| Author |
Holidays:  Let's talk about Thanksgiving  |
|
Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 10 2005 : 10:42:45 AM
|
So now I want to know how to make baked creamed spinach?
Eileen
Songbird; singing joy to the earth |
 |
|
|
KJD
True Blue Farmgirl
402 Posts
402 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2005 : 11:38:49 AM
|
Here's the Barefoot Contessa recipe I use for spinach:
Spinach Gratin
4 T butter (1/2 stick)
4 cups chopped yellow onions (about 2)
1/4 cup flour
1/4 t. grated nutmeg
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups milk
5 10oz. pkgs. frozen chopped spinach, defrosted
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 T kosher salt
1/2 t. black pepper
1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Preheat oven to 425.
Melt butter in heavy saute pan over medium heat. Add onions and saute about 15 minutes. Add flour, nutmeg and cook, stirring 2 more minutes. Add cream and milk and cook until thickened.
Squeeze as much liquid as possible from spinach and add to the sauce. Add 1/2 cup parmesan and mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Transfer spinach to a baking dish and sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup parmesan and gruyere on top. Bake 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. |
|
|
|
Linda Houston
True Blue Farmgirl
538 Posts
Linda
Lake Charles
Louisiana
USA
538 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2005 : 2:36:38 PM
|
| Well, Farmgirls. I am not cooki g this year---but I tell you something...from what I read on this forum, I wouild love to drop by your place !!! |
|
|
|
MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2005 : 2:41:41 PM
|
Linda, Do you have a place to go on Turkey Day? You are always welcome in our home anytime, we'd love to have you!
If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come. |
|
|
|
quiltedess
True Blue Farmgirl
296 Posts
Nancy
Priest River
ID
USA
296 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2005 : 4:54:30 PM
|
My kids feel that it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the green bean casserole. Ours is like Bobbi's only we put a can of French's french fried onions on top.
Bobbi, I'm pretty jealous of your rhubarb pie filling . . . smart girl!
Nancy
http://quiltedprairie.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
|
Whimsy_girl
True Blue Farmgirl
576 Posts
USA
576 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2005 : 7:40:52 PM
|
aww shucks she called me smart
you can be oh so smart, or you can be oh so positive. I wasted a lot of time being smart I prefer being positive. |
|
|
|
CityCat
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Catherine
Toronto
Ontario
Canada
198 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2005 : 9:00:19 PM
|
Well, thanks for the info on the green bean casserole. It's not something we've ever had with Thanksgiving! That spinach gratin sure sounds tasty. Gotta try both them recipes! Thanks girls!
- Cat |
|
|
|
Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
Posted - Nov 11 2005 : 09:32:51 AM
|
Thanks KJD for posting that recipe it sounds delicious and now I will add it to my menue to.
Speaking of thanksgiving i am going to put a link here to a really fun e-greeting for thanksgiving that was sent to me by a dear friend. Hope the link works for you, ENJOY!
Click on the link:
http://www.msn.americangreetings.com/view.pd?i=382219626&m=1652&rr=y&sou
Eileen
Songbird; singing joy to the earth |
|
|
|
lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Nov 11 2005 : 10:02:32 AM
|
We usually eat at my parents house and we just make the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. My mom and I share the cooking. She usually makes
Spiral Ham
pumpkin pie
mashed potatoes
and I usually make
Turkey
green beans
homemade rolls
caramel apple pie
We always have stuff to snack on like Sausage and Cream cheese quesadillas with homemade salsa, little smokies in BBQ sauce, guacamole with homemade chips, and relish trays seem to be the most popular with our family. This year my aunt and uncle from California are flying here so there will be 12 people and 8 four legged furry people that will get food!! |
|
|
|
Lavender Cottage
True Blue Farmgirl
273 Posts
Ellen
USA
273 Posts |
Posted - Nov 11 2005 : 12:27:51 PM
|
Yummy-this all sounds soooo good. I'll be going from MI to my small hometown in Ohio-Dad and sibs will be cooking and I'll be doing clean-up - eating a full plate and then the last bit in the dish so I can wash it-LOL! Dad grew tons of squash so I know we'll be having that (baked with brown sugar and butter) and turkey and mashed potatoes and green been casserole and sweet potato marshmallow bake-SIL makes that-oh so good. I should make a few loafs of homemade bread to take since I just rediscovered how much I love to make it-they sure would be surprised! And, there will be pumpkin pie for sure-mine and dad's favorite.
