Thanksgiving 2010 – Turkey in a Bag, Dinner Roll Pillows, and Perfect Pie

Kids at Table

This year for Thanksgiving, we had Chris' sister, brother in law and our nephews here for dinner.  The stress of several days' worth of extreme cleaning was mitigated by the fact that our 18 year old nephew cooked the entire dinner. From scratch. He cooked the 18.5 pound turkey that Chris got free from work in one of those Reynold's Oven Bags, inside our electric roaster. He rubbed the turkey with melted butter, poultry seasoning, and salt first, then it cooked for about 4 hours. I was very skeptical of the oven bag method, having never done it before. I was sure the turkey would still be pale when it was done but much to my surprise, it did turn brown. And fell apart. I barely got a photo before it was sliced, plattered, and served up. Here's Chris while carving: Our nephew also made homemade rolls. As in, from yeast and water and flour and I don't know, the pillows angels sleep on or something. I was in the living room grumbling about how crappy the Macy's Day Parade was … [Read more...]

Why I Love Our Local Independent Toy Store

Thanks to American Express for sponsoring my writing today about small businesses. American Express is presenting Small Business Saturday, a way to honor the local merchants who are the backbone of the economy, this Saturday, November 27. They're offering statement credits to people who shop at small businesses, advertising for small-business owners, and donations to Girls Inc. for "Likes" of the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook. Join the celebration by clicking the "Like" button and then visiting the Facebook page to learn more about the program and read the terms and conditions that apply. About a mile from my house is a wonderful toy store called Toy Village. It's the bottom floor of a gorgeous old house, and members of the family that started the store  still occupy the top floor. Because the store is in a house, you have to imagine walking into an old house and instead of a living room, seeing shelf after shelf of toys.  I consider Toy Village an educational toy … [Read more...]

Thanksgiving Snack Mix

thanksgiving_snack_mix

I posted this on MomCooks last year, and now I want to share it here with all of you.  The recipe and image comes from Organized Christmas, which despite it's name is a great resource for recipes and crafts for every holiday. They call this “Thanksgiving Blessing Mix”, I prefer to call it “Thankful Snack Mix”. To give this as a gift as “Blessing Mix”, visit Organized Christmas for free printable ingredients lists or bag toppers you can attach to baggies of this mix before handing it out to family and friends. Thanksgiving Snack/Blessing Mix Recipe Ingredients: 2 cups Bugles brand corn snacks 2 cups small pretzels 1 cup candy corn 1 cup dried fruit bits or raisins 1 cup peanuts or sunflower seeds 1 cup M&Ms-brand chocolate candy 16 Hershey’s-brand chocolate kisses free printable blessing mix gift tags or bag toppers Directions: In a large bowl, gently mix all ingredients except Hershey’s Kisses. Place 1/3 to 1/2 cup Thanksgiving Blessing … [Read more...]