kids hated it so haven’t had it since but I fondly remember those wonderful Thanksgivings.
I love the butter in the different shapes. the cookbook looks fab and i will look for it if i do not win. I make dinner just for 3 or 4 but cook enough for 12!! Love the leftovers. Happy Happy to all.
One year for Christmas (sorry it’s not a Thanksgiving memory…hope it still counts!) my sister and I were in charge and decided we really wanted to make “Magic Jello” for the dinner. It was a favorite of mine growing up…three layers, different fruit in every one, the middle with creamy goodness of mayonaise and cream cheese and walnuts…but we discovered that morning that we were missing one of the ingredients! I got up and drove all over to empty, closed stores but finally found what I needed (was it the mayo?) at an open drug store. We were so relieved and happy. Imagine our shock when the next generation…all our kids….HATED IT! They were appalled that we were eating jello with mayo in it. We were equally appalled at their reaction. It was SOO good. 🙂
PS…I want to go to that cemetery that was on your route to the grocery store! I have such an attraction to cemeteries, I love to wander through and think about the families and stories buried beneath (is that really weird?) and that one looks amazing!
I’m going to take you to one of our old cemetaries . . . they are very beautiful!
Your blog just makes my day! And week 🙂 I wish I could think of something quirky that I’ve had for Thanksgiving in the past but I just can’t.
Enjoy your holiday and friends from England. 🙂
Thank you Barbara!
I just noticed I put smiley faces on my emails a LOT.
YANA (You are not alone :-))
I love to watch everyone on holidays too. When they are all caught up in the moment and just talking and having a good time and not really paying attention to everyone else. I love to see them enjoying themselves and having a great time. That is the best time to take pictures too. Thank you for sharing your week with us. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Michelle
Hi there girlfriend. I so enjoy your life!
How about the thanksgiving without turkey! We were at the kids and they were doing fried turkey. However a major malfunction no one could fix, the turkey was done at 4. We ate at 1. Dessert first, right!
Perfect!
Congratulations on being in the cookbook! Looks like a real winner. Quirky? Maybe not, but sure was good! Pistachio Stuffing a friend of the family used to make. He was from Oklahoma. Real fine cook. I can make it, but doesn’t taste the same!
Oh, I will have to have that cookbook and I will buy a second for a special friend that I know will love it, too. My strangest Thanksgiving food was just last year. My dear Mother-in-law made zucchini stuffing. It was actually quite good once we got over the shock.
Cindy~~I have made zucchini stuffing for several years now and my children who did not use to like stuffing like it! It has sage and basil–really good. 🙂
What a great new book! I’ll definitely be putting it on my Christmas list!!! I made the mistake of just going to the library each fall to check out your Autumn book but never bought a copy of it. Boy, was it hard to find. Finally went to eBay and clicked on the “buy it now button” so I wouldn’t get into competition with the other 5 people who were trying to buy a different copy. What a wonderful compliment to you! The book just arrived in the mail yesterday and I couldn’t be happier.
Strangest thing I’ve ever been served on Thanksgiving: hard boiled eggs in the gravy. Have a delicious turkey day!!!
Glad you got it! Hard boiled eggs in gravy, yes, strange, but creative!
My grandfather had a quirky Thanksgiving specialty, that my sister and I still insist on every year – vanilla ice cream on our chicken and dressing – cornbread dressing my Mom still makes to go alongside the turkey. When our friends and new family members hear about this, they just can’t believe it – but it wouldn’t be the same without that ice cream scoop!
My grandfather “Willard” loved pork chop gravy on his chocolate cake . . . Yours sounds slightly more normal if we think that you are just having creamed chicken and bread pudding!
Whenever I threaten to try something new for Thanksgiving there is a thundering chorus of “No!!!” from my kids (all grown) who cherish Thanksgiving Day as that one sacred holiday that must not be tinkered with, a sure sign of love for the day and it’s traditions. One of those in our family is that there must be enough pumpkin pies on Thanksgiving Day to insure that there will be cold pumpkin pie for breakfast the next morning.
Susan, I love your books, your calendars & especially your blog!
Love, Gale
I love all things Tea, I went thru some things of mine in Storage recently and found my Grandfather’s tea infusers…. (He passed away a few years before I was born)
and today I took a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and found a lovely tea strainer with a drip catcher bowl… then I came home and found your wonderful blog with a lovely recipe for Tea biscuits… it has been a tea filled day for me! Looking forward to receiving my Willard soon!!!
