Happy Thanksgiving 2016!
It’s that wonderful time of year again.
Time to roll out your favorite holiday traditions.
Don’t you just love Thanksgiving?
Get ready because, in this blog post, I’ll share my best all-time tip for having an enjoyable Thanksgiving. I don’t share this with just anyone, either.
But First …
I thought we’d start with some fun questions to get you in the mood.
Here are some very easy questions that are sure to pose some controversy. Let’s not fight over this, okay? 🙂
Roasted, Smoked, or Fried Turkey?
Smoked … all the day long.
Once I tried my husband’s smoked turkey for the first time, we’ve never gone back.
For us, nothing can compare with a smoked turkey. It’s so moist when it comes out of the smoker, there’s no need to brine the bird.
No brine – no kidding.
Seriously, isn’t that big bird going through enough?
If I had to pick a second choice, it would be a fried turkey. We’ve had neighbors share some of their fried turkey with us and it is delicious. However, I’m a smoked girl for life.
All of you turkey roasters out there, I still love you.
Sautéed Green Beans or Green Bean Casserole?
My imaginary evil twin always picks the green bean casserole. On Thanksgiving day, she wins. Sautéed beans are so much better for you, but hey, ya gotta live a little.
At our house, we even add some Mexican cheese to our green bean casserole.
I know, I know.
Giada De Laurentiis would have a cow over that, but it’s Thanksgiving, for goodness sake.
P.S. I had to look up how to spell Giada’s last name.
P.P.S. Giada was born in Italy. I have Italian blood. We might be related.
More Questions, Stick With Me
Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potato Casserole?
The answer for us is:
Ding, ding, ding!
Creamy mashed potatoes.
I let my husband make the potatoes. Cooking them keeps him busy so I can go sit down and rest my feet for a moment. I used to have a lot of energy. I save it now for special occasions.
Real Cranberry Sauce or That Red Blob Thing That Comes in a Can?
If you ask me, hands down, the real cranberry sauce.
I have Alex Guarnaschelli’s recipe for a yummy cranberry sauce made with real cranberries, cinnamon, a hint of orange zest, and other holiday spices. It is too die for and it makes my kitchen smell good.
I never used to like cranberry sauce growing up, but now this gourmet recipe is something I look forward to on Thanksgiving Day.
If you ask my husband, I hate to say it, he prefers the wobbly red thing that looks like it could eat Manhattan.
A A H H H!
If he wasn’t so cute, it could have been a deal-breaker.
Pecan Pie or Pumpkin Pie?
Pecan pie, all the way.
It’s full of brown sugary goodness that makes you want to scarf it all down in one sitting. Afterwards, if you can stand up, you can go in another room and try to discreetly unbutton the top button of your pants.
C’mon – you know do. 😉
You’ve Been Patiently Waiting
And now, here’s my big tip for Thanksgiving to make it a lot more enjoyable.
Drum roll, please.
Hide the stupid scale.
You know what I’m talking about – that contraption in your bathroom that you step on to get your weight.
It’s Thanksgiving and it’s meant to enjoy. Unless you have medical reasons that prevent you from eating whatever you want – then celebrate this special day with your loved ones and get back on the diet when it’s all over.
That’s an order, then report back to me.
On an even more personal note, I just wanted to say thank you for reading my blog this year.
If I had your addresses I would send all of you some chocolate chip cookies.
God is so good and we have so much to be thankful to Him for.
I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with much joy and love.
Enjoy!
