When the first Pilgrims landed on the shores of America, they were poorly prepared for life in the wilderness of the North American continent. They came at a time unfavorable for surviving as a new colony.
The Pilgrims were willing to risk all to find a place where they could worship God freely according to their convictions, but they had no real idea of what the cost for such a risk involved. Only half of the original Mayflower passengers survived their first winter.
It was in the winter of 1623, during the “starving Time”, that the tradition of the five kernels of corn found its root. It was during that time that the rations for the new settlers were reduced to the barest minimum, when many of their meals consisted of this parsimonious amount of grain.
And yet they were thankful.
Without the help of the Native peoples of this new land they could not have survived. The Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared a feast after the first harvest, and that marked a common center of what was to come.
American history illustrates both the capacity we have for thankfulness and generosity, and how quickly and cruelly we can forget our debt of gratefulness. The holiday of Thanksgiving is one day of the year we are to remind ourselves of how dependent we were, and are, on God’s bounty and blessings, and the people through whom we receive kindness and support.
Much later in our history, Thanksgiving became a nationally recognized holiday whose general purpose is to give thanks for the many blessings enjoyed throughout the year.
Ideas To Cultivate Gratefulness
Try some of these ways to increase your own, and your family’s sense of thankfulness and appreciation
The corn cob, and corn kernels are an important part of the Thanksgiving history. Corn was the lifesaving grain that the Indians provided the Pilgrims both to eat and to learn to grow. A fitting table decoration for the holiday.
Ways to Show Thankfulness
Vintage Thanksgiving card
Zenhabits posted a list of practical ways to show your thankfulness to others. First on the list was “Create a ‘Gratitude Ritual'”. Simply taking the time to meditate on things you are grateful for, it is a form of “Count your many Blessings, Name them one by one”, as the old song goes. Take a look at the list, then visit the original post for details of how to incorporate each into your life.
I am a little more thankful than usual these days. The economic shifts simply highlight the fact that life is more than possessions, and makes the relationships and intangibles more clearly valuable.
Freedom From Want
Norman Rockwell painting of family Thanksgiving meal
Count Your Many Blessings
It might seem a cliché, but this truth of counting ones blessings to impress a feeling of gratefulness upon my soul has only grown stronger and deeper through the years.
In fact, in my own life I have come to see that it is a lack of gratefulness and the neglect of expressing it that underlies many of life’s problems. We forget how good we have it. We forget the sacrifices of others to bless us with plenty. We forget our peace and plenty and are in danger of losing it.
I have been cultivating this habit of expression in rebuilding relationships, but how much have I lost through the years that were bereft of sufficient amounts of showing affirmation and speaking thanks to those around me? I must release those regrets and simply turn my gaze towards the sowing of such acts today.
I have hope of a good harvest from those seeds of spoken thanks, and attitudes of gratefulness.
This Day Is Set Aside For Just Such an Expression
Part of giving thanks on Thanksgiving Day involves that act of counting our blessings. In America we have been blessed with plenty. And not least of our blessings are those very precious privileges of personal freedoms. The Pilgrims came to a new land hoping to be free to worship God according to their conscience. The America of today is a place, one of the few in the world, where that freedom is vouchsafed to every citizen.
My grandmother always said she loved to get my thank-you notes. Over the years I would sometimes receive compliments of others, as well; but my "notes" were not perfect. They were more like thank you letters, and became more and more scarce as I became busy with life.
Maybe this is your story, too.
However, I started to pay attention to the thank you notes that I appreciated getting from other people, and thought a bit about why I appreciated them so much. It changed the perspective on what makes a good thank you note and why it is a great social benefit to learn how to write them.
This is written to share some of those thoughts and observations with you. Perhaps we can revive the art of writing a real thank you note, and writing it well.
Why Write Your Thanks? - Good reasons to write a note
People like to be appreciated
It lets the giver know you received the gift
It is good manners to thank the giver
Send A Note Of Gratitude
Cute Notes Cards - Send Thanks With Pretty Stationary
"Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it." ~Ralph Marston You are more likely to write a proper thank you note if you have pretty notecards on hand. They make sending the notes you need to write a cinch. Not just because they are so cute, but because the note size is just the space you need to write the perfect thank you message: not too long, not too short, and never impersonal!
I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.