I can't wait!
I am going to keep these great recipes you all shared for future gatherings-thanks! |
|
|
|
Luzy
True Blue Farmgirl
922 Posts
Luanne
Pueblo
Colorado
USA
922 Posts |
Posted - Nov 11 2005 : 12:56:03 PM
|
We make a really good turkey at our house, if I do say so myself!! We marinate him for 2 days and it's always juicy. We separate the skin from the breast portion area, careful not to cut through the skin and using the turkey baster add the marinade in between the skin and meat. The marinade consists of : chicken broth, olive oil, garlic salt, poultry seasoning, sage and pepper. Turn the turkey breast side down in the pan, cover w/wrap and let em' sit in the fridge for 2 days. Cook as usual. I learned this trick 25 years ago and we've prepared our turkeys like this every year. It's always a hit! Luzy
--
May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am. |
|
|
|
junebug
True Blue Farmgirl
2421 Posts
Sue
West Plains,
Mo.
USA
2421 Posts |
Posted - Nov 11 2005 : 1:27:17 PM
|
My oldest son and wife want to host it this year, but I will be cooking just the same, noting like turkey sandwiches the next day that you just don't get at someone elses place. But they put me in charge of desserts and homemade bread, so I will be busy just the same. It's kinda nice to let your kids take over now and then!
" Age is mind over matter, if you don't mind, it dont' matter"
www.countrypleasures.motime.com |
|
|
|
therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
|
|
FarrarFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
330 Posts
Lynda
Frohna
Missouri
USA
330 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2005 : 09:33:38 AM
|
Reading all of this just makes my mouth water and me ever more anxious for our celebrations. I'd like to share a little about our family Thanksgivings, but I apologize up front because I know it is longer than most, but means so much to be able to do so. I hope you enjoy 'joining us' through my musings.
We have two traditions in our family. We celebrate very big on both sides, mine and my husbands. I'm the oldest of 8 and he is one of 5, so they can both get to be quite large. In order to get them both in we have a gathering on the Sunday before Thanksgiving with my side and on Thanksgiving day for my husband's side. I'm so thankful for both and love the opportunity to share them with you. I hope it might be something that will give you an idea to do or try with your family, too, kind of like sharing those recipes. The spinach and cranberry ice sound absolutely awesome.
For my dad's side of the family we get together at a hunting lodge that my uncle belongs to so that we can all fit. About 5 years ago we started this because we realized that on T-Day dad's side of the family never saw each other for the holiday. So for the first year I hosted the meal and there were 63 people at my house - I have a small house, but the weather was good so that helped. That's when we moved to the hunting club - whew! and thank goodness. It really is nice to be able to spread out, it's a huge one room lodge with a kitchen and nice yard for outdoor activities.
Every year the "host" rotates and they provide the meat (usually 2 turkeys and a ham), the drinks (tea, coffee, lemonade) and all the paper goods. Everyone else brings a side dish and a dessert and their own drinks if they want something other than what's provided. When we are done eating, we play a game that will involve as many people as possible like Pictionary or Trivial pursuit. Some play washers, the kids just run around and babies get passed from one kiss to another. We also have a huge muslin table cloth that gets laid out on a seperate table and everyone writes with a permanent fabric marker a little note of something they are thankful for and dates it. We usually have a corner to take each family's pictures, too. The average attendance is about 50-60 people (out of a possible 115). That's just my dad's immediate family! It's so much fun!
