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You are here: Home / Archives for Recipes / Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays!

Gorgeous Halloween Tablecloth and Matching Napkins

August 24, 2017 By Joi Sigers

Halloween Tablecloth
Halloween Tablecloth

I get as excited about holidays and big events as any child could ever hope to.  I go all out with the different seasons and holidays when it comes to decorating our house – especially the kitchen. I guess that’s because it’s where I spend most of my time. Might as well be festive!

About a year ago I fell head over heels in love with setting the dining room table with placemats, seasonal napkins, and seasonal centerpieces.  I love that it always looks beautiful – when our cats consent to leave things as they are, that is.

While I normally have placemats and napkins, I do love the occasional tablecloth. When I saw the gorgeous Halloween Tablecloth (pictured above), I knew full well what our table would be wearing from September 1 to October 31. What’s equally delicious is the fact that matching napkins are also available – you find them on the same page the tablecloth is on.

You can also find black spiderweb placemats to go on the tablecloth (similar to the ones pictured at the top). So much loveliness I can hardly stand it.

Then again, you could go with regular black placemats, which could then be used at other times during the year.

I also love the Kitchen Towel Set below. Because I am a prototypical crazy cat lady, I’m showing the black cat version (come on, how could I not?) but there is also an adorable pumpkin and a great looking witch towel – it’s green with witch-y legs and a hat at the top. Darn cute.

The cat and the pumpkin go especially well with the tablecloth set.

I have so much shopping to do…


Black Cat Towel


Filed Under: Halloween Decorations, Happy Holidays!, Kitchen Design Tagged With: Halloween kitchen decor, Halloween kitchen linens, Halloween tablecloth

Creamy Salsa Dip: Perfect for New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day or Anytime…

December 30, 2016 By Joi Sigers

Creamy Salsa Dip
When I was sent the recipe for Creamy Salsa Dip –  created by Chef Anthony Stewart from Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa  – I rounded up the ingredients immediately. I knew this was something I had to make immediately.

I am a dip fanatic and anything that calls for both sour cream AND green onions is something I have to have in my life.

This creamy and delicious dip has a lot going on for it. For one thing, most of us already have the ingredients on hand. I only had to grab fresh sour cream because Christmas Day had confiscated every container I owned.

I also love that it’s inexpensive to make – as in very inexpensive. Post-Christmas shopping, we could all use that, right?!

The best thing about the dip, however, is the taste. It is outrageously delicious. I served mine with Glutino Crackers and Veggie Chips. When I break it out for football on TV later, I’ll serve vegetables with it.

After I made one batch and tasted it… I made another right away. It’s THAT yummy.

Creamy Salsa Dip and Glutino Crackers
Creamy Salsa Dip

Creamy Salsa Dip by Chef Anthony Stewart

  • 1/2 cup yogurt (plain, nonfat)
  • 4 tablespoons sour cream (reduced-fat)
  • 1/4 cup green onions finely chopped (white and light green parts only)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 2/3 cup salsa ( (non chunky varieties)
Instructions
  1. Mix by hand all ingredients, except for 1 tablespoon of green onions (which will be used as garnish topping).

Thanks so much to  Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa for passing this delicious recipe along to my readers (and me!)

Creamy Salsa Dip and Veggie Chips

Filed Under: Cooking on a Budget, Dips and Sauces, Happy Holidays! Tagged With: Creamy Salsa Dip recipe, Dip for New Year's Day, dip recipes, New Year's Eve recipes

Gorgeous Christmas Kitchen Towels on Amazon

September 27, 2016 By Joi Sigers

The set of three Christmas Kitchen Towels pictured here are, without a doubt, some of the most beautiful kitchen towels I’ve ever laid eyes on.  I have an obsession, if we’re being honest, with kitchen towels. Each holiday – as well as each season – I grab whatever colorful, festive towels catch my eye. I leave the oven mitts and pot holders where they sit, but the towels always come home with me.

