Right Cuisine Food and Travel

I grew up in an era where cooking was taught by doing, not reading recipe’s or experimenting too much. My Mom, Grandmother, and Aunt’s all used the *by guess, by golly* method. In other words, we rarely measured anything.
My first Thanksgiving on my own, I did a frantic search for Thanksgiving recipes at the library and in newspapers. My goal was to find my Mother’s sage dressing. Needless to say, it was a futile search, so drawing on memory I improvised. Sadly, my memory then was no better than it is today. I had seen the women in my family make dressing countless times, and clearly remembered stale bread, cubed, a can of sage, and broth made from the neck of the turkey.

My first dressing consisted of one loaf of stale bread and a whole can of sage, along with broth from chicken noodle soup because I couldn’t remove the neck from my still frozen turkey. It was horrible! I was too embarrassed to call home for help, and decided I hated stuffing anyway. This was 1963.

Years later, one of my siblings that paid closer attention than I finally sent me a copy. It’s delicious, but trust me…you really do need to measure! Oh..please remember to thaw that turkey!
Thanksgiving Recipe’s: Sage Dressing Recipe

If you’re still working on your Thanksgiving menu or searching for Thanksgiving recipe’s, you might want to add this delicious pumpkin mousse to your list.
I like to make this with a whisk instead of an electric mixer; I’m just not sure why…family tradition, I suppose.
It’s kid friendly, too. Give it try !
Thanksgiving Recipe’s: Pumpkin Mousse Recipe

Going through my Holiday recipes I just ran across an old one from a dear friend for pie…not just any old pie, but coconut-eggnog pie made with rum.This recipe is not child friendly so watch those bowls!
If you give this a try, be sure to use a good quality rum, i.e. Bacardi.
Coconut Eggnog Pie with Rum Recipe

Say it ain’t so! If you’re one of the many consumers that has noticed the lack of Eggo waffles in the freezer department of your grocery store, you’re not alone. The reason behind the shortage sounds a bit unbelievable, but Kellogg is standing behind their explanation.
Eggo Waffle Shortage: Atlanta Floods Blamed

As I sit here going through my Thanksgiving recipes, I’m reminded by my daughter not to forget to make sweet potato souffle this year. While it is a family favorite, I have to admit that I do forget( on purpose) at times. Truth is, I am lousy at making a good meringue, and not to great at making Jello, either. That said, I admit it took me years before I figured out the sugar/egg white ratio and developed the patience to whip the mix into soft peaks.
Hopefully, you’re not as scatterbrained as I have been and will give this delicious recipe a try…it truly is worth any meringue frustration you might feel!
Thanksgiving Recipes Sweet Potato Souffle Recipe

If you’re tired of using the same old whipped topping on your Holiday desserts, you might want to try this Thanksgiving recipe for a delightful and unique topping for your pies, cookies or even apple cider. The ingredients are simple and easily adjustable to suit your taste, and it’s kid friendly with very little clean-up!
Thanksgiving Recipes: Spiced Whipped Cream

Below you will find but one of many turkey glazes and gravies that we have used over the last 50 or so Thanksgivings. We will be adding more Thanksgiving recipes over the next week.

First, though, I want to say please make sure you follow the cooking directions that come with your turkey. They do vary with pounds and manufacturer.

Never thaw a turkey by leaving it sit out. I’ve found the best and safest way is to thaw it in a brown paper sack in the refrigerator for two days. Make sure to rinse and dry the turkey ( paper towels work great ) and don’t forget to remove the neck, gizzards, liver, giblets etc…found in the cavities. Use with your Thanksgiving menu, or to make soup. Discard if not using.

I have cooked our turkey upside down for over thirty years. This enables all the juices to flow into the breast and drumsticks, leaving you with a turkey so moist you will be astounded.
There is a way to do this and still have it look gorgeous…simply turn the turkey over the last half hour to an hour of cooking. Line your turkey pan with heavy, non stick tin foil. Carefully turn the bird right side up. The operative word here is carefully! Have a few padded oven mitts on hand and an extra person to help if need be. Don’t burn yourself!

I must admit there are times we don’t care how it looks, the taste more than makes up for that !

You will need :

medium turkey roasting pan with wire rack
deep bowl
whisk
basting brush
non stick tin foil if cooking upside down

1 turkey ( 12-15# )
1- 3/4 cup chicken broth ( I use homemade or Swanson )
3 Tbs lemon juice
1 tsp dried basil leaves
1 tsp dried thyme leaves
1 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/4 tsp pepper

Mix broth, lemon juice and spices together with whisk. Roast turkey according to pkg. directions, basting with broth mixture. Throw any remaining mix away. If cooking upside down, be sure to baste breast and drumsticks heavily first.

Gravy

You will need :

Deep, large bowl
3-1/2 cups chicken broth
About 6 Tbs flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Remove turkey from roasting pan. Reserve about 2 Tbs. of drippings.
Whisk together 3-1/2 cups chicken broth with about 5-6 Tbs flour tbsp., garlic powder, salt and pepper. Pour into roasting pan. Cook until mixture boils and thickens. Stir often.
Ladle into gravy boat to serve.

If you’re like so many others ( self included ) you’re still making out your Thanksgiving/Holiday menu. Making your grocery list, checking it twice ( and more ); looking for easy, yet delicious recipes to feed family and friends. This fruit dip recipe is so easy I think a toddler could do it, yet it tastes sensational.
Give it a try!
Fruit Dip

For most of us it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without Pumpkin pie. There’s so many recipe’s for it, that I usually decide which one is best based on the crust. The recipe below is by far the best crust we have ever enjoyed and can also be used to make pumpkin bars. If you’re tired of the same old flaky pie crust, be sure to give this a try!
Crunchy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Cranberry compote is a perfect addition to any Holiday meal, especially Thanksgiving.
Compote is made of whole or pieces of fruit in a sugary syrup. It’s cooked over simmering heat with any number of spices added.
It can be served in a large dessert bowl, or individual dessert cups. Regardless of which way, it’s delicious….give it a try! Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Cranberry Compote Recipe