~ William Shakespeare
Many people do draw blanks when looking at the plain white page, you are not alone. While it may take a little more time to write a thoughtful, well expressed, thank you note, it will really show your appreciation and convey your gratitude for the kindness of a gift when you take a few minutes more to write from your heart.
You don't have to be completely original, but do try to personalize your notes to people. Specify something about the service or gift you are thankful for, the way it benefits you, and maybe a little something complimentary about both the gift and the giver.
If you have a close relationship to the person, include something of your feeling for them: you appreciate their love and support, the way they knew just what to give you, or the fact that the time, gift or service was all the more appreciated because it was from them.
The key word in following all the advice is to "be personal". People appreciate that you value them, their efforts, and their gift, and that means expressing your thoughts in your own words, from the heart.
Thank You Note Advice Summary
Start with greeting the person, most people begin with "Dear" and their name and then say something personal to them, such as enjoying seeing them recently ,etc.
Say thank you for the gift you received, describe and name it in specific terms
Tell them what the gift means to you or how you use it
Express a cordial thought towards the giver, which is expressing your warm feelings for their generosity, in some personal way
Repeat your thanks
End with your favorite closing such as "Love" "Sincerely" or "Best Regards"
...and that's it! If you keep thank you notes in a short "note" form you are more likely to write them. That is all people really want anyway, just a short note of appreciation. Keep your notes short You will write thank-yous with more punctuallity, and procrastinate less.
- Like all writing, tips and prompts can make a difference
Sometimes it is hard to begin, and words can escape you. But writing well, including a finely crafted Thank You, does not have to be difficult. A guide like this one is a fount of inspiration and an etiquette resource. You don't need to be at a loss for the right words when you wish to express your gratitude in writing.
What If You Didn't Like The Gift?
Say Thanks with Love and Kindness - Even if you are a bit ambivalent about the gift
Try to be sincere, yet give the gift-giver your thankfulness for their efforts. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness." may be the best you can muster, but that is a kind expression. Take note of their time and efforts, or of the fact that they showed generosity. It is always good to note a person's thoughtfulness and generosity.
If you are an enthusiastic person, just be you, but try not to go over the top since it might sound insincere. "Words cannot convey my gratitude." ? Well, you are trying to do just that! It isn't a terrible thing to say, but choose words that match the gift. I don't think I would say "You shouldn't have" when receiving a tie, for instance.
It bears repeating: Simple, heartfelt thanks are the best ones.
Do You Write Notes Of Appreciation?
Send snail mail? It has become a rare art, but writing and receiving hard copy thanks you notes can be a much appreciated gesture. You will be surprised at the happy responses it evokes.
One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others. Lewis Carroll
My world is brighter and more beautiful because of you. Thank you.
The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.-Oscar Wilde
Thank you for coming into my life and giving me joy, thank you for loving me and receiving my love in return. Thank you for the memories I will cherish forever.- Nicholas Sparks
By the way, I’m wearing the smile that you gave me.
Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart. ~A.A. Milne
It only takes a moment to say thank you – but your thoughtfulness will be remembered a long time.
If you only knew how much those little moments with you mattered to me. Thank you.
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~Marcel Proust
Make it easy on yourself - Gather all your supplies together
If you struggle with procrastination, as I have, then this list is to help you overcome one barrier to writing the important notes of appreciation and gratitude to those thoughtful and kind enough to give you something. A gathering of supplies in one place is sometimes all that is needed to accomplish this task.
Be sure to have all the addresses you need.Make a list in a notebook or on a sheet or two of paper; keep the list with your cards.
A roll of special stamps.Find your own perfect stamp by going to the Zazzle site
Give a grateful note with a pretty Thank You Card
One of the joys of writing a nice than you is the choice of a pretty card. Keeping a box of artistic cards on hand makes it easy to take up your pen and give a thoughtful note of thanks.
Metropolitan Museum of Art stationary cards have always been some of my favorites for cards and notes. Beautiful fine art cards!
Great Art Appreciation
Floral Pattern - Blank Inside Thank You Cards
My own personal favorite cards, have to be the ones produced my the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Those are hard to find, but these florals in an arts & crafts style reminiscent of Morris patterns).
A number of variations are available in the assortment.
They make sending notes a joy, not to mention the way they will light up the day for those lucky enough to receive one with your personal note.