Tina 🙂
Lime green jello for thanksgiving, What! I gently but thoroughly had that changed
to more seasonal fruit choices.
Neat: you, Bakerella, and P.W., all in one book. Thanks for the giveaway, we would all love to have this book. Favorite Thanksgiving dish, haven’t had it since my mom and dad were with us – a simple four ingredient yellow cranberry cake (flour, sugar, an egg, and a cup of cranberries). It’s a little tart but very seasonal, and it goes so well with a dollop of whipped cream!
I loved the oak leaf stuck on your windshield! The quirky food I have ever had was hot dogs (actually weiners) when I was a little girl. I love turkey so I don’t remember why we had the weiners!
For so long I’ve wanted to thank you for all the time, energy, and love you put into your blog, Willard, and just plain friendship. We can all live vicariously through you for a few minutes everyday enjoying life from a far away place. It seems appropriate to write now since it’s a time of giving thanks. When I was young my favorite Auntie always hosted our holiday celebrations. I remember feeling like I was someplace grand and we always dressed in our finery. Can you believe the thing I liked most as a child was the Parker House Rolls that my Auntie made from scratch. Her home always smelled so good. Once, we went to another Aunt & Uncle’s home for Thanksgiving and I remember how it just didn’t feel the same. They lived in San Francisco and my Aunt was an artist, a free spirit, and definately a woman before her time. Well, after she stuffed the turkey in the oven, she loaded all the cousins in the car and we headed for the beach. We dressed in jeans and tennis shoes. It was s sunny day, with no fog, unlike most beach days in San Francisco. We spent the day making sand castles and getting too close to the water edge so we could run from the waves. We spent hours designing our masterpieces and later she took us to the Cliff House for hot chocolate. While it didn’t really seem like Thanksgiving, it was certainly one I remember well. Happy Thanksgiving!
Wow, Susan! Featured in a new cookbook and also in Cape Cod Magazine! Congrats!
Always love your blog and all of the wonderful people here! Just read the latest “Willard” and it’s terrific as always, just like the author! My, but that new cookbook would be a great addition to my collection! Good luck to all of us! Love your suggestion to have chocolate cake and cranberry sauce for breakfast!!! No wonder I think you’re the best!
My “quirkiest” Thanksgiving wasn’t one here at home, but at work. I worked as a Day Care Teacher for 30 years (got laid off b/c of low enrollment, but am starting a new job on Nov. 28th working with disabled adults…I’m SO thankful for that!). Back to Thanksgiving…We had annual Turkey Day parties for the kids at the center. Several years ago we had a new Director. I discovered “domesticity” was not her thing. She asked in advance if I would prepare the turkeys for each classroom (I was given time to come home to do so). I said “Sure. I love to cook!” What a foolish thing to do, as the Director arrived at 8:45 the morning of the big lunch (scheduled for 11:30 a.m.) with 5 huge birds….ALL UNCOOKED AND STILL FROZEN SOLID!!! My mouth dropped open and I know I looked dumbfounded b/c I had assumed they would be precooked and ready to heat up. I know better than to “assume” but that would be the natural assumption for the situation! Anyway, she perkily said “You can microwave them, right?” LOL!!! Needless to say, instead of preparing those uncooked frozen birds, I made a run to the local deli to pick up smoked turkey breasts. The kids were happy and I did eventually roast the turkeys that weekend. The staff had turkey sandwiches for lunch every day, it seemed until about Christmas! LOL!!!
That was a Turkey Day meal to remember forever!
~xoxo~
Hi Susan,
I just LOVE reading your blog. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. I hope this comment gets to where it has to go because…..I want to win that cookbook!!
Hi Susan! The cookbook sounds great! You asked for quirky–our Thanksgiving tradition is to go to our cabin and cook our entire Thanksgiving meal over the campfire and coals in Dutch Ovens! The whole 22 lb. turkey is cooked to perfection in a HUGE and HEAVY dutch oven that my husband or sons must lift for me. In separate Dutch Ovens we prepare sweet potatoes, traditional green bean casserole, dressing, giblet gravey, and whatever else grabs our fancy! We tried pumpkin pie one year, but it was more like pumpkin pudding…apple or peach cobbler in a Dutch Oven is amazing! The entire family helps get the meal prepared, cooked, and on the table. Of course we sit outside at the picnic table to eat our bounty and marvel at God’s beauty and goodness! Thanksgiving blessings to you!
Lime jello with cottage cheese, whipping cream and pineapple bits!
