November 23, 2008

Thanks for all the recipes, BigSis! I love the Spinach Artichoke Casserole recipe but since HayHay doesn't like artichokes, I'm going to do the Crumb-Topped Brocolli Bake for something different.  I might even use the french fried onions on top instead of the crackers. I love the different versions of the Green Bean Casserole, too. They all look yummy! For me, I would really like to have two “green veggie” sides, but I'm trying to simplify this year since it's only the four of us.

You're right BigSis, those Turkey Candy Corn Cookies are seriously cute! I love those! And no, I don't have any candy corn left from Halloween! Since I don't have SisMama here to make the pies, I'm going to make a couple ahead and freeze them. (My family will actually be in shock. They are so deprived when it comes to dessert.)

Since I've been reading some really great food blogs lately, I'm getting inspired to try more baking. I'm really going to make an effort to bake more homemade goodies for the guys!

Both of those desserts from Culinary Concoctions by Peabody look awesome! The Cranberry Streusel Cake from Amanda's Cookin' is definitely one that I'm going to try. I love cranberries and I don't like cakes with loads of frosting so this one looks like a winner to me.  Another from Amanda's Cookin' that looks amazing is the  Blushing Pom Holiday Cheescake. I'm really not a big “cake eater”, but man, oh man, cheesecake is another story!

Since I have to freeze my desserts this year, I'm going to try the Eagle Brand Basic Pumpkin Pie recipe that Cookie Madness has in her Thanksgiving Menu. She says it is easy enough for her daughter to make, so I thought it was a good choice for me, being a “novice baker”. And, for my first ever homemade pecan pie, I'm going to make the 2008 Thanksgiving Pecan Pie from Cookie Madness.  She says this recipe freezes well.

My pie baking day was supposed to be today, but HayHay won 2nd place in his surf contest yesterday morning, so now we have to be back down at the beach this morning for finals! I'll just have to survive on little sleep for the next two nights.

So, here is my Thanksgiving Day Menu.

• Roasted Turkey from Tip Top Meats

• Refrigerator Potatoes (Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes)

• Crumb-Topped Broccoli Bake

• All Recipes Creamed Corn Like No Other

• Canned Jellied Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce (I prefer homemade, but my family prefers canned)

• Eagle Brand Basic Pumpkin Pie

• 2008 Thanksgiving Pecan Pie

I know, I know; there's no stuffing on the menu.  If SirHoney wants stuffing, he's going to have to pick it up at TipTop when he picks up the turkey.  Not only do I not have time, but I can't make it the way his Mom does, so I don't even try anymore.

We'll have a big relish tray full of giant green olives, black olives, and sweet pickles.  And I'm sure I'll end up baking some “store bought rolls”.  No time for homemade rolls either!

I also didn't include a gravy.  I LOVE SisMama's giblet gravy.  Again, I don't have time to make it, but my guys “drench” their potatoes with creamed corn anyway. They won't miss the gravy, but I'll sure miss it! Hey, SisMama, wanna freeze some and bring it with you to Vegas for me? (tee hee)

~LilSis