Will You Be Hosting A Thanksgiving Meal?

12 years ago

I am wondering how many of us will be having a Thanksgiving meal at our home? I will be on Thanksgiving Day. How about you?

Sue

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Comments (31)

Jasdip
12 years ago
Nope, we already had ours! :D

Since I AM open that weekend, I'll gladly share in yours! LOL
Mmmm turkey with all the trimmings....I can enjoy that again.
Chi
12 years ago
I'm hosting my very first one! I'm excited and nervous, especially about the turkey. I've been a vegetarian for 13 years so I am definitely intimidated at the idea! I'm sure it will all work out though. I've had my menu planned for weeks now and I am making enough food for 30 people even though I'm only having 5, lol.
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Lizbeth-gardener, funny you should ask that question. Yes, it's different from the cream of mushroom soup version. I make it slightly differently every year because I have been trying to prove to one family member that scratch versions are better than canned versions. It's usually some version of this recipe: Green Bean and Chanterelle Casserole from Wild Mushrooms, in the Northwest Homegrown Cookbook Series, but doubled 1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 leeks, white and pale green parts only, split, cleaned and sliced 1 pound chanterelles, brushed clean, trimmed and coarsely chopped 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs (from a boule or focaccia) White Sauce: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups whole milk Pinch freshly grated or ground nutmeg Salt and freshly ground black pepper For the white sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture foams up and begins to smell slightly nutty, 2 to 3 minutes (the flour should not brown). Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens, whisking often to avoid any lumps or sticking, 6 to 8 minutes. Take the pan from the heat and whisk in the nutmeg with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously butter a 12-inch oval baking dish or other 2-quart baking dish. Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil, add the green beans, and cook until they are bright green and nearly tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain well. Melt the butter in a saute pan or large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring, until tender and aromatic, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside about 1/2 cup of the chanterelles and add the rest to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms are tender and any liquid they give off has evaporated, 5 to 7 minutes. Take the skillet from the heat and stir in the white sauce, white wine, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the beans and stir to evenly coat them in the sauce, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Pulse the bread crumbs and reserved chanterelles in a food processor to a fine crumbly texture. Scatter the mixture over the green beans and bake until bubbly-hot and the topping is nicely browned, 30 to 40 minutes. Spoon onto individual plates to serve. Makes 6 to 8 servings However, I have done the Emerilized version (only two guests liked it; too untraditional), the healthy version (almost one liked it), the version above, but with canned fried onions (they mostly liked it), another version with fontina cheese melted into it and heavy cream instead of milk (what's not to like?). For the past couple of years it has been difficult to find chanterelles in my neck of the woods (I go to Central Market in Austin), but I usually combine three types of mushrooms, e.g. shitake, cremini, and oyster. We do have wild mushrooms at my place, but I've never had the nerve to harvest them (some around here do, and have for generations). I happen to think this casserole is better made one day in advance and refrigerated, then reheated for Thanksgiving.
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When my mother was alive, my two sisters and their families and I went to her house for Thanksgiving--for two of us it involved plane flights. I arrived several days early to help, and it seems she had decided not to make a turkey at home but to get one cooked from a very fine Italian shop that specialized in fine meats. When we picked it up from their coolers, I was horrified to see that the stuffing was still in the bird, but she insisted that it would be all right. Thanksgiving morning we get all the sides ready, we put the the bird in the oven to heat, the guests are arriving (there are almost 20 of us by now) and when my sister takes the turkey from the oven, she gasps "Oh, my God, it smells bad!" I volunteered to make the announcement to the hungry troops. "Here's the bad news, folks," I said. "The bird is rotten. The good news is that none of us have eaten it." We ordered out for pizza and had pizza with all the turkey trimmings: cranberry relish, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, brussels sprouts, etc. My mother got her money back Monday, and the fine little shop closed several months later.
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Nothing wrong with shortcuts, even if it's doing the whole meal that way. There's good shortcuts and bad shortcuts. Sometimes doctoring up instant stuff is quite good, and sometimes on it's own it's good too. OK, if you're a great cook and do it homemade, yes, it can be better. But... when you cook like my SIL, who takes a spiral sliced ham, bakes it about 3 hours until it's ham jerky, generic instant potatoes with twice the water (no need for milk she figures) with a can of generic gravy (watered down of course) with a bag of frozen corn microwaved so the outside is mush and the inside is still frozen, topped off with the lemon meringue pie which is a can of lemon filling (possibly lemon pudding?) dumped in a frozen pie shell and topped with..... Cool Whip! Yum, yum. And there's always leftovers! Wonder why? In that case I'd hobble on foot to the store and pick up a prepared meal! Or order a pizza. And don't get me wrong, canned gravy and instant spuds can be OK. But I add some butter to the spuds, not margarine and have found a couple of decent canned gravies. And I won't even bother making a pecan pie anymore. Aldi has one that's as good as any I've tasted. And for less than $5, you probably can't buy the nuts for that now! But I still want to try the pretzel pie! To me the holidays aren't a big deal anymore. Lots of family and friends are gone. Not a lonely time or anything, just not the incentive there used to be. It's another day. Yes I like good food but not into the celebratory end of many of the holidays anymroe. Especially the greedy ones!
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jewelis- I wasn't referring to her response but to the letter writer who said by the time dinner is served (when they've been there for 2-3 hours) they are all ready to go home. Marilyn, I'm going to chalk it up to different people behave differently. It was my grandmother who instilled in me the belief that it was rude to "eat and run" so to speak. It's worked out okay for me since my husband's 101 year old grandma never wanted us to leave right away either. She always wanted to see her great grand babies. Come to think of it, she may not have cared if WE were there, just the babies. ;)
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sheesh
12 years ago
No, not again this year. Now that my kids are grown and have their own homes, they want to do it. We still have our house with room for all 19 (and counting) of us, but their houses are bigger and they are excited about having us all. It is a three day sleepover weekend for us, always a wonderful time.