Dear Susan,
The dish I loved the most as a child was my mother’s stuffing. I never heard of another stuffing with mashed potatoes, but as a child, I thought that was how everybody’s was done. She cooked a small pork roast and ground it, then a big batch of mashed potatoes with lots of butter, and added bread, dried just like you do, until it was stuffing consistency. Delicious!
I am going to get that cookbook one way or another! Somerset Studio always does such a beautiful job and I love to see you in print.
Thank you for your wonderful generosity of spirit!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Thank you Lorraine!
I love to see all of your drawings and paintings, they make me so happy, they brighten up my day. Cookbooks are wonderful and when it’s accompanied by your paintings what could be more inspirational? Like you, we will be using the family china for Thanksgiving and hosting my newly married daughter and her husband, also my son and his wife of one year for dinner. I love receiving your blog and realizing how much fun it is to have so many family things in the house, that means my mom is “here” with us all of the time.
Forever and ever.
ham! we started a tradition a few years ago of making a ham & turkey on thanksgiving for a little variety.
WOW I would love to receive this cook book. What away to celebrate Thanksgiving. 🙂 Susan I love your blog. It brings me home……. My favorite Thanksgiving dish is dressing and turkey gravy. I could eat it every day. :))
I absolutely LOVE the Where Women Cook magazine so I already know I would LOVE to add this book to my cookbook collection. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday as it is all about family and stuffing yourself silly with all the dishes you have loved since childhood.
One of my favorite parts of thanksgiving actually happens after dinner, later in the evening. My family (husband and three kids) and I cuddle up and watch “Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving”. I serve them the same menu Chuck serves his friends…..popcorn, jelly beans, pretzels, toast, etc. It’s so much fun and my kids look forward to it every year!
Your blog this morning reminded me of the feature that Country Living did about you (2 or 3 years ago?)…and I remember thinking how wonderful the table for your al fresco dinner looked….the dishes and glasses (those dishes are just wonderful, by the way)…and the lighting – soft, late afternoon, time to celebrate the end of an autumn day kind of lighting. One of my favorite spreads all about you. Now, you are in a fabulous book with other cooks! Can’t wait to see it! I do have a back-up plan if I am not the lucky winner…..thanks to your web store! l0l!!! Thank you for making my afternoon complete with your blog AND your latest Willard! xoxo
Thanks Peg!
Congratulations on being in the cookbook. Looks like a real winner! Quirky?, I don’t know, but is sure was good. A friend of our family’s Pistachio Stuffing. He was from Oklahoma. A real fine cook. I can make it, but it’s not the same………Debra in Ma.
Love all the Thanksgiving stories! This is my favorite day of the year! What is there not to be loved about a day to reflect on all the blessings in my life, my family and stuffing myself like a pig! My favorite Thanksgiving food; mashed carrots, rutabaga & turnips with lots of butter and pepper…..yum! Would love to win the book (if not I will buy anyway! 🙂 Looking forward to the next Willard and will sneak onto my work computer again to print it off for my co-worker so we will have a perfect day!
Although I really enjoy the whole Turkey dinner with all the trimmings, I have always looked forward to the leftover turkey sandwiches on rye bread afterwards!! Little weird to prefer the leftovers, but it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving weekend without them 🙂
I love that someone else uses her ironing board for more than just ironing 😉 Mine always gets extra use preparing for the holidays. My kitties also use it to sit on so they can spy on the dog!!
We don’t usually have quirky food at Thanksgiving -it is traditional all the way. But then again, quirky foods are just some families traditions!
Do you have a “real” pantry? I love old pantries. If I had one, it would be my favorite room in the house.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!!
It is my favorite room!
Although I really enjoy the whole Turkey dinner with all the trimmings, I have always looked forward to the leftover turkey sandwiches on rye bread afterwards!! Little weird to prefer the leftovers, but it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving weekend without them 🙂 Did I mention how much I would ADORE you new book?
I have become quite addicted to your blog! Being a California gal – love to see thru your pics the East coast. Am quite ready for snuggly type weather. My favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal is the stuffing. A family recipe from my Aunty. I could just gorge myself on it. However, a new favorite has also become dividing up the dish prep and decision amongst my kids now 26, 23 & 20 – all of whom cook. What loud chaos this is with all cooking at same time – but I love it! Am a cookbook addict and would love to add to my collection! Thank you so much.
Your blog always makes my day! You are like the whip cream, hot fudge, and the cherry on ice cream! The quirkiest food I have had at Thanksgiving is Tofurky. It does not even come close to the taste of a real turkey! 🙁 I wish you a peaceful and happy Thanksgiving.