Special Cards and Postage can convey your message, too
Zazzle Thank You Stamps and Cards
Here are a number of cute Zazzle stamps. If you don't find something you like in the selection go on to Zazzle and make your own custom stamp, or choose from literally tens of thousands of stamps designed by artists on the site.
A well chosen, bright stamp is just an extra special touch. I really like the stamps that say "Thank You" on them and have the colors of the cards and envelope. With Zazzle, it is so easy to do.
Maybe you love a certain design style, or want a well done design that has a certain look. You can peruse the" best seller" lists or maybe take a chance on one of the featured shops. There are no lack of designs and many ways to find them.
Here are some choices to get you started...
Selection of Artful Notes - From the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Great art from some of the most famous art museums in the world. They always produce products of fine quality with the most beautiful art in the world printed in gorgeous color.
Q: I procrastinated, is it too late to send my note?
A: No, go ahead and write; late thanks is better than none at all.
Q: Do I have to hand write the thank you?
A: No, you don't have to, but taking the time to write something by hand expresses your sincerity and feeling in the best possible way.
Q: Is a long letter better?
A: Actually not. Not only might you put it off always looking for "enough time", but you risk rambling on and on about yourself, instead of focusing on thanking the person you wish to write to.
Q: I already told the person "Thank you", do I still need to write a note?
A: In a word: Yes.
Q: I was sent some money in an envelope, how do I handle this?
A: Just simply state your gratefulness, maybe mention something it will go towards, but it is bad form to write down the exact amount you received.
What about you? Do you take the time to send a handwritten thank you note?
There are always lots of thank you notes due after your wedding, and with all the busy events that were behind you and the new life ahead, you need organizational help an prompts to get the jobs done. At least that helps and that is what this book is meant to do.
If ever there were a time that thank you notes are important it is after the wedding.
It is also one of the most challenging, since the number of notes to write are far more than for most occasions! Learn how to write gracious thank you notes, and set aside a block of time to write them all at once, if you can.
Like anything else, you get into a "flow" that makes the writing go more smoothly.
Brides Take Note
Sample Note
FROM ME TO YOU:
Dear ReflectingPool Friends and Wayfaring Websurfers,
Thank for your comments, here. I appreciate the fact that you took time from a busy day and read through this article, and that now you are leaving me a comment.
So often your time to comment goes unnoticed, or seems to, but I would like you to know how much your notes mean to me. They are bright spots in the day, and allow me to understand the impact my words have had on your life.
And now, you know the impact your words are having on me!
Thank you so much for your time, which is one of our greatest resources to share with each other.
Sincerely,
Ilona on Myreflectingpool.com
Ilonagarden on Hubpages
Yes, Men Should Write, Too
I know that women are given the job of keeping up with social etiquette, but men should know how to handle themselves, too. Writing thank you notes is easy and the video on how to do just that, in the style of the Art of Manliness, tells all.
The Manly Art Of Writing Thanks!
More Help On Writing Thank You Notes - How to improve your expression, how to make cute thank you notes
The highlight holiday of November in the USA is Thanksgiving Day, a holiday where we remember to give thanks to God. And, for most of us, to eat turkey and all the trimmings! Thanksgiving Day in the USA is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month. Coloring Pages for the holiday.
Look for National Bible Week starting the 19th, and National Game & Puzzle Week, at the same time. Bible Quiz!
Other fun observances: Red Lipstick Day on the 11th,
American Indian Heritage Month
Georgia Pecan Month
It is also known as a time to celebrate foods like figs, cider, cinnamon , chestnuts, and pasta.
The Full Moon this month is named Beaver moon, Frost Moon and the Mourning Moon . To learn more about the names for full moons by different tribes and people see the page, Ancient Moon Month Names.
National Gingerbread Cookie Day 11/21
Feel Like Sketching November Scenes?
National Love Your Red Hair Day: November 5th This is a month for transitioning from fall to winter. Buy the Notebook, here.
Cooking, eating, entertaining, having a good time… it’s why I collect recipes and share them. Plus I’m half Hungarian.
Get Out Your Casserole Dish and Bake This Tonight
My Family’s Favorite Comfort Casserole
Many years ago, a dear friend sent over a meal after I had given birth to my second son. It could be frozen for later or eaten that night.
Indescribably delicious to this nursing mother, whose appetite was ravenous!