Naturally, given the level of my fanaticism, I’m already eyeing Christmas, Halloween, and Thanksgiving towels. The Christmas ones, above, are a given – they have a future in my kitchen.

I hope they enjoy the smell of coffee. Like, a lot.

  • Set of 3 dishtowels measures 18 x 28″ to tackle all of your drying and cleaning kitchen tasks
  • Ultra-absorbent 100% cotton which last long  and can hold up to your washings – Purchase confidently
  • The festive embroidery coordinate with most kitchen décor & add some holiday cheer to your kitchen
  • Perfect gift for Christmas, party, holidays, birthdays, housewarming and more
  • Machine washable and durable for daily use –Wash with Cold Water in Gentle Cycle & Tumble Dry Low

See Christmas Kitchen Towels for more details. Check out the reviews for these towels, too, while there.  There are a lot of RAVING reviews from very satisfied customers. I love to see that, right before I throw my towels into my shopping cart!


Filed Under: Christmas Gift Guide, Christmas Shopping, Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Gift Ideas for Cooks, Happy Holidays! Tagged With: Christmas gift ideas for cooks, Christmas kitchen towels, gift ideas

Cilantro Lime Slaw: Delicious Side for Cinco de Mayo

May 2, 2016 By Joi Sigers

Pasolivo Lime Olive Oil
Pasolivo Lime Olive Oil 
Some time back, I wrote a raving Pasolivo Olive Oils Review. Their flavored olive oils will completely change how you look at olive oil. Don’t get me wrong, olive oil is one of the centerpieces of my cooking – but Pasolivo’s flavorful olive oils (like the Lime Olive Oil pictured here) change the game by adding extra layers of flavor that’ll rock your world.

The lime, rosemary, basil, and citrus olive oils are each phenomenal and I completely recommend them – to the tune of 110 percent. Pasolivo’s Artisan Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil is unlike any you’ll ever find, too.

However, this post is all about the Pasolivo Lime Olive Oil, so let’s give him all of our attention. Below is a delicious recipe using Pasolivo Lime Olive Oil and I know you’ll be as impressed with it as I am.

I use the Pasolivo Lime Olive Oil in so many different ways – from black bean burgers to fish and from roasted asparagus to chicken. Most recently, I used it with grilled chicken tacos and the extra flavor they gave the tacos was mind-blowing.

Grilled Chicken Tacos
Grilled Chicken Tacos
My husband had grilled chicken for our annual NFL Draft Day party (sporting events are treated like holidays in this family). I saved what little chicken was left for the next day. After tearing the meat off of the bones, I tossed the chicken in some Pasolivo Lime Olive Oil, seasoned it with salt/pepper and heated it up in a skillet. Because the Olive Oil, itself, is so flavorful, I didn’t need any further seasoning that that. They were fantastic!

Cilantro Lime Slaw: Delicious Side for Cinco de Mayo

Print this recipe
Joi Sigers
May 2, 2016
by Joi Sigers
Category Food Reviews Happy Holidays! South Of the Border
Cilantro Lime Slaw

Ingredients

  • 1 head green cabbage
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1 medium Serrano pepper
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup Pasolivo Lime olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup of mayonnaise or to taste

Instructions

  1. Whisk vinegar, oil, sugar, salt & pepper in a bowl.
  2. Add cilantro & Serrano pepper.
  3. Cut cabbage into quarters then into strings.
  4. Add mayo to vinegar mixture until blended, then toss in cabbage to coat.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes before serving.
  6. Toss a few times again before serving to meld the flavors.

Tags

Cilantro,
Cilantro Lime Slaw,
Cinco de Mayo side recipes,
Lime,
Slaw Recipes

See Also:

  • Pasolivo Olive Oils
  • Pasolivo Recipes
  • Do You Know What’s in Your Olive Oil?