Joy
I always thought that might be true! 🙂
Would love to Celebrate winning the Celebrate Cookbook…..hee hee
I am so happy to see your new cookbook as a featured cook. Now I know what I am getting my friend K Bell for Christmas. We both have followed you for years and she was just looking for the magazine that you are featured in today when we went to lunch for her birthday.
Thank You, Susan, for everything.
Happy Thanksgiving Susan!!! 🙂
XOXO
Hi Susan-
Happy to share my most quirky Thanksgiving experience. Hands down it is “Turkey Notes.” Everyone that hears about this gives me a strange look at first but after explaining thinks its a great thing to do with the family. I have several TN devotees now. Some notes get very fancy or not or you can let the kids do it while your busy in the kitchen. This is how you make them. Have earth tone colored craft or crepe paper handy, plain writing paper, glue stick, and fun colored pens. Cut as many as you have guests coming for dinner…4×6 inch squares of colored crepe paper and the same number cut but a little smaller in the writing paper. Next glue on top of each crepe paper the writing paper making sure it is big enough for your note. Now comes the fun part. Think of silly, funny or good things about each guest(no nasty comments allowed) and write a rhymn about them using “Turkey” in it. For ex: last year I made terrible gravy (do not ask)….so Im sure I will get something this year like, turkey red, turkey blue, turkey says your gravy this year does not resemble glue! I know it sounds lame but it can get really hysterical hearing everyones notes read aloud but that is the point. The turkey note writer or writers, need to get someone to write one about them so that everyone is included including the family pet. Id advise parents to check notes that kids write before assembling. Twist and tie ends with ribbon then fringe ends with scissors like old fashion party crackers. Dont forget to label each note with the proper name of the recepiant and put at each place setting. Turkey Notes are not read until the main meal is finished and read with dessert. We have been doing this in our family every Thanksgiving since I can remember and Thanksgiving just would not be what it is without them.
Very sweet idea!!
Thanksgiving in my house wouldn’t be complete without mashed turnips. A little butter and salt and they are good to go. I especially love them the next day right from the fridge!
My favorite memory is of me & my two cousins, aka: The Three Musketeers! Playing and eating together all by ourselves. With out the grown ups. Oh, the stuff we would get into at Grandpas house out on the farm. Sadly they both live in Hawaii now, and don’t get to see them often. I miss them terribly. Thanksgiving and childhood cousins go hand in hand.
Have blessed Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
Congratulations on being featured in the new cookbook! How exciting! Been “leafing” through my Autumn and Christmas books today, making my shopping lists for the upcoming festivities…looking at your books always gets me in the spirit of the season! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Quirky or strange….hmmm….maybe the year my brother and sister in law hosted and the cranberries were raw and mixed with orange peel or when a different sister in law left the bag of assorted gizzard stuff in the cavity all through roasting…it turned out alright 🙂
Yup, you just eat around it! 🙂
Loved looking in your window (Willard)! What an amazing tradition… I can’t wait to try it this year. I’m a California girl and miss your store like crazy. One day I talked with you… I had picked up a vintage garden book and I was carrying it around the store. You asked the sales clerk if someone had bought it and a conversation followed (just the two of us!). When I got home, I found a little bird card in my book (ahh…). Much love to you and all my mutual SB friends (FOSB)! What a great way to end my work day today!
Nice to hear from you Mitzie!! I’m glad you got that little book!
Wow! How special to be included in that cookbook! And I plan to win one or buy one! Whatever it takes!
My favorite thing about Thanksgiving is the Cornbread Dressing. And I can never make up my mind whose was best; my mother-in-law’s or my sister-in-law’s. And of course, there were never recipes! So I’m still trying to even come close to those two wonderful cooks!
Happy Thanksgiving! I LOVE everything about your web-site!
I don’t have anything unusual to report that has happened on Thanksgiving-we just have all the traditional goodies-happily!! We love to watch our first Christmas movie together when we sit down to eat second helpings in the eve. FUN! I think this new book would be wonderful-but then aren’t all books about women and their creativity?
Hi Susan,
As a fellow tea lover, I think you’ll enjoy this:
Vietnamese Monk Tich Nhat Hanh’s Life Philosophy
You must be completely awake in the present to enjoy the tea.
Only in the awareness of the present, can your hands feel the pleasant warmth of the cup.
Only in the present, can you savor the aroma, taste the sweetness, appreciate the delicacy.