But,darn it, I miss being the big cheese. So far we still have Christmas here, but now that we have a granddtr born on Dec 26 and that family is moving into a huge house next month, there is talk of going there for a few days every year. We have three b'days and xmas within four days!
jel48
12 years ago
Not this year! We'll be at home in Michigan, but my oldest step-daughter just moved into a different house, so I asked her if she wanted to host one of the 'big' holidays. She said she wanted to have Thanksgiving, so I'm having Christmas dinner at my place!
Jasdip
12 years ago
Congratulations and good luck Chi!! I'm sure everything will be fine, and it sounds like no one will leave hungry for sure!
terilyn
12 years ago
For the first time I can remember, no, so we are going to serve dinner at a shelter, then find someplace open to eat later.
Marilyn Sue McClintock
Original Author
12 years ago
Hop on down Sherry! If you can't hop on down, go ahead and celebrate again!

Sue
hoovergal
12 years ago
I am - I invite my family to come to my house for Thanksgiving each year since they live out of town. Last year I had 28 for lunch. I served 2 turkeys, a ham, dressing, chicken and dumplings, lots of side dishes, pumpkin pies and a warm white chocolate bread pudding for dessert. It's tons of work but I really enjoy having everyone. Later that day (after a nap) I always decorate our house for Christmas.
lynn_d
12 years ago
We are, sort of, we're still working things out. But if things go well we are hosting a family we have yet to meet.
Jasdip
12 years ago
Thanks Lynn!!! You haven't met me, so I'd LOVE to come for your Thanksgiving.

I'll have dessert at Sue's on the way home.......
monica_pa Grieves
12 years ago
I am. Sit down dinner with Turkey, sausage and bread stuffing, mashed white potatoes and candied yams, peas, etc.
Homemade pies - pumpkin and probably chocolate cream.

Family and any friends who don't have nearby family to celebrate Thanksgiving with.

I can count on one hand the number of Thanksgivings that I have not hosted in the past 45 years.

I wouldn't have it any other way.
sue_va
12 years ago
No. There will be two dinners.

First at my DGD and family, and then with my DGS and his DW. They are closing today on a new, to them, house and looking forward to having TDay dinner there.

I did it for many, many years. I don't mind one bit missing out on all that work!!

Sue
lynn_d
12 years ago
LOL Jas! That would be a blast!! Stop by Dotmom's on the way and get her .... and her brownies.....on the way!!
patti43
12 years ago
Yes, but there will just be 5 of us. My daughter, her DH and my DGS will be here. My sister invited all of us to her house, but she already has 11--which is a good seating capacity for her. Her kitchen is gorgeous, but tiny, so only 2-3 people can work at a time. And of course, you know where everybody wants to hang out!
two25acres
12 years ago
I host ours every year. It's usually 30-40 people, my brothers, their wives and kids and my husbands small family. I will be grilling one turkey and roasting another. I do a fruited wild rice and sausage stuffing, lots of root veggies along with sweet potatoe puree stuffed in orange rind cups. I'm attempting the pies this year. Got a real interesting recipe for sweet potatoe sonker from Americas test kitchen. We'll also have a corn pudding as well as corn chowder and and shrimp chowder. I've never heard of a sonker but it looks very good. I have everyone pitch in with assorted sides/breads and rolls/salads as well as drinks but the majority of the food comes from my kitchen. I always have tday on the Friday after so that everyone can go to thier inlaws on tday and that gives me the day to cook and prepare as well as set up the tables and chairs. If I get time I'll put the tree up as well.
azzalea
12 years ago
No. Last year, for the first time, we went out to eat. It was such fun, and such a delight not to have to deal with the work, rush and clean-up--not to mention the expense (It was SO much cheaper to eat out) that we're going to do that again this year.

Maggiano's does a fantastic family-style Thanksgiving dinner. They pack up the leftovers for you. Last year we ate for a week.