When I asked for the recipe, was pleasantly surprised at how simple it was. Consisting of just a few common ingredients, it can be thrown together and simply heated through: a home cooked meal with almost instant preparation time.
This turkey dish became a staple at my house, a favorite of all my children, and a company dish as well. I passed on the kindness when I, in turn, made this dish for the families with new arrivals in the following years.
It is the kind of meal where an addition of a simple salad, some steamed green beans, and a homey apple pie for dessert is just about the perfect All American meal.
Vary This Delicious Casserole
You can also use this as a base for variations. Try adding some chopped, cooked onion, some steamed broccoli florets, or steamed medley of vegetables.
Serve it over mashed potatoes or stuffing, if you don’t care for noodles, or make it with the addition of rice and some sautéed garlic. There are many ways to vary this, but my favorite has always been its yummy, basic self.
Delicious with Chicken, too.
This is the perfect dish for sharing, as well as good comfort food for your family on a winter’s evening. As if that weren’t enough, it is the ideal way to use up leftover turkey from the Thanksgiving feast.
If you were wondering what to take to the potluck or wanted a good recipe for a buffet repast, start with this easy, economical, casserole dish.
Try Any Poultry Meat
Not just for turkey- it is equally delicious with chicken.
Use a good looking casserole dish to serve what is sure to become one of your favorite recipe. This white covered dish is a classic, making any food look great on the table or buffet.
I’ve used Corningware for years and they keep their good looks and work hard for you family cooks! Easy to clean, and bake up a casserole in superb style.
This is the baking dish I would use for Lemony Turkey Casserole.
What I Love About This Recipe
It is easy.
It tastes delicious.
It uses economical ingredients.
Everybody has loved it.
You can make it for two or for twenty.
You can choose what to serve it with: noodles rice, over toast, with potatoes.
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Ready in: 1 hour
Yields: 6
Ingredients
2 cups cooked and diced turkey meat
2 cans Cream of Chicken soup
1/2 pint of sour cream
Juice of one fresh lemon (about 3-4 T)
1 package Ritz crackers
zest of lemon, optional
Instructions
Mix the soup, lemon juice, optional lemon zest, and sour cream in a large bowl; add cooked turkey.
Pour into oven-proof casserole dish.
Crumble Ritz crackers (I use a rolling pin to crush them) and cover the top of the turkey mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes or until heated throughout in a moderate oven. Heat at 325 degrees F.
Serve over cooked noodles.
Tips:
Medium width egg noodle is good for getting the sauce along with the turkey in delicious forkfuls.
Healthier substitutions for condensed soup include making a “white sauce” with chicken broth base.
Thin down and create more sauce with a splash of milk before adding to the chicken.
More calories? Pour a bit of melted butter over the cracker crumbs.
Directions for white sauce if you find the condensed soup too processed for your taste. Good substitution for Cream of Chicken soup.
You Will Love This Recipe
Suggested Variation and Sidedishes
Because this is a favorite of my family, I plan to freeze some ahead for the busy week before Christmas. It is an ideal casserole to make ahead and have ready to pull out of a freezer and heat up in the oven on a busy evening. Add some green beans or a salad, cook up noodles, and it is all ready in about 30 minutes.
____________
Sometimes I use the zest from the lemon to add a little more lemon flavor, and will often reduce the amount of sour cream and add a little milk to make a lighter sauce. This is a very forgiving recipe, and the sour cream could be completely replaced by yogurt for a much lighter version.
Elegant Buffet Dish for a Crowd
Like I said, this is good enough to serve for company buffets and get togethers. It looks special when served in sleek buffet dishes. The recipe is easily doubled for plenty of home-cooked goodness! Cuisinart Stainless 11-Inch Round Buffet Servers
Because this recipe is ideal to make in large quantities to serve a crowd, this server is the ideal way to keep it warm. It is an exceptionally elegant way to serve the humble casserole.
About Me: A big Thanksgiving meal was a family tradition for me. Growing up, it was at Grandma’s house; raising my family, I loved cooking the turkey and all our favorite trimmings. Enjoy my recipes and tips for your own Thanksgiving feast.
Make a Traditional Stuffed Roast Turkey With All The Trimmings
A finely roasted turkey
You may love ham, or roast chicken, or goose for your holiday dinner, but there is something wonderful and satisfying about the traditional Roast Turkey Dinner that makes it a favorite and traditional repast for the winter holidays.