If you are ruminating about the past, or worrying about the future, you will completely miss the experience of enjoying the cup of tea.
You will look down at the cup, and the tea will be gone. Life is like that.
If you are not fully present, you will look around and it will be gone. You will have missed the feel, the aroma, the delicacy and beauty of life.
It will seem to be speeding past you.
The past is finished. Learn from it and let it go.
The future is not even here yet. Plan for it, but do not waste your time worrying about it.
Worrying is worthless.
When you stop ruminating about what has already happened, when you stop worrying about what might never happen, then you will be in the present moment.
Then you will begin to experience joy in life.
I am thankful for much as this Thanksgiving approaches and for you, Susan because you share your talents and your life with all of us. Thanks Susan! Smiles, Emily
Very beautiful and so true, thank you Emily! Happy Thanksgiving!
This may not be “quirky” to some, but one year my sis-in-law and her husband hosted Thanksgiving dinner, and they made oyster stuffing – not my favorite kind of stuffing; I prefer cornbread dressing.
The cookbook sounds so lovely and fun; guess my order will be off soon.
I can’t tell you how much I look forward to your beautiful Willard! Thank you for sharing all your talent and positive thoughts!
Well, I suppose the strangest Thanksgiving was to HAVE Thanksgiving!! I married an American and came to live in the US from New Zealand so as well as the seasons flipped – an autumnal November??? how strange!! – was to actually celebrate on a designated day.
Just received this text message from the youngest of my three daughters: “Remember when we saw her (Susan Branch) at Bookends (bookstore, Ridgewood, NJ) together? That was so great. She said so many things that helped me when I was struggling to find my way after dropping out of school. It was a great memory to create together.” This was back in 2004. She had just left a college as a freshman after 1 week – too much craziness going on on the campus. She did go to another school, graduated and is a journalist today. Thank you for the message you sent to all women that day, especially the young ones, that it’s ok if it takes time to find your way.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you Patricia, I am so glad to hear that! I can’t believe the richness that comes with living life a little!
Congratulations on your feature chapter and I can’t wait to see the cookbook at my local book seller’s. I will be sure to ask for it! The strangest thing I ever had for Thanksgiving was pickled herring and cod roe straight from Scandinavia. My lovely and eccentric grandmother’s idea! She said you get double the benefit because you love it when it goes down and the taste lingers for hours afterward. She was referring to the little bubbles that come up and remind us of the sea and saltair and all that is fishiness! I think that’s why she kept a supply of Chiclets handy. Anyway, loving your blog as always!
Ooo would love to have that cook book!! Okay, the strangest thing I’ve ever had at Thanksgiving was last year when my daughter’s boy friend from Korea brought Kimchi for us to enjoy. I mean no disrespect to anyone on this blog who is Korean or just enjoys kimchi. It’s spicy and made from fermented cabbage, onions and cucumbers and is the most common side dish in Korean cuisine. I had a hard time eating it, but I did it. I appreciated this sweet kid’s gesture, so I smiled and tried to look like I was enjoying it. I hope to never have to eat it again! Happy Thanksgiving Susan! I’m thankful for you and all of your yummy recipes, which do NOT call for fermented vegetables!
I’ve been cooking and enjoying trying new recipes for 50+ years now – first learning from my old Fannie Farmer Cookbook – and still enjoying learning new things from Ree, the wonderful Pioneer Woman’s cookbook. I enjoy your blog so much! It’s like getting a new Susan Branch book everyday! I have your books for every season and bring each one out to help inspire me to decorate and celebrate each season in life. Your lemon pepper biscuits sound soooo delicious! Now to find a cast iron pan for heart shaped biscuits. It’s soooo darling, it would look so sweet as a wall decoration when it isn’t in use. is it on your website? Or maybe I should ask Santa for one. If I don’t win the cookbook, I know that it will be on my wish list for Santa for sure! Thank you so much for all that you share. It is so fun and inspiring!
On the blog, where I talk about the pan, you’ll see the letters are in color? That is actually a link to where you can buy the pan on Amazon, just click on it! And thank you Carol!
Thanks for once again making my day with your beautiful blog!
Hi Susan. The firecrackers you made for the holidays last year…. I’m making them for my family for Thanksgiving! It has been so much fun filling them and I can’t wait to see my sisters – and 81 year old Mom – in a moustache. The rule will be that they have to wear them until they’ve shared something they are grateful for. I am so excited about this and have been collecting treasures all year. Thank you for giving me the idea and starting a new tradition for my family. Thank you for sharing the lovely cookbook with your fellow girlfriends. Hugs and blessings to you and your family. Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh how fun!