Pasolivo Lime Olive Oil

Pasolivo Lime Olive Oil

Filed Under: Food Reviews, Happy Holidays!, South Of the Border Tagged With: Cilantro, Cilantro Lime Slaw, Cinco de Mayo side recipes, Lime, Slaw Recipes

Most Popular Sides for Thanksgiving

November 19, 2015 By Joi Sigers

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

Whether I’m cooking/eating at home or eating in a restaurant, I’m all about the sides. Sure, I love meat, but the sides (for me) are where magic happens. Each Thanksgiving – in addition to turkey and/or ham and enough pies for an army, I like to fix my family’s traditional sides (dressing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry relish, and corn) but I also like to throw a “newbie” into the mix. Last year it was a SWEET yam dish with marshmallows and pecans…. come to think about it, that guy was so delicious I’m pretty sure he gets another invite.

I haven’t decided what our “extra” surprise side will be this year, and I’m just about out of time! I’m leaning toward honey glazed carrots.

It’s estimated that Americans consume over 51 million turkeys (USDA) each Thanksgiving. But what side dish do people think best compliments Tom?

Ranker is here to give us the lowdown with results of its public poll in which they asked people to rank the best Thanksgiving Side Dishes.  According to more than 9,700 votes, mashed potatoes are the #1 favorite Thanksgiving side dish. The poll included 34 side dishes to choose from and closed voting yesterday, November 18, 2015.

The Top 10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes as determined by more than 9,700 votes are as follows:

1. Mashed Potatoes
2. Stuffing
3. Gravy
4. Bread
5. Green Bean Casserole
6. Corn on the Cob
7. Macaroni and Cheese
8. Baked Sweet Potatoes
9. Sweet Potato Pie
10. Crescent Rolls

Ranker’s poll also reveals:

  • Men voted stuffing as their favorite side and included brussel sprouts and garlic bread in their top 10
  • Women included yams and green beans in their top 10
  • Millennials chose stuffing as their #1 Thanksgiving side
  • Baby Boomer voters included cranberry jelly in their top 10

About Ranker:
Ranker is the #1 online destination for broad, opinion-based, crowdsourced rankings of everything. The company’s technology is centered on user engagement, turning its lists into the “best possible rankings” based on the wisdom of crowds.

A Quantcast Top 100 site, Ranker attracts more than 23 million monthly unique visitors. As a result, Ranker has one of the world’s largest databases of opinions with more than 100 million votes gathered on 50,000 items. Follow Ranker on Facebook at facebook.com/Ranker and on Twitter @Ranker.

If, like me, you’re still pulling it all together for Thanksgiving, you still have time to check the Thanksgiving Store on Amazon for last minute pans, dishes, kitchen utensils, gadgets, cloth napkins, gluten free food (like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Pie Crust Mix or Glutino Gluten Free Pie Crust Mix I don’t know how I’d live without them!), etc.

Filed Under: Happy Holidays!, Thanksgiving Recipes Tagged With: Foodie news, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving sides

Halloween Salt and Pepper Shakers and Sets

August 28, 2015 By Joi Sigers

Halloween Ghost Salt and Pepper Shakers

I have a confession to make. Each and every year, like clockwork, I decorate for Halloween the first day of September.

I have another confession to make. It’s August 27th and I spent the morning putting out my Halloween decorations.  Please try not to judge me. Basically I’m a six year old that never quite grew up. This fact can be a real pain when it comes to controlling spending and candy impulses, but it certainly makes holidays a lot of fun.

As a salt and pepper shaker collector, it occurred to me – as I found perfect 2 month homes for my collection of “happy” ghosts (when I was a little girl, I was scared of any ghosts that weren’t “happy” – guess I assumed that if they were smiling they meant me no harm), scarecrows, trick or treating bears, and the rest of the gang – I don’t have a single set of Halloween salt and pepper shakers.

Not a single set! How did this happen?? Fortunately, I know the way to Amazon.

This post is for the other holiday lovers out there as well as other salt and pepper shaker collectors.