For one thing, a whole roasted turkey can feed a crowd, and for another it is versatile in how it is served.
But it is not just about the meat… the entire meal is full of comfort and good memories, it is what we like to call “the trimmings”. For some that is cornbread, either as a bread or making the dressing. The stuffing, or dressing is all important.
There might be a side of cranberries in some way. I like relish, for some it is a jelly, for others cranberries might be included some other ingenious way. And Pies, plural! Pumpkin, Apple, and others traditionally round out a calorie packed meal.
Sample Menu
The Roast Turkey
Stuffing (usually bread stuffing)
Turkey gravy
Sweet Potatoes
Corn (often a corn pudding or creamed corn)
Green beans
Cranberry dish (relish, sauce or jelly)
Bread rolls
Pumpkin and/or apple pie
This page has recipes for several of these dishes (those underlined).
Other popular choices for sides may include:
Creamed spinach
Mashed white potatoes
Green salad
Roasted or fresh carrots
Butternut squash soup
Baked ham (alternate or additional entreé)
The Best Turkey Roasting Gear
The best thing in many of American minds might be the many ways we use the leftovers from our Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy! Or as the French may say “bon appetit“.
A covered roaster pan is usual for cooking the turkey, while a meat thermometer is very useful to make sure the turkey is done. A baster to bather the turkey in juices.
I hope you will love the tips and my family recipes for your own great holiday roast turkey meal.
The main thing for a moist turkey is to roast slowly and keep those juice sealed in.
Covered pans, injected marinade or butter, roasting bags, all are ways to serve that one single purpose.
The most important thing is to cook thoroughly, and that is why a thermometer is handy.
Turkey Tips
How to Keep it Moist, 7 Steps Keep it Flavorful
remove the neck and giblets* from the inside of the turkey!
baste the roasting turkey often
make small slices in the skin and insert butter
rub the entire carcass with oil or butter
salt the inner carcass before stuffing
insert the stuffing loosely, but fill the inside, don’t forget the flap under the tail
tent the turkey with foil or cover roaster with a lid
*Giblets may be used for the stuffing; the neck and giblets can also be used to make stock for the gravy.
What is Basting?
Using broth or meat juices to bathe the cooking roast. A baster or pastry brush is used to distribute the liquids over the meat.
How do you brine a turkey?
Mix brine made of stock, salt, sugar, and desired flavorings. Use turkey size oven roasting bag, place turkey and brine inside, and marinate in the refrigerator. Rinse, pat dry, and roast on cooking day. Full directions,recipe, and illustrations, here.
What is Poultry Seasoning?
A combination of ground spices that enhance poultry dishes, usually sage, rosemary, thyme, pepper, and some other spices.
salt and pepperto rub inside and outside the turkey
2tsppoultry seasoning
Method
Thaw turkey if necessary.
Rinse, inside and out, and then pat dry. salt inside and rub out side with salt.
Gently separate the skin from the meat in several places on the breast and towards the back (tailend) of the turkey and along the legs. Insert butter or oil. Try to not tear skin. I cut very small slits in the skin and insert lumps of butter; some people rub melted butter or oil under the loosened skin.
Rub outside of bird with poultry spices and salt and pepper.
Fill with stuffing.
Put turkey uncovered in a hot ,475 ° F, oven for about 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 300-325 ° F, add broth to the turkey and pan.Then baste, and cover the turkey for its long roast. Baste often by lifting cover and using baster to squeeze the cooking juices over the roasting turkey
Roast for number of hours recommended for your size turkey and whether or not it has stuffing.
When skin is crisp and brown, and turkey meat thoroughly cooked (only thermometer can be precisely accurate, but if the leg is loose when wiggled that plus time cooked at the proper temperature can be indications)
Cooking without stuffing may mean you can use lower temperatures and shorter cooking times.
Notes
Stuffing, basting, and covering are all ways to completely cook and keep meat moist at the same time. Brine marinating is also one method for keeping the meat moist. Many cooks rely on a meat thermometer to insure the turkey is fully cooked.
Keep Your Turkey Moist
Whether you brine or baste, tent, or wrap in parchment, the point is to keep the turkey meat moist.