On Thanksgiving Day we are all at my husband's brother's house near the farm. They are always the host providing the turkey and ham. I go down on Wednesday to help with the cooking; pies, onion casserole, dressing and blatz kuchen. After church everyone starts to arrive bringing the traditional side dishes and desserts. At this gathering there are usually around 30 or so.
But what sets this celebration apart from any other is that for the last 18 years the guys and the kids have a Turkey Bowl game. The whole family is involved in it one way or the other. The men/boys and little guys play the game, the women get to run the video camera and take pictures. Others stay inside and play board games, watch movies, take naps, look at pictures or just talk. This year we are going to start some kind of craft, maybe ornaments for Christmas.
All year long the game is built up among the players, it is so much fun to see them plot and plan and strategize. Of course, it's contagious and everyone tries to contribute in some way.
Over the last 18 years these are some of the things that have been done in honor of the game. On Wednesday the playing field is lined. Play books have been made, each team has a uniform and name, there is a press box, score board, and goal post, and there is a ceremonial toss coin. The flag is raised right before team pictures. It is filmed and photographed from start to finish. The drink of the game is NOT Gatorade, but pink lemonade. An annual newsletter is sent out a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving with all of the previous year's stats, various articles and a recipe. After the game, they will watch the game video to vote on MVP and award the traveling trophy and then consume large amounts of pie. Over the years we have had calendars, mugs, t-shirts, bumper stickers, corn sacks and playing cards made. This year I'm making Turkey Bowl aprons! It is such a testament to the tradition and nothing will stand in the way of any one of them missing it. Last year they started bringing in some "new blood" since some of the older guys (such as my husband and his older brothers) are getting a little slower and a lot achier. Those little guys are so, so, so excited to be brought into THE game. It's a huge ordeal, we've even had spectators. I keep saying, "if we build it, they will come." One of these years we may have bleachers. Several years ago they did have lights and weather has never been a factor, they've played in shorts and t-shirts and been bundled up like snowmen.
There are so many stories and memories and treasured moments it's hard to contain in a brief little explanation, as you can see, but I share this with the hope that it will spark a new idea or allow you to expand on something that your family already does to keep tradition alive and growing from one generation to the next.
Truly, we have so much to praise and thank God for and that most definitely includes all of you. You are such a blessing to me in more ways than I could describe in words. Just being able to share these memories and traditions (as long-winded as they may be - sorry) and know you understand the warmth and love it brings to our family, means the world to me. It amazes me that I can share these kinds of things with women I have never met in person but only know what tugs at their heart; and you know, you just know. It's just not the same with the people I work with everyday, they don't get it. So THANK YOU very much for opening your heart and arms to me. Blessings to you all.
In His hands,
Lynda
Pray in faith and you will not live in doubt. |
Edited by - FarrarFarmgirl on Nov 17 2005 09:38:05 AM |
|
|
|
ivmeer
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Amanda
Pawtucket
RI
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2005 : 10:44:57 AM
|
| Lynda, that is absolutely wonderful. What an incredible family you have. |
|
|
|
FarrarFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
330 Posts
Lynda
Frohna
Missouri
USA
330 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2005 : 11:33:35 AM
|
Hi, Amanda
Thank you for saying so, I'm glad you enjoyed a peek into our Thanksgiving Day celebrations. It was fun writing about it. I get so involved with all the planning and preparations (like I am now for this Sunday), that it was really nice to reflect on it as a whole picture.
And, we too, serve green bean casserole at both gatherings - it's a must have! :o)
I pray your celebrations and gatherings will be joyous and memorable.
In His hands,
Lynda
Pray in faith and you will not live in doubt. |
|
|
|
Lavender Cottage
True Blue Farmgirl
273 Posts
Ellen
USA
273 Posts |
Posted - Nov 18 2005 : 04:48:42 AM
|
| Lynda, awesome! Thanks for sharing |
|
|
|
connio
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
connie
springtown
texas
USA
535 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2005 : 4:35:50 PM
|
Hey Farm Girls!!!!!