Cat & Pumpkin Salt & Pepper Set
As a cat lover, I’m pretty sure the set shown above will be the first one I order. I have two black cats of my own and two “grandkitties” that are black, too, so I’ve got a thing for black cats anyway. Contrary to what some knuckleheads may believe, black cats are actually good luck – and very, very beautiful!


Black Bat Halloween Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
 

While I can’t claim to own any black bats of my own and have no idea whether they’re lucky or not, I do think the set above is downright adorable.


Tombstone & Cauldron Salt & Pepper Shaker Set
For those of you who don’t mind a little spooky in your Halloween…


Spooky Skeleton Chef Glass Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
The handsome guys above and below would be just the sort of salt and pepper shaker sets two of my three daughters would go for. The other one is a total chicken like her mom.


Scary Skeleton Glass Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
You can find pages and pages of great Halloween Salt and Pepper Shakers on Amazon. Most are uncommonly inexpensive and all are a lot of fun. Ghouls, monsters, vampires, pumpkins, bats, zombies….


Filed Under: Halloween Decorations, Happy Holidays!, Salt and Pepper Shakers Tagged With: Halloween kitchen decor, Halloween salt and pepper shakers

King of Pop Patriotic Gourmet Popcorn: Cherry, Blueberry, and Kettle Corn

June 29, 2015 By Joi Sigers

King of Pop Patriotic Popcorn

King of Pop Patriotic Popcorn

As I’ve said several times on Get Cooking, I’m a huge fan of Gourmet Gift Baskets.com. HUGE. The idea of giving delicious gifts (always the right fit, size, and color) just really floats my boat.

The fact that everything Gourmet Gift Baskets is absolute perfection makes that same boat skip across the water!

What you see pictured here is from one of Gourmet Gift Baskets companies, King of Pop. This is the beautiful and delicious King of Pop Patriotic Popcorn: Cherry Blueberry, and Kettle Corn. You get the cherry and blueberry flavors along with the GREAT flavor of the kettle corn.

{Review Continued Below….}

King of Pop Gourmet Red White and Blue Popcorn

King of Pop Patriotic Popcorn

These tins are available on both Gourmet Gift Baskets and King of Pop – same price, same fast delivery, same ease of purchase. The choice is yours.

I read on one of the websites where someone left a comment saying they wished the tins were more “patriotic,” maybe with a flag or something.  I’d have to politely disagree a little. I love for tins to be reusable as much as possible and think that a solid color or a handsome design (like the one here) is right on the money.

In fact, this Patriotic Blend isn’t just perfect for the Fourth of July, President’s Day, Patriot’s Day, or Flag Day – it’s IDEAL for those of you who are Patriots fans or would make a perfect gift for the Patriots fan in your life.

Same would hold true for Texas Rangers fans and other sports teams with the colors red, white, and blue.

If the tin were decorated solely for the Fourth of July (or President’s Day, Patriot’s Day…), it’d be a little awkward to give as a gift on any other day.

{Review Continued Below….}

King of Pop Gourmet Patriotic Popcorn
King of Pop Patriotic Popcorn
See either Gourmet Gift Baskets or King of Pop for ordering information. I’m honestly not sure how many days it’d take to get to you, but you may very well be able to order it now and have it in time for the Fourth of July.

How cool would that be?

Either way, this popcorn blend is absolutely delicious as well – and gorgeous to boot.

