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From our home to yours... we send warm southern greetings and sincere wishes for a blessed holiday season. (During this time of American conflict and threat of terrorism on our God-given freedoms let us be ever more mindful of our prayers of thanksgiving and peace not just on this special day but every day. Humbly beseech God's tender mercies as He watches over all of His creations.)
Thanksgiving tradition means different things to different people. Below is what it has meant to our family over the years. First and foremost, it's a time of heart-felt thanksgiving to our Creator for the many blessings we have received as Americans. It's a time for our families and friends to come together and share good times and good food. Celebrations in the South are almost always centered around our faith and an abundant menu often referred to as a "groaning board." Below is our Thanksgiving Dinner menu from the year 2000... the menu varies somewhat occasionally but carries the same theme year after year. Note that southern tradition dictates that there will always be at least two meats and one seafood. Sweet side dishes are served with the meal and desserts are always plentiful. Don't count the calories and don't weigh for a few days! Just give thanks, fill your plate from the bounty and enjoy! This menu is planned to serve at least 25 or more people amply... and of course, there is always plenty extra should a few extra friends happen to "drop-in". Left-overs the following day is always another day of Thanksgiving for the cook!
"Bless us O Lord and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord... Amen"
Roast
Turkey Baked Ham
with Apricot Glaze Oyster
Casserole Chicken
and Pastry Cornbread
Dressing Giblet
Gravy Rice Pilaf Rutabaga
Turnips Fresh
Collards with pepper sauce French-style
String Bean Casserole Creamed
Pearl Onions Fresh
Dixie Lee Peas Creamed Corn
Soufflé Candied
Yams with pecans Deviled
Eggs Blueberry-Cream
Cheese Salad Homemade
Southern Biscuits Iced Tea
– Fresh Ground Coffee Pumpkin
Pies Double
Chocolate Pound Cake
Banana
Pudding
This meal is always served at 7 o'clock in the evening, which gives me ample time to prepare the food, see to it that the linen is pressed and the silver is polished. Cooking begins the night before and continues most of the day. It also gives the family time to enjoy their day off from work. Our son usually goes deer hunting early in the morning. In fact, he harvested his first deer one cold Thanksgiving morning. The guests are welcome to arrive at any time during the day. A helping hand is always appreciated in the kitchen if one should be inclined to arrive early and offer assistance. Of course, should the men tire of swapping stories there are the parades to watch and football to entertain until the dinner bell rings. Special note: Should you happen to see a dish that you would like the recipe for just drop me a request in my email. I'll be very happy to share the recipe with you.
Be sure to visit my Christmas pages
For a very special treat clink on the SSS banner above to learn what some of my dearest friends and I are thankful for this year.
Thank you "Mary Bear" for the 9/11 graphic
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