Turkey Dressing - Stuff the Turkey
There are a myriad of recipes for the many ways to stuff a roast turkey. This is the basic recipe I like. I use commercially packaged bread cubes, sometimes crumbs. Use crumbs if you want the bread and vegetables to mix in a softer dressing, and cubes if you wish for the bread to be more evident. Some people make their own bread cubes from stale bread. Use a loaf or two of bread and tear into bitesize pieces or cube to the desired size. I like to mix in whole wheat bread crumbs.
1 to 2packagesbread stuffing -enough for the size bird you are roasting
2tsppoultry seasoning
salt and papper
chicken broth
2hardboiled eggs-chopped
2T.fresh parsleychopped
optional chopped pecans
3 carrotschopped fine
3 ribs of celerychopped fine
1 large onionchopped fine
1stick buttermelted
Method
Instructions
In a very large mixing bowl, add bread cubes, and all chopped vegetables, plus any added optional ingredients like the nuts or chopped fruits, like apple or apricot, etc.
Add moistening ingredients: broth and melted butter and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate if not immediately cooking.
Right before stuffing turkey or cooking, add chopped eggs, any additions like sausage or oysters, etc.
Cook in oven or stovestop and keep warm or refrigerate any leftover dressing promptly. It should be kept hot or cold, never room temperature.
Notes
The turkey should not be overstuffed, since dressing expands. Leftover prepared dressing can be baked in an oven proof dish or cooked on the stove top.
Seared Green Beans
My favorite way to serve green beans is to get fancy whole beans in the frozen section, cook them until just done (never overcook!), then douse them with a good Italian flavored dressing like Wishbone or House Italian. Sprinkle with blanched almonds if you want a bit of window dressing.
Place a large, deep skillet or wok over medium heat. After about two minutes, add the oil, and swirl to coat the pan.
Turn the heat to high, and wait another 30 seconds or so, then add the green beans and a big pinch of salt.
Cook over high heat, shaking the pan and/or using tongs to turn and move the beans so they cook quickly and evenly.
After about 3 minutes, take a taste test and see if the beans are done to your liking. They should be relatively crunchy, but you get to decide. If you like them cooked a little more, keep going until they’re your kind of tender.
Sprinkle in the garlic and some red pepper flakes, and cook for just a minute longer. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.
Sweet Potato Casserole
One large sweet potato per person, it is easy to increase or decrease this recipe. The rest of the ingredients are approximate to produce a moist mashed potato that is baked in the oven or can be cooked on the stovetop. Can be made ahead and then warmed for the meal.
First bake your sweet potatoes and then remove their jackets.
Add butter to hot potatoes and it will melt as you mash them slightly.
Add the milk, orange juice concentrate, and salt to taste (try 1â„2 tsp. sea salt)
Mash together and turn into baking dish (or large dutch oven for stovetop). Cook until flavors meld and heated through. 15 to 20 minutes.
Top with marshmallows, if desired. In very hot oven or under broiler, melt and toast marshmallow topping. Serve.
Fresh Cranberry Relish
My preference is for a tart relish, with only enough additional sugar to make it palatable. Sweet apples and orange will help offset the cranberry tartness. Adjust additional sugar to taste, but keep the relish tart for best taste with the turkey. - Traditional Turkey Trimming Side Dish
3 -4Seedless Navel oranges or oranges with seeds removed
handfuloptional coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 to 3/4cupgranulated sugar to taste (approximately)
Method
Instructions
Pick over cranberries discarding bruised or old berries.
Cut up washed apples to size for sending through meat grinder. Peel and section oranges.
Using meat grinder ( my preference) or food processor with coarse attachment, mince the cranberries, apples and oranges and combine in large bowl.
Add sugar to taste, add optional walnuts.
Cover with Saran wrap and refrigerate until serving.
Serve in a glass bowl to show off the beautiful color. Served with the turkey and dressing entree.
Additional Trimmings for the Menu – Sides for a Roast Turkey
Maybe you like these, or they might be something I always include- more ideas to create a scrumptious Thanksgiving menu.
Homemade Pumpkin Dessert - Bourbon Pumpkin Tart with Walnut Streusel
I admit to cheating on the pie. I get frozen pies and bake those for our Thanksgiving. I save my totally homemade from scratch efforts for Christmas. But if you wish to make your own pumpkin pie from scratch this is a good recipe to use. Delicious! A 'Taste of Home' recipe that won't go wrong.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, orange peel and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add egg. Gradually add cream, tossing with a fork until a ball forms. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until easy to handle
On a lightly floured surface, roll out pastry into a 13-in. circle. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 11-in. fluted tart pan with removable bottom.