King of Pop Patriotic Popcorn

Filed Under: Daily Gift Ideas for Foodies, Food Reviews, Game Day, Gift Ideas, Happy Holidays!, Reviews, Shop Tagged With: Fourth of July, gift idea for Patriots fans, gourmet popcorn, popcorn

Creative Holiday Desserts: Quick and Easy Two-Ingredient Recipes

December 3, 2013 By Joi Sigers

 

The holidays often conjure up memories of our mothers or grandmothers making delicious homemade treats.  They spent hours making batches of goodies for the family to enjoy and everyone appreciated the scrumptious fruits of their labor.  Many of us would like to continue that tradition of holiday baking, but the hustle and bustle of the season can sometimes get in the way.  From wrapping gifts and writing Christmas cards to trimming the tree and attending neighborhood parties, it can be tough to find the time to even get dinner on the table, much less try to make time-consuming, difficult desserts.  Fortunately, there are simple shortcuts you can use to make the holiday sweets your family and friends love without all the usual time and hassle.  Here are some creative holiday dessert recipes with just two ingredients each:

1. Fudge

Fudge is the treat everyone wants, but no one wants to take the time to make it.  The traditional recipe can require nearly a dozen ingredients as well as multiple pots and candy thermometers.  It takes hours to prepare and if you don’t have much candy-making experience, the end result can be a sticky, clumpy disaster.  Instead, skip the intensive process of old-fashioned fudge and opt for this quick and easy stand-in.  For classic chocolate flavor, all you’ll need is a can of chocolate frosting and a bag of chocolate chips.  Melt the chips in the microwave and stir in the can of frosting until well-blended.  Spread the mixture into a lined pan and chill until set.  Now it’s ready to be cut into bars to give in your holiday treat bags.  This recipe can also be used to make other fudge flavors.  Vanilla frosting and white chocolate chips will make decadent vanilla fudge.  Strawberry frosting with white chocolate chips makes sweet and fruity strawberry fudge.  You can even make peanut butter fudge by swapping out the chips for a jar of peanut butter and stirring in a can of melted vanilla frosting.  No matter what flavor you choose, you’ll have creamy and delicious fudge in minutes rather than hours.

Shop online for name-brand kitchen supplies at Instawares.  Choose from the latest in flatware, dinnerware, kitchen equipment and much more.

2.  Holiday bark

This is another perennial favorite at many holiday family gatherings and parties.  Simply melt a bag of chocolate chips (or your choice of flavor) and combine with your favorite mix-ins.  Spread the mixture into a lined, shallow pan and allow it to chill in the fridge.  Once it’s set, lift it out of the pan and break into jagged pieces.  Having a variety of sizes will allow each guest to choose how much of this holiday treat he or she wants to indulge in.  Chocolate almond bark is a classic and vanilla bark with crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles is always a hit with the kids.  However, why not try something new this year?  Pair white chocolate chips with chocolate sandwich cookies for the delicious flavor of cookies and cream.  Combine peanut butter chips and peanut butter sandwich cookies or chopped peanut butter cups to please all the peanut butter lovers in your life.  You could even use butterscotch chips with pretzel stick chunks for a sweet and salty experience that’s sure to be the hit of any holiday get-together.  With such quick preparation and only two ingredients, you can whip up holiday bark all winter long.

3. Cake

You might be wondering how you could possibly bake a cake with just two ingredients, but it’s easy if you take a couple of shortcuts.  Melt a pint of your preferred flavor of ice cream, add it to your choice of boxed cake mix and you’ve got instant cake batter.  Just pour the batter into a cake pan or some cupcake holders and bake according to the package instructions.  Soon, you’ll have a delectable dessert to cap off any holiday party.  Mix and match different flavors to come up with your favorite holiday combination.  Try white cake mix with peppermint ice cream for candy cane cake.  Pumpkin or spice cake paired with butter pecan ice cream is a great alternative to the typical pumpkin pie.  Red velvet with rocky road is the perfect way to get your chocolate fix as well as give your dessert table a pop of holiday color.  Your holiday cakes will impress all your guests and only you will know just how simple they were to prepare.

This may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the busiest.  If you find yourself with no time to make goodies amidst the Christmas chaos, give one of these quick and easy ideas a try.  With only two ingredients per recipe, you can create fun and tasty holiday treats that your family and friends will love. To read more about the latest in the food service industry check out the Instawares Food and Restaurant Blog.