Here is a bit of Thanksgiving humor:
A Thanksgiving Haiku
Load the dishwasher
Quick, before the trytophan
Nails us to the couch
poet--Skip Mendler
Connie
cozycottage |
|
|
|
nono
Farmgirl at Heart
7 Posts
sara
atlanta
ga
USA
7 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2005 : 8:26:30 PM
|
The wonderful thing about being able to read everyone's menus here is that so many of them are like a piece of a family tree. Aunt so and so's pie, someone's dressing, etc. The best part of Thanksgiving is sharing yourself and your heritage with those you love.
I'm making rolls to take to my in-laws house for thanksgiving that my mother has made every year for as long as I can remember. For years, I couldn't get the rolls to rise properly. Then a couple of years back, I started thinking of my grandmother kneading bread in her kitchen when I was little while I was making them. That was the year my rolls started rising, and they've been beautiful every year since and I think of my grandmother every time I make them. So, when I make them to share now around the holidays, it's like grandma is at the thanksgiving dinner with me. What a gift. |
|
|
|
KJD
True Blue Farmgirl
402 Posts
402 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2005 : 06:00:36 AM
|
| Sara - that is beautiful! Your grandmother's love is making your rolls rise to the top! Happy Thanksgiving! |
|
|
|
therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2005 : 09:12:51 AM
|
Happy Thanksgiving! I got up at 6 this morning to get my 20 lb turkey stuffed and in the oven. I went back to bed for a little while and when I woke up the house smelled like turkey! That is the best smell! I just love this holiday -- it is my favorite! Hope you all have a wonderful day.
The only time that housework comes before sewing is in the dictionary!
http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
|
celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2005 : 1:07:14 PM
|
A very happy Thanksgiving to all! I am enjoying a family dinner at my mother in laws. She made her famous home made rolls and all the fixin's. The best part was watching a herd(!?!?) of 30 turkeys stroll through. Enjoy your day!
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
-Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
|
Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2005 : 6:21:29 PM
|
We had a wonderful day and meal!! Just us here this time..but a wonderful, quiet family day. Husband worked on the Christmas lights on the house, the kids watched Christmas videos and played outside alot, and I spent my time in the kitchen and also doing some embroidery on pillow tops for Christmas gifts...I wish we had had snow! How fun (and fitting) to see a herd of turkeys today, Beth!! This is turkey farm country so we see plenty every day if you do any driving at all..the Norbest turkey plant is about 20 minutes away in Moroni. It provides alot of jobs I guess around here and everyone that is a native is either a turkey farmer or related to one it seems!! I cooked a 23 lb bird today and we have alot left..it was yummy..I love those leftovers!
Here are a couple pictures of me and my helpers today:
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette |
Edited by - Aunt Jenny on Nov 24 2005 6:30:46 PM |
|
|
|
Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2005 : 8:28:50 PM
|
Jenny, love those photos! Your girls are so beautiful and helpful! And they look snazzy in their aprons. Woo hoo!
Love,
Patricia
Happy Wishes! |
|
|
|
jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Nov 25 2005 : 06:05:51 AM
|
Jenny - you are a very pretty person! And your little cuties look like you are raising them right! We are loving all your photos! And the turkey looks yummy, too!
We had a great day. We put up the tree while my little granddaughter was napping and when she got up and walked into the living room, her eyes got so big! Today, she will help put up hers at home...she can't wait to be a helper with the lights and ornaments.
We had a good meal - my daughter made a spinach casserole to die for. After dinner, we went to my best friend's home for dessert. My daughter took a pumpkin pie fresh from the oven and a peppermint ice cream pie. They had the coffee and chocolate pound cake! So, after all the good turkey and trimmings and veggies, we ate more! And Abigail sang and danced for us as only a three year old can do - with abandon.
My heart was full! Thank you, God.
"Sell cleverness and buy wonder" |
|
|
|
Holidays: Let's talk about Thanksgiving |
|
Let's talk about Thanksgiving
