Oh yes..it is definitely that time of year when things gets crazy & oh so wonderful. The fire is now going 24 hours a day, my favorite pine candles are lit and you just never know when you will glance out the window & see snow gently falling. Along with the hustle and bustle of filing orders and working on new offerings I have been gathering my recipes, scouring through my cook books, writing menu's and lists galore and searching for the ultimate stuffing recipe to accompany that glorious bird!
Now, we do not eat at home on Thanksgiving day..we eat an early dinner at Mark's parents around 1:00 and then a late dinner at mom & dad's at 6pm...regardless of the fact that we do not eat at home...I've always made a turkey with all the fixings, here at home, so that we were able to have all those fantastic turkey leftovers..I mean what is Thanksgiving without that wonderful turkey sandwich the next day, usually enjoyed while playing scrabble or monopoly with the family..it's one of my favorite parts!
The last four years however, I've gotten out of the habit of doing this because I've had a show the day after Thanksgiving....so Thanksgiving had unfortunately..gotten hectic...we ran around from house to house..all the while I was thinking about what I should be doing to get ready for the show & what I needed to pack and bring....I had show stuff all over the house & worst of all...the kids were home from college and I barely got to spend any time with them..NOT THIS YEAR! Mark & I decided that last year..was indeed that..... the LAST time I was going to do shows (outside our home) during the holidays. This year we are getting back to the way our Holidays use to be...enjoyable..relaxing.. our home filled with our children, family & friends..playing scrabble, monopoly & cards..sipping wine & mulled cider by the fire and enjoying each others company while delicious aromas of homemade food fills our home.
Now, we do not eat at home on Thanksgiving day..we eat an early dinner at Mark's parents around 1:00 and then a late dinner at mom & dad's at 6pm...regardless of the fact that we do not eat at home...I've always made a turkey with all the fixings, here at home, so that we were able to have all those fantastic turkey leftovers..I mean what is Thanksgiving without that wonderful turkey sandwich the next day, usually enjoyed while playing scrabble or monopoly with the family..it's one of my favorite parts!
The last four years however, I've gotten out of the habit of doing this because I've had a show the day after Thanksgiving....so Thanksgiving had unfortunately..gotten hectic...we ran around from house to house..all the while I was thinking about what I should be doing to get ready for the show & what I needed to pack and bring....I had show stuff all over the house & worst of all...the kids were home from college and I barely got to spend any time with them..NOT THIS YEAR! Mark & I decided that last year..was indeed that..... the LAST time I was going to do shows (outside our home) during the holidays. This year we are getting back to the way our Holidays use to be...enjoyable..relaxing.. our home filled with our children, family & friends..playing scrabble, monopoly & cards..sipping wine & mulled cider by the fire and enjoying each others company while delicious aromas of homemade food fills our home.
So..this is why..I'm searching for the perfect stuffing. I do NOT like that gooey wet stuffing that cooks inside the bird (yuck)..I want one made with big chunks of homemade bread, apples from our local orchard, fresh sausage, sage & onions...all baked to perfection in it's own dish......:) I'm still looking for that recipe..but most likely...I'll just fly by the seat of my pants and do what I usually do ....make up my own :)..............................
9 delightful friends dropped in for a visit:
Mmmm! that sounds delish! I think I'm going to buy a turkey breast this year and do the exact same thing. We're going to my grandparent's for thanksgiving and my grandpa is a master chef!
I agree that sometimes shows can suck the specialness right out of your own personal holidays. I'm determined not to let that happen this year! I've gotten enough done ahead of time that I'm not going to sweat it through december. it will be our time!
We are so happy that you made the decision to no longer do shows at this time .No more rush to get home and make those last minute touches on your offerings.The on -line shows have become such a success it has made this choice an easy one .Once again we can all get together and do all those holiday traditions ,Black Friday shopping lunch with all the girls an perhaps a holiday movie .I can not wait .I have know doubt you will find that perfect recipe but I am pretty sure it is already in your head,I have yet to make it the same way twice .LOVE YOU MOM
I can see how the shows would take away from that special family time. How nice you will be able to enjoy it once again!
Make sure and share your recipe once you come up with it! It sounds delectable!
Doreen,
Oh, I saw the spoonful of food and came running ! :o)
Who doesn't love a good Thanksgiving Turkey dinner ! I love the stuffing more so than the turkey !
I use the hard store bought unseasoned bread cubes, plenty of diced celery , diced onion, melted butter and boiling water/chicken broth, along with some Italian seasoning, pepper , dash of oregano and lots of rubbed sage.
I put the bread cubes in a big bowl , add the diced onion and celery and seasonings and melted butter and then pour on the boiling water/chicken broth on top to help soften the celery and onion and distribute the fattening butter :o). Mix and put in a dish and cover and heat in a 350* oven for about an hour or so.
I am not much into boiling turkey *gisserds* for flavored water or for making the gravy or adding to the stuffing.
My favorite part of the dinner is the stuffing and the pumpkin pie !
I agree.. doing shows around Holiday time is very nerve wracking , stressful and takes away time with family.
Hugs,
Linda
I'm SOOOO happy for you that you have made the decision to keep your holidays to you and your family. WONDERFUL!!! Enjoy!
Heaps of Hugs,
Cheryl
Doreen, what a grand idea....I changed how we do holidays too, we spend time with family and make it count!! Have a wonderful time this year and enjoy each other!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B
It sounds like a PERFECT way to spend the holidays! Wishing you the blessings of family, friends, and everything that gives you great joy!
Hugs...J
doreen, i absolutely love your blog! i think you are on target about not doing shows...i used to work all the time thinking i had to even while mom and dad were visiting and then dad passed in 2008 and i regretted dedication to something other than my family...please feel welcome to stop by and visit us. my grandparents were from randolph center and i love good vermont blogs! have a wonderful week! jill
Hello everyone :)Thank you all so very much for stopping by to say hello. I promise I will stop by for a visit with you very, very soon. Hugs, D
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