In a large bowl, combine the filling ingredients. Pour into crust. For topping, combine the flour, sugar, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in walnuts and ginger. Sprinkle over filling
Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate leftovers.
The Side Menu Options
Choose one or more…
I enjoy a simple (ok,slightly dressed up) Green Salad
Corn bread muffins
Corn Pudding
White potatoes, usually mashed. Some people can’t imagine their meal without them.
Wild rice and mushrooms goes great with the roast turkey. Can be substituted for bread stuffing.
Bring children into the the celebration of Thanksgiving with one of their favorite activities, coloring. If you have a printer these simple pictures can provide a quiet time in the midst of meal preparations.
How did Thanksgiving become a National Holiday?
Sara Hale tirelessly advocated for a National Thanksgiving holiday. Source: Richards Free Library
A woman named Sarah Hale, editor of the famous Godey’s Lady’s Book magazine, spearheaded a move to enshrine observation of thankfulness in the nation. She wrote to five presidents and numerous governors in her campaign for a Thanksgiving Day.
Hale is largely responsible for the idealistic, somewhat fictional view that Americans today hold in regards to interactions of these first New England colonists and the native peoples. Her picture of this feast with tables laden with turkey, stuffing, many dishes and gravies caught on with Victorian readers.
Godey’s Lady’s Book menu suggestions outlined what we consider a traditional holiday menu, today. How-to and recipes were provided to complete the celebration.
In keeping with her vision of this holiday, pictures here include those that represent parts of the meal, the idea of what the meal was like, how the English and Indian guests were believed to have dressed, and of course, the fat turkey.
Many of this things are now known to have little historical basis, but they are icons of the American Thanksgiving Holiday. I hope you will have fun coloring the ones you download and print.
Thanksgiving Themes
Centering around food, family, and gratefulness, Thanksgiving has ready-made themes. American Indians, native foods of pumpkin and corn, turkey and trimmings, pie…. it is a cornucopia of fun coloring with a bit of history.
Food Concepts of Hunger and Plenty
Pie is the American idea of a dessert dish served at holidays. This is a cherry pie, but pumpkin is the most popular choice.
[caption id="attachment_3381" align="aligncenter" width="442"] Corn, a native food staple helped the new Colonists to survive.
The story changes depending on who tells it and when, but certain facts are undeniable. One is that without the help and instruction of the Natives of the land, the Pilgrims were likely to fail. They greatly suffered from lack of food, and the Indians corn was a Godsend.
Pumpkins, maize, and wild turkeys were some of the bounties of this land where the Pilgrims landed.
The sharing of a feast is a symbol of the peaceful meeting of diverse people and cultures.
Who Were The Pilgrims?
In their native England they were dissenters against the prevailing religious establishment. Braving a journey to an unknown land was worth it to be able to practice their beliefs freely.
When traveling to the new world they came in the company of those wishing to settle for different reasons. The fellow travelers were called “strangers” by their more religious comrades.
Who Were The Wampanoag?
This was the Indian tribe which interacted with the Pilgrims in the original feast. Also called the Massasoit, they had a tradition that all the male leaders should be invited to village feasts. Thus 98 surprise guests turned up at this all-male meal. No worries, though… they came with plenty of meat to supply the tables.
The original celebration lasted three days.
The name means “People of the First Light” since they were situated at the eastern coastal region of the continent. This was a large confederation of tribal villages.
The Wampanoag later came into conflict with the English and suffered great loss from disease with the remnants of their people being sold into slavery, many to the Caribbean islands; but their early relations with the colonists were helpful and supportive. The famous “Squanto” was part of this tribal group:
Tisquantum and other Wampanoag taught the non-native newly arrived Pilgrims how to cultivate varieties of corn, squash and beans (the Three Sisters); catch fish, and collect seafood.(1)
Thankfulness and Gratitude
As first conceived, this was a religious holiday, observed with piety and solemnity. Modern times sees it as a family time with parades, watching football games, and overeating as all part of the day.
What remains is the idea that we should take time to be thankful for our many blessings. Remembrance of the bounty of the nation we live in, gratitude for freedoms and for friendship and family. For religious and secular alike, it is time to recall the good things we enjoy the rest of the year.
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