Filed Under: Food Blog, Happy Holidays! Tagged With: Christmas, holidays

Sugared Almonds: Beautifully Delicious and Deliciously Beautiful

November 26, 2013 By Joi Sigers

 Sugared Almonds Sugared Almonds (just about any nut will do)

How to Make Sugared Almonds

1 Egg White
2 tsp water
2 cups almonds (or nuts of your choice – sugared pecans are ahhh-mazing)
1/2 cup sugar PLUS 1/3 cup sugar

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. For best results, cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit your cookie sheet and spray with cooking spray.

Mix the egg white and water, then bathe the almonds in the mixture until they’re all coated.  Add 1/2 cup sugar and mix well.

Spread the sugary almonds onto the parchment paper-lined pan and sprinkle them with the remaining 1/3 cup sugar.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Stir the almonds and return them to the oven.  For this last 7-8 minutes, you don’t want to even think about leaving the kitchen. Park it beside the oven and keep an eye on these guys.  Usually, they’ll need to cook for another 7-8 minutes, but you want to make certain they don’t over cook.  Given half a chance, they’ll burn.  You’re going for a golden brown appearance, but if you aren’t careful, they’ll turn too dark in what feels like seconds.

If they need to go longer than 8 minutes, again, keep your eyes on them like an over-protective mother. Fortunately, I’ve always been one of those creatures, so I’ve mastered and perfected the routine.

Remove the pan from the oven and lift the parchment paper from the pan and place on a cooling rack. Give the nuts no free reign – left to rest and relax on the cookie sheet, they will see it as their chance to burn.

A Few Nutty Thoughts:

  • If you’re nuts for nuts, like we are, buy them online at Oh Nuts. In a word, they’re simply perfection.
  • Almonds are excellent prepared this way but pecans are easily just as good. They’re not quite as crunchy, so they’d be a great choice for those who are a little older or who have sensitive teeth.
  • How did we ever survive without parchment paper? OK, so that has nothing to do with nuts, but does beg to be asked. It makes clean-up a breeze and makes your pans last a lot longer.
  • Sugared Nuts are great snacks during ballgames, favorite TV shows, or just any time you want a snack. They’re extra pretty during the holidays.
  • These would make wonderful gifts! Put them in a pretty jar with a lid, tie with a festive ribbon, and there you go.
  • Sugared nuts are great on ice cream, brownies, and as cake toppings.

Filed Under: Christmas Recipes, Food Blog, Game Day, Gift Ideas, Happy Holidays!, Oh, Nuts!, Tailgating Tagged With: food gift ideas, food gifts, sugared almonds, sugared nuts

Thanksgiving Facts Plus Cooking Tips, and Tidbits

November 25, 2013 By Joi Sigers

Thanksgiving Facts

Thanksgiving was my dad’s favorite holiday and although Christmas edges it out in my book, I love it to distraction too.  Anything that involves three of my favorite things in the world – my family, cooking, and (of course!) eating – gets my seal of approval.

I’ve had a few Thanksgiving-related ideas for posts and articles bouncing around in my head, but didn’t think any of the bunch was “heavy” enough to warrant its own post.  So I decided to make a “Vegetable Soup” type post – throwing everything into one place and hoping it all turns out!