Susan, like the quote above your Grandma’s Stuffing recipe in your “Autumn” cookbook…”No more turkey, but I’d like another serving of that bread he ate.” This quote made me smile with happiness. The stuffing is definitely the star of the meal for our family with the turkey coming in a close second now that I have learned the brining method. But, back to the stuffing…I have a friend who loves it so much that I make an extra pan of stuffing for her to take home after Thanksgiving Dinner so she has enough for breakfast the next day and to enjoy as leftovers. I also make a fresh batch of stuffing for her annual New Year’s Day open house celebration.
Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
Homemade cornbread (made with yellow cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, butter, and milk…NO SUGAR)…follow the directions on the back of the cornmeal. Bake the night before you make the stuffing, and let it sit on the kitchen counter uncovered to cool overnight.
Chop green peppers, celery, and yellow onion. Place in plastic bag and refrigerate overnight.
The next morning, cook sausage (I use Bob Evans Hot Sausage) in pan.
Crumble cornbread in a large bowl. Add sausage and drippings to bowl.
Melt butter in the same pan you used for the sausage. Add peppers, celery, and onions. Saute until the veggies are tender. Add veggies and butter to the cornbread bowl.
Add sage, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Add chicken stock and mix all ingredients. Adjust seasonings and chicken stock to your taste.
Feel free to stuff the turkey lightly with the mixture OR you can bake the stuffing in separate pans. We do both!
This stuffing is delicious in a turkey sandwich: Bread, mayo, turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mayo, bread…I can hardly wait!!
Oooo Thank you for that recipe!
ok…I need to leave another post because evidently I did not read the complete rules (though, knowing you, they are more of a guideline…). So, here goes…. One Thanksgiving, my inlaws came to dinner at my mother’s house. Quite an event, really, because it was always ‘his family’s’ or ‘my family’s’ turn to have us at the turkey table. This one year, however, the ‘regulars’ that ususally came to my inlaws’ Thanksgiving had other plans, which left them by themsleves. So, my mom invited them…Winifred, Hudson and brother-in-law, Charlie. Everyone knew them but hadn’t really dined with them. There was the usual hub-bub setting the table, filling the cranberry and pickle dishes…Dad was in the kitchen making the gravy with Mom kibitzing. Finally, it was time for everyone to come to the table. We stood at our places, clasped hands and sang the doxology for grace. Everyone sat down and the carving began. Once everyone had their plate, the chatter began…tentative at first…..it was like no one knew anyone…quite awkward, really…..until someone asked for the rolls to be passed. Without missing a beat, my mother-in-law picked up a roll and launched it across the table! There was the briefest of pregnant pauses….and then, hysterical laughing! We never had a tenatively quiet table again!
I love having tea with my girl friends wether at home or at a great tea shop. I am a collector of beautiful tea cups and love to serve friends tea in them. So It will be fun to share your tea biscuits with my friends. Anyway, the unusual food at our Thanksgivng table is, well there are two, Derby Pie, this is usually eaten around the Kentucky Derby in May, but we are not from Kentucky so we can change it up, and Sour Cream Apple Pie, a family recipe coming from my husband’s side.
Have more cookbooks than I really have room for already, but could not resist one as delish as the “Celebrate!” book. Many, many moons ago, when my folks still trod the earth and lived across the street from my hubby and me, I suggested bringing the stuffing to our Thanksgiving get-together. I decided to look for something out-of-the-ordinary, and found “Corn Tortilla and Chorizo Stuffing.” Well, do you think I could find chorizo sausage ANYWHERE back then? And do you further think I was industrious enough to cut corn tortillas into strips and fry them? I didn’t even know how, in those days. SO… I presented “Fritos and Smoked Sausage Stuffing” on Thanksgiving day, and guess what? It was great! Who would’ve guessed? 😀
People who can adapt are the best cooks! Thank you Erin!
I love this connection I have found through your blog!
My heart fills with HAPPY!! So, joyful Thanksgivings
to all! I am hoping that all the yummy dishes we prepare
this year in my kitchen, bring contentment to all who sit
around our old wooden table, with hand in hand!
So happy to have you here Mary Kathleen! You have a wonderful name!
Hi Susan, I’m so excited about the Celebrate cookbook!!! I laughed when you said your favorite Thanksgiving recipe is Rainbow Jell-O…that’s mine toooo! My family looks for it everytime!
