I remember the Thanksgiving my brother-in-law, one pumpkin pie balanced on each hand, stumbled on his way in, and both pies ended up in the bushes. We survived—with last minute, on-sale, store-bought pies. Because Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s about coming together, counting your blessings, and sharing the joy with those you love. And for me, it’s about the miles between us and the months apart that fall away instantly.
Whether you are having guests, or you are the guest, Thanksgiving is the gateway to the holidays. Our bountiful tables are a mix of old family recipes and new ones. (See the one below) Don’t we get out the hand-me-down recipes that show up only once a year? Doesn’t every family have a repertoire of layered Jell-O salads? (BTW, are they really salads? Or are they desserts?) No one really knows for sure.
So, we turbo-shop, delegate too little and take on too much. But it’s always worth it, isn’t it, when we all sit down together? And remember, any cooking or baking shortcut that takes the stress and insanity out of Thanksgiving is OK.
As the holiday approaches, I take time to remind myself I have a roof over my head, food in my pantry, my health, clean clothes, family and friends, and I remember there are those who don’t. I bet you remember, too. Many of you give up your Thanksgiving Day dinner to deliver a meal to shut ins. Some donate to food pantries or help serve a meal to the underprivileged. Once my daughter traveled to West Virginia to help clean and repair homes of the elderly and infirm over the holiday. Thanksgiving is that time of year when one counts their blessings.
So, on behalf of me and mine, I wish you memorable moments all month long!
Annalisa
PS This is Martha Stewart’s famous Cobb-Salad Sandwich recipe using leftovers. Aren’t leftovers the best part of Thanksgiving dinner? And you can change the veggies, the condiments, and even add different leftovers from your own dinner. Enjoy!
Cobb-Salad Sandwich
- Spread cranberry sauce on a piece of thinly sliced bread.
- Top with sliced roast turkey breast.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer on cooked bacon, sliced hard-cooked egg, sliced avocado, lettuce and a few fresh basil leaves.
- Spread another slice of bread with mayonnaise and place it on top.
Annalisa Russo is a published author and master storyteller based in Chicago, IL. Currently writing with The Wild Rose Press, she has just released her ninth book: Snowflake Wishes, Christmas Kisses. You can read more about it and the author at annalisarusso.com. Follow Annalisa Russo on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Annalisa Russo 