20 Fast Thanksgiving Facts

  • The first Thanksgiving was observed in Plymouth in the fall of 1621.  The idea for the event came from Massachusetts Governor William Bradford.  He was so thankful for a great harvest hat he decided to plan a festival to give thanks.  90 Native Americans (Wampanoag Indians) joined 50 English Colonists for the celebration.
  • The Wampanoag Indians were the ones who taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the land.
  • The first Thanksgiving (which actually lasted 3 days!) is said to have been observed in October rather than November. Personally, I wish the holiday were observed today in October – far enough removed from Christmas to get the attention it deserves.
  • In 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation naming November 26 as a day of national thanksgiving.  I’d love to know why November was chosen over October, but all the research in the world hasn’t uncovered this “tidbit.”
  • On October 3, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving.
  • In 1939 President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving Day one week earlier to boost the Christmas shopping season. In 1941 Congress ruled that the fourth Thursday in November will be observed as Thanksgiving Day and a federal legal holiday.
  • Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October. See???? They have the right idea!
  • While we credit the Pilgrims (or English Colonists) with “inventing” or “creating” Thanksgiving, historians tell us that Native Americans traditionally threw a shindig as they gathered to enjoy and celebrate their harvest each autumn.
  • Lobster, rabbit, chicken, fish, squashes, beans, chestnuts, hickory nuts, onions, leeks, dried fruits, maple syrup and honey, radishes, cabbage, carrots, eggs, and goat cheese are thought to have made up the first Thanksgiving feast.
  • Over the years (thank goodness!) we moved to the more traditional foods such as mashed potatoes, pumpkin and sweet potato pies, corn, dressing (or stuffing), green bean (and later green bean casserole) and cranberries.
  • Green Bean Casserole was inspired by the Depression Era. It was a way to take things that were already on hand and make a dish without spending a great deal of money.
  • The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition began in the 1920’s.
  • Campbell’s Kitchen “invented” the Green Bean Casserole in 1955.
  • Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef.
  • Like me, turkeys have poor night vision. I’m guessing they shouldn’t drive at night either.
  • Cranberries are native to America. Our biggest producers are Massachusetts and Wisconsin. Cranberries are actually only one of a handful of fruits that are native to America. The blueberry and Concord grape are a few others.
  • Thanksgiving Day football is a treasured tradition in the homes of most of us. The first football game played on Thanksgiving Day was in 1934, when the Detroit Lions played the Chicago Bears.
  • The Guinness World Record for a Pumpkin pie goes to a whopping 3,699 pounds (after it was baked) pie in 2010.  Credit for this beast goes to the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers in New Bremen, Ohio.
  • Not only was pumpkin pie not served at the First Thanksgiving, ironically, back then cooks put pumpkin into pie crusts rather than into the filling!
  • From OceanSpray.com – In the 1880s, a New Jersey grower named John “Peg Leg” Webb discovered that cranberries bounce. Instead of carrying his crop down from the storage loft of his barn, Webb poured them down the steps. He noticed that only the freshest, firmest fruit reached the bottom; rotten or bruised berries didn’t bounce and remained on the steps. This discovery led to the invention of “bounceboards”, tools used to separate rotten berries from fresh ones.

Thanksgiving Parade Pastries“Thanksgiving Parade Pastries”

A Few Personal Thanksgiving Tidbits:

