Thanksgiving is a day of national celebration. It’s also celebrated in Canada as well. Per Wikipedia “Setting aside time to give thanks for one’s blessings, along with holding feasts to celebrate a harvest, are both practices that long predate the European settlement of North America. The Puritans observed days of fasting to fast and pray for God’s favour, as well as days of thanksgiving to thank God for a bountiful harvest, victory and other joyous occasions. Documented thanksgiving services in territory currently belonging to the United States were conducted by Spaniards and the French in the 16th century. These days of thanksgiving were celebrated through church services and feasting.”
Today, we use this day to share our thanks for what we have during the year. Things people are thankful for include rain, a wedding, newly born children, their families, and the list goes on and on. One tradition I particularly enjoy is a prayer given by the King or Queen of the house for those things we are especially thankful for.
Thanksgiving Main Dishes
Perfect Mashed Potatoes – the perfect mashed potatoes are a mainstay for Thanksgiving dinner. While I understand the recipe says it’s lumpless, I’ve decided that mashed potatoes are enjoyed more if there are a few small lumps left behind. The family has decided that the best seasoning besides salt and pepper is a little bit of garlic powder.
Thanksgiving Sides – With the large family that we host every year, we usually go for frozen vegetables with the exception of carrots. Those are cooked fresh every single time. Here are some other sides you might see on the table.
Thanksgiving Turkey with Stuffing – This is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving dinner. Cooked to an golden brown while being moist inside is the bane of many a new bride. There is an art to cooking the perfect bird. I’ve made this recipe before and it is beyond delicious.
Thanksgiving Desserts
Of course, you need Grandma’s Pumpkin Pie recipe. Probably it’s been handed down generation to generation. Something Cream Pies are also a Thanksgiving thing.
Mom’s Lazy Apple Pie – Remove the bottom crust of a frozen pie crust. Cook according to the directions. Cool. When cool to touch, spread 1 can of Apple Filling into the pie crust and even it out. On top, place a top layer from the frozen pie crust and score the top. Bake according to directions. Can be topped with either cheddar cheese slice or vanilla ice cream.
Variation of Mom’s Lazy Apple Pie – You can replace the apple pie filling with any canned fruit filling. If you are using a filling like Lemon Pie Filling, I would suggest a graham cracker crust. The topping for a Lemon Pie such as this would be whipped cream to offset the sourness of the lemon pie.
S’More Pie – Mix a box of milk chocolate INSTANT pudding with the required milk. Mix thoroughly. Pour into a premade graham cracker crust. Put in refrigerator until pudding sets firmly. Top with whipped cream. Shave a milk chocolate bar over the top as a garnish. Place on table and watch it disappear before your very eyes!