Nothing strange or quirky, my favorite is my mom’s stuffing, with the giblets!
Oh my gosh, 805 responses already. Well I want to win so I will comment and say so! I have been wondering if I should make your rainbow jello salad now that I have the book with the recipe in it. I made the brownies a couple of weekends ago, wonderful with ice cream! I make a new desert every year besides hubs apple pie and pumpkin pie. No one ever knows what it will be until the day. Everything else is the usual Thanksgiving fare
The Rainbow JellO is so pretty, and mixed with sour cream, so it isn’t too sweet. Joe even asks for it, and he’s not a sweets guy!
Our family’s favorite Thanksgiving dish: Grandma Carol’s candied sweet potatoes. She made them in an electric skillet, with a whole box of brown sugar, and LOTS of butter. Just when we thought the dish was finished, we’d catch her dropping an extra stick of butter in, just for good measure…
Susan:
Your blogs are SUCH mood-lifters! I’m a school teacher, and sometimes check my email at recess. When I see there’s a Susan blog, I have to resist the urge to open it real quick and take a peek – you see, reading your blog requires sitting in my favorite rocking chair with a cup of coffee (just can’t get myself to switch to tea!), and savoring every little bit!
This isn’t an unusual Thanksgiving thing, but the first thing that popped into my mind is sitting at the “kids” table with all the cousins, putting black olives on each finger and then eating them only after swinging our hands around and playing a bit. Such an irresistible thing for kids.
And such good memories of Thanksgivings gone by.
‘
Hi Susan,
I have stayed with traditional fare for Thanksgiving. However, I am getting a kick out reading about all of the quirky jello recipes. Growing up in Minnesota, I can’t remember a holiday meal/gathering without jello. I believe I have had almost every jello concoction imagineable. I love Thanksgiving- have had some years with a houseful of company, and some years with just my husband and kids. Love it no matter how many people are there. Wishing a wonderful day of Thanksgiving to all! (the book looks wonderful!)
Thanks Sandy!
Upon marrying my dear hubby, I was introduced to this Thanksgiving side-dish, and it’s been making an appearance for 43 years — plus, it’s super easy to make:
Beet Salad
Drain one can of diced or julienned beets.
Add a good-sized dollop of Miracle Whip (or your favorite salad dressing — I use the Light version) and a tablespoon of sweet relish.
Mix, chill, then serve in a pretty dish!
**Looks nice and colorful at Christmas dinner, too. I actually make it now whenever we have a big turkey dinner. All side-dishes were greatly appreciated about 15 years ago when I dropped the fully-cooked turkey (on the hand-me-down platter from my dad) on the kitchen floor. It broke into as many pieces as the platter — I believe I mourned more for the loss of the platter and the memories of it always stirred than for the turkey meat!
PS-Thanks for the tip of early gravy making — I never thought to do that, and it’s always the thing that holds me up during those last minutes of meal prep.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Just an after-thought: How many of you catholics out there remember coming home from a date or outing the Friday after Thanksgiving, maybe around 11 or 11:30 pm, and sat and waited til midnight so you could dig into the leftover turkey? My dad used to leave a note on the kitchen counter reminding us: “No meat til after midnight — It’s Friday!!!”
I loved seeing your trip to Cronig’s with your little hitch-hiker! I can’t believe all the leaves are still on the trees! The cookbook looks wonderful – that’s one of the good things about the colder weather – we get to stay inside and cook a little more! Martha
We sure do!
Hey Susan! I love the music! I love to cook and love your blog. I am excited for Thanksgiving because I get to cook this year and everyone is coming to our house. I guess this officially makes me a grown up…. I definitely appreciate all the great ideas to help me out. I guess the craziest thing I had for Turkey day was roast duck instead of turkey. I was like what!!!! Duck!!!??? It was delicious!!!!! Much to my surprise! 🙂
Love and Hugs,
Lisa
I get so excited to see when you have a new post!! It is like a visit with an old friend!
I have to say the year my mom tried to trick us and put oysters in all of the dressing instead of just her half. Ick! 🙂 It is a favorite for her but for all the rest of us…not so much. Thanks for the giveaway!!! Happy Thanksgiving Susan! 🙂
Susan-
Congrats on the cookbook! I can’t wait to see it!