  • For years, I prepared my Cornbread Dressing the same way: I made my buttermilk biscuits and buttermilk cornbread the night before, then crumbled them the next day when assembling the dressing.  Earlier this month, I toyed around with a new process to see what the results would be.  I stayed true to my choices of celery, sage, onion, and chicken broth but this time I used the Pepperidge Farms “Packaged” Dressing mix – you know, the bags you see everywhere this time of year that most of us traditional cooks snub and pretend not to even see.  They’re basically dried bread crumbs and seasoning.   Another change I made was instead of making my traditional buttermilk cornbread, this time I made the cornbread with bacon drippings instead of shortening.  Best. Dressing. Ever.  The bacon drippings (notice how I just refuse to call it “grease,” as though not saying it makes it healthier) in the pan gave the cornbread extra flavor and a crispiness that makes it IDEAL for dressing. The combo of using the packaged bread crumbs and the crispier cornbread made a dressing that was even more delicious than my traditional one but, more importantly, it made a dressing that wasn’t smooshy and soft. Making it this way allows it to be warmed up later in the day (and even the next day) by simply drizzling a little more broth on top.
  • If you don’t have a somewhat unique Family Thanksgiving Day tradition, come up with one this year. We actually have several in our family:  (1). Since 2001, I’ve made uncommonly delicious filled pastries (pictured above) for breakfast. I call them our “Thanksgiving Parade Pastries” because I always make them with one eye on the televised parades. They’re divine and not nearly as difficult to make as you’d think. (2).  I’m something of a punch freak. I just can’t seem to have holidays without punch. I have a special New Year’s Day Punch, Christmas Day Punch, Thanksgiving Punch, Easter Punch, and even a Halloween Punch.  When two of my three daughters were married, I came up with a Wedding Punch for each.  Well, of course I did.  Family traditions are fun, familiar, and oh so comforting.
  • Never try anything radical for the first time on a holiday. I don’t care if it’s a hairstyle or main dish, holidays simply aren’t the time to wander out into virgin territory.  While adding a new side dish or casserole to familiar, tried-and-true side dishes may not spell disaster (after all, even if it flops, you have others), doing something completely different with your ham, turkey, or bread could potentially spell disaster. Been there, done that, still have the emotional scars.
  • Don’t just have what you think you’ll need on hand, have more than you foresee needing. While shopping with my youngest daughter, Stephany, last night, I kept putting cream of mushroom soup into our cart. She asked, “How many of those are you going to need?!”  I told her I “needed” 6, so I was getting at least 8. After all, it’s not something that couldn’t be used if I didn’t need them on Thanksgiving Day. The words BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY apply to holiday meals as much as they do to anything in life.  I like covering my behind so much that I even make sure I have favorite “Green Giant” vegetables in the freezer just in case.  If the oven goes out, I drop a casserole, or something unforeseen and hideous happens, I have a back up.  I’ve never had to use these backups on holidays before, but knowing they’re there keeps anxiety from making a holiday appearance in my kitchen.
  • Buy cute, seasonal napkins!
  • Repeat after me, “No one cares if you buy/use disposable cups, bowls, and even plates.”  They really don’t care! Why make even more work for yourself when you could simply toss all the dishes into the trash. You’re going to have plenty of pans, bowls, and silverware to wash, why add to it?  Again… no one cares and no one will think less of you.  If they’re like my crew, they probably won’t even notice.
  • While I do use a few of my favorite Rachael Ray casserole dishes, I make quite a few casseroles (including dressing) in disposable foil pans. They’re ideal for reheating meals and, when they’ve served their purpose, you can sit leftovers out for dogs, cats, birds, possums, skunks, Bigfoot…
  • If you’re lucky enough to have someone new at your table this Thanksgiving, be sure to ask them (well ahead of time) what their favorite Thanksgiving side dish and/or dessert is. It’ll mean the world to them when you set it in front of them.  Needless to say, be sure you do the same for the ones you’ve been blessed with for years!
  • Most importantly – treasure each and every moment with those you love. Not only are you making memories you’ll have for a lifetime, you’re playing a role in memories they’ll have for a lifetime. When you think of it that way, you’ll realize that any time spent NOT laughing, NOT smiling, and NOT enjoying yourself is time wasted.
  • Don’t forget your Crock Pot! If you can use this kitchen staple for one of your vegetables or side dishes, you’ll free up precious stove top space and non-existent free oven space.
  • I make something called “Relish Tray Salad” (pictured below) for most holidays. I got the idea from an old episode of “Emeril Live” (how I miss that show!!!).  I simply toss together varying combinations of: Gherkins, blanched baby carrots, cauliflower, cocktail onions, olives, sweet midget pickles, and assorted jarred peppers.  Throw it all together – including the juices.  No matter what combination you go with, the flavors are amazing and the colors add a lot of pop and personality to the holiday table.  What’s more, everyone has fun picking out their favorites (without fail, I’m left with quite a few cocktail onions).

Relish Tray Salad Relish Tray Salad

Filed Under: Food Blog, Happy Holidays!, Table Talk, Thanksgiving Recipes, Thanksgiving Recipes

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