I will, however, be having a small Thanksgiving Eve dinner. Mainly because my favorite wedding cake studio is selling Thanksgiving cakes for only $65--pumpkin spice cake with candied cranberries and white chocolate buttercream, in the shape of a pumpkin, decorated with leaves. Since you normally can't buy a cake from them for less than $240, and since that's our favorite of their cakes, I couldn't resist. So we'll be having soup for dinner and then gorging on cake Wed. evening
vala55
12 years ago
Noooo, I don't even have the pots and pans to do it. The only company I want is Marie Callendar. LOL

I will also turn down the invitations I get.
suzieque
12 years ago
I will be enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by good friends and I'm flattered that they've invited me! I will be taking side dishes, as requested.

Vala, glad you'll be having the type of day you want. Is this different from other Thanksgivings or do you normally just want to be on your own on that holiday? Marie Callendar - haha!
pam_25f
12 years ago
Oh yes...can be anywhere from 25 to our high of 37 one year. I'm encouraging them to let me know if they are coming. I do a turkey, ham, whipped potato casserole, dressing, pumpkin pie. Others fill in with appetizers, vegetable and desserts. I am considering using paper tablecloths, napkins and disposable plates since there is a noticeable lack of assistance with the clean up.
vala55
12 years ago
Suzie, I always enjoyed the holiday get togethers with my family until the last few years. I had an extended family, husband's kids which included about 25 guests that did not help with anything. I would set there and listen to how much cooking they had to do to get ready for dinner at their Mom's dinner, that plus a long history with the steps. When my Mom died, my sis here in town always asked me over, but to many dogs in that home for me to be comfortable eating there. I think I have turned into my Mom and rather be alone. The only thing that bothers me is people feeling sad for me, they don't realize how happy I am being in this situation. This is what I want I am happy and at peace.
Jasdip
12 years ago
Pam, just last year, Mom asked if I thought it would be okay if she used paper plates. The food is always buffet style.

I told her absolutely! She did, and loved it. We sure didn't mind a bit. But she drew the line at using plastic utensils, which I do agree with.
sheilajoyce_gw
12 years ago
I do Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner every year with the help of my younger sister, who brings the salad, dessert and green vegetables. I provide the turkey, candied sweet potatoes, usually twice baked potatoes, pumpkin bread, cranberry relish, and peach-mincemeat garnish.

In the dining room, I set a formal table and we eat about 7:30. Our daughter and her family rotate holidays with us and her in-laws. Next year our older son will marry, and so I suspect they will do Christmas with his more distant future in-laws as they have always done Thanksgiving here. Luckily, our younger son always finds a way to fly in from New York City for the holidays too.

So our dinner table will have either 7 or 11 people, and I will use the good china (an antique Haviland set), my mother's crystal bowls and silver serving pieces, and the sterling which my DH and sister and BIL have gifted to me for several years atop the banquet cloth I spent 2 or 3 years crocheting. Our table, luckily, has two extensions, and they are put to use. The next child or SO to join us will mean we will have to move the couche over to pull another table up to the dining table to fit us all at the table.

Christmas with our grandsons is special here because that day is our oldest grandson's 5th birthday this year. We will have birthday cake and a Christmas dessert to celebrate.
suzieque
12 years ago
More power to you, Vala! I completely understand. Have a wonderful day.
vala55
12 years ago
Thank you. I will have company for Christmas, a new puppy.
Fun2BHere
12 years ago
No, because I have a large dinner party planned for the first weekend in December. So, I'll probably spend Thanksgiving weekend cleaning house, getting the holiday dishes out, and ironing linens.
samkaren
12 years ago
Right now it's just DH & myself & the 2 cats. I've had Thanksgiving the past few years inviting DH's family over. But right now they are still mad at me becuase I said we would not donate money towards that headstone they decided to buy.

Not that it matters....MORE stuffing & sweet potatos for ME!!!

SamKaren
your resident DJ
lynn_d
12 years ago
Vala, I'm glad that you are at peace and comfy in your own skin.

Last year it was just us for lunch then we went to my BFF's in the evening. His SO has (ready for this?) 17 siblings.....so they have a raucous house full!!!!! Jeff and Rich spend Christmas with us because they celebrate the Orthodox Christmas.

We are adopting a family from the Help Center, whatever the number may be not to exceed 5. I'm looking forward to it.
cheryl_ok
12 years ago
Oh yes! It wouldn't be Thanksgiving if I didn't! LOL
Not sure how many yet, but it dosen't matter. I make enough for the entire clan and the homeless. I just cook, bake and wonder what to do with all the food.
I love it!
vala55
12 years ago
Thank you Lynn, you pretty well summed up the situation. Good for you on adopting the family.

Here is my sign.
jackie643
12 years ago
Yes I have everyone here for Thanksgiving & Easter.
I turned over Christmas to my Daughter-in-law..
pattico_gw
12 years ago
Yes I will...with just my kids , grand kids and great grands...

Last year was the last of our big family get togethers. I'm really going to miss them...They have been on going since I was a little girl and moved in with my aunt (my moms sister..when mom passed away) That was 59 years ago.

Our family has grown too big and we no longer get to use the hall we have had it in for many many years. They closed it to the public.
I guess the family thinks finding another one is too expensive. So all the individual family will be having their own. Sad.

patti

Will You Be Hosting A Thanksgiving Meal?

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Will You Be Hosting A Thanksgiving Meal?

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