Cooking Fun

Being practical does not mean you cannot have fun. Thanksgiving is a prime example.
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I love the traditional foods but a bit of variation can be great, You do not have to use seasoned bread crumbs as stuffing. I have used potatoes, peeled and mixed with olives and onion, Try wild rice with fruits or fruit preserves.  Couscous works well with some capers and mint or cilantro. If you use bread crumbs consider sourdough and you can add sausage or oysters.

Like mashed potatoes? Mix them with mashed turnip roots or parsnips or.
 both.
For  a different ham glaze try a mango chutney. In fact, a fine way to use leftover turkey is to make tacos with mango salsa.

For veggies, try roasting root vegetables Just cut them to a small, but not tiny  size, and toss with any herbs and olive oil. place them in a single layer on a baking sheet pan and toast until brown and tender, maybe 15 minutes. They are outstanding.

 Use your imagination, have some fun and have a Happy Thanksgiving..

Thanksgiving

Turkey day is just around the corner. Hooray, But, for many, it is a day of high stress. There is no need to stress out, have fun.

To start with, don't over do it. You do not have to cook 40 dishes, just a bit of variety.

A huge turkey and/or ham is pretty, but off you only have a few guests, go small and decorate more.

Ask everyone to bring a  dish. Most folks like to show off their specialties and this allows you to concentrate on the center of attraction.

Do not be ashamed of not cooking the whole dinner, If you have little room, talent, or time, order a meal from any of the many catering services and concentrate on the decoration  and ambience. This is especially true of desserts. They can be  messy and time consuming.

A social tip: do not start serving alcohol until dinner is about to start. If you do, serve  something mild with appetizers. Alcohol on empty stomachs is a sure way to ruin a nice party./

Remember. the food is great, but the point of Thanksgiving is to gather  and celebrate friends and family. Have fun. Happy Thanksgiving,

Thanksgiving - Do What You Like

Come Thursday, turkeys will be roasting and smoking and even deep frying (if you are trying that, make sure you know what you're doing or your holiday will be spent either watching the firemen try to save your house or hanging out in a hospital emergency room). Some others will be baking ham;s and much stuffing, yams etc. will be cooking. All of these are wonderful foods and I love them all.

However, you do not have to be wedded to tradition. For those who do not like turkey or ham, can't cook, don't have time to cook or, as in our case, only have 2 in the household and don't want a mountain of leftovers, cheer up. Eat whatever you want.

A fine roast beef or lamb is always an option, as is a pork roast; a pork loin is perfect for 2 or 3 people. If you want poultry, consider roasting a chicken or individual game hens. Duck is terrific; just remember to score the fat on the breast and place the bird, breast side down, on a rack in your roasting pan so it doesn't cook in its own grease. We have had salmon for Thanksgiving and it was great.

My Mom one year cooked spaghetti and meatballs and it was a fine meal. In other words, whatever you want. The important thing is to remember to be thankful for the good things in your life.

One quick note: To those dining out for the Holiday. Good luck. I worked in a restaurant one Thanksgiving and I can testify that the kitchen, on a holiday, is a complete mad house. You may get what you want and it may be good, just do not count on every food safety rule being followed.