This year my sister and I are planning our “Susan Thanksgiving” We adore you and all your books and recipes. We started the first week of October and have been baking and cooking our way through the fall book. She lives in another town so we meet together with you for tea and talking every afternoon. We call eachother and talk about what recipe we tried that day, we get online to check out your blog. We talk about what we are decorating, admire your favorite book list and talk about how many of your favorites are our favorites. You join us everyday! Our husbands (especially mine) tease us about how much we talk about you and act as if we are all best friends. I have tried to explain that I do know you and we are girlfriends. Kindred spirits.
Thank you for inspiring me and my sister! Thank you for giving us a comforting sweet place to meet 🙂 You are truely wonderful!
Don’t worry, Joe teases me about how much I talk about YOU — so it’s equal!! Thank you Heather, say hello to your sister for me!
Hello! Growing up my family kept Thanksgiving very traditional. Then, in 1998 I married into a family that keeps holiday dining far from boring. A few years back we were all told to bring (hopefully a food item) something to contribute to “stone soup” for all to share. This came from the story of “stone soup” which I am having trouble remembering right now. The soup was just fine. I have also enjoyed a completely green meal on St. Patrick’s Day with my husband’s family. I took broccoli to keep it naturally green, but the mashed potatoes were enhanced with green food coloring. I actually have a photo of me and my plateful of green food. I don’t mind the quirky new ideas as long as I have my cranberry relish, roast turkey, gravy and filling. I will eat the sweet potatoes in any form. Hope all enjoy a yummy Thanksgiving.
I had one of the pickiest children alive, he was a natural born (and very loud) complainer.
But one day I found a recipe that he LOVED… I can’t even remember where I found it – probably on the whipped topping package or somewhere silly like that.
But since then, I always made sure I took it to parties, family dinners, etc., because that way I knew there would always be SOMETHING my boy would eat!
Over the years, it became my “signature dish” and everyone still asks me to bring it – I swear my in-laws think it’s the only thing I can cook! 🙂
Super simple – 1 pkg. Strawberry Jello, 1 pkg. Cool Whip, 1 carton Cottage Cheese. (Don’t mix the jello with water – just pour the powder right from the box!)
Stir them up in a bowl until well blended, add fruit if you want to (my son would never let me!)
Chill in the refrigerator until set. (About a half hour.)
We just call it “Pink Salad.”
Can’t wait to find the cook book at my local store – it sounds delightful!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Susan,
I can’t wait to see the book! Thanks for a chance to win one. When my oldest son was a child he always begged for pizza for his Thanksgiving meal – he hated all Thanksgiving foods! He’s 29 now and has branched out a little, but Thanksgiving foods are still his least favorite.
Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your world!
Donna
Oh my gosh…I’m having a Susan Branch day! First…I see your Stockbridge Mass plate- I was just at the Red Lion last weekend with “the girls.” It’s an awesome place, Norman Rockwell’s idea of America! Then…the lemon pepper biscuits…in the heart shaped cast iron pan, which I OWN! Ha! I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never used it..but I sure will now! Thanks for the recipe…off to check ingredients! My quirky Thanksgiving food… Iceberg lettuce with 3 (not 4…not 2…but 3) pieces of canned asparagus with a dollop of Miracle Whip dressing. It’s been served every single year for Thanksgiving as log as I have a memory of the meal…and that’s a lot of them. It’s kinda gross…mushy asparagus…but, it’s tradition! haha! This year I’m debating change it out for Waldorf salad…hopefully they won’t lynch me! Happy Thanksgiving Susan. I’m thankful for you!
Let’s hope they don’t lynch you, but it sounds good to me!!!
There’s already 805 entries and I’ll be 806. That seems like a lucky # to me so Happy Thanksgiving Susan and hope I win for a change. Hugz!!
Good evening, Susan….We are having a lovely rainy day today, which is great if you don’t have to be out in it. I guess the weirdest and really great tasting dish we’ve ever had was Cheesy Carrots and they were actually very good. My sister-in-law brought them one year. I guess maybe I’ll dig out that recipe for this Thanksgiving. My wonderful daughter and her husband are hosting everyone this year for the first time ever. Of course Mama will have to bring a bunch of the foods as this is the first time they will attempt a turkey. Wish us luck…..Have a great one….Lorie
My strangest Thanksgiving was 1972.. spent in New York City where at 18 years old I was working as a nanny. A girlfriend (who was also a nanny) and I watched the Macy’s Day Parade on Central Park West and then went to a restaurant for a “Thanksgiving Day meal” only to realize the ONLY thing on the menu we could afford was an omlet! So we had Thanksgiving Day omlets and they were yummy!
I bet they were!