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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsFor those of you who are staying home alone (or with just the people you live with) for T-Giving,
What's on the menu for T-Giving Dinner? Are you blowing it off altogether, or are you going to try to recreate the traditional meal on your own?
I was considering just ordering Chinese food, but I decided to get in the spirit of things and ordered some groceries, so I will have a very basic T-giving meal since I have a very small studio kitchen and also do not want a huge clean up job.
I ordered a 4lb boneless Turkey breast, which I will roast. Will make mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing (Pepperidge Farm on the stove top - don't like mushy stuffing), either spinach or green beans, just sauteed in olive oil and garlic. Forgot to get any cranberries, but usually make my own cranberry sauce, however I decided it was too big of a recipe for just one person.
I also ordered cubed and peeled butternut squash, but they were out, and there is no way I am wrestling with a whole butternut squash. Last time I did that I practically sliced my hands to shreds.
I ordered a half Pecan Pie from Whole Foods, but they were out so they subbed a full pie, and got a pint of Talenti vanilla gelato and a pint of vanilla caramel swirl. I am not even a big sweet eater, but I am really looking forward to this dessert, since I love warm pecan pie w/ ice cream - hours after dinner. Or even a day after dinner.
Anyway, I am kind of looking forward to a low drama holiday this year. And being able to take a "no-guilt" nap after dinner.
How are you all feeling about things this year?
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,674 posts)It's just me and the cat, and the cat doesn't care any more than I do. I have only one sibling in the area and he's staying home with his wife; everybody else is either far away or dead. We've never made a big deal of Thanksgiving even when there were a few more of us around (it was just a bigger than usual meal with more pie), so it doesn't matter to me this year either. It's just another day.
leftieNanner
(15,082 posts)Virus numbers are going up in our county in a big way, so we had to un-invite our friends, even though they are all retired and in a bubble as we are.
I don't know about the food. I'm the cook in the family, but I don't really feel like doing a big meal. I guess I should decide soon though. Will need to hit the grocery store tomorrow. Can you tell that my essential response is - meh?
Sad.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)and the fixin's. I cooked the turkey today (wanted to get the waste out with the trash to be picked up tomorrow). Wednesday we will bake a pie, fix the cranberry sauce, gravy and make up broth with the turkey parts that were not baked today.
Olafjoy
(937 posts)Its just myself and hubs and sonny boy this year so we ordered the small dinner. Turkey, herb stuffing, truffle Parmesan mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans and rolls. For dessert we have this salted caramel gelato cake thing that I found at Costco that we all decided looks really good and were having that instead of the traditional pumpkin pie. Such a weird year!!!!
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)"Piecaken", which I guess is the dessert equivalent to a "Turducken". He couldn't quite remember exactly remember what it was, but he thought it was a pecan pie on the bottom, with a cheesecake middle and a carrot cake top or something like that.
Leave it to Americans to completely overdo everything!
OAITW r.2.0
(24,455 posts)Plus 2 bottles of Cab Sav. Will cook and drink, put food in the fridge, and continue to enjoy the evening.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)As long as you have wine, you will be fine!
Sanity Claws
(21,846 posts)I'm trying new recipes and want to figure out what would be good for a small party when I can have guests again.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I love tapas! Who says T-giving has to be traditional!
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)cut up and portioned, with some used in my all-time favorite Sonoma Turkey Salad for wraps and the rest frozen for later. I'm not even feeling up to making side dishes, especially since the COVID weight gain is something I'm trying hard to tackle.
Just not worth the effort for me and given how hot the spread of COVID is right now in my community, I don't want to go grocery shopping with any risk of crowds.
Bah humbug, but I just want this year to be over.
Sorry to be a downer.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)of trashing the whole thing myself, except that my whole family is going to Zoom call me on T-giving day and I don't want them to pity me. I don't even really care that much myself, but I feel like I need to make a good show of it. It's pretty much another day to me.
I love my family, but I am really bummed out that I am not going to see the family dogs. I just adore them so much and they seem to love me more than my family does too. They are the loves of my life.
spicysista
(1,663 posts)My husband is deployed. Our nearest family is a couple thousand miles away ( not that it matters with covid restrictions). So, I allowed the kids to set the menu. Everyone will have their favorite dish made by me.
Stay safe, everyone.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)And I wish your deployed husband all the best and pray for his safe return. I know how anxiety provoking that can be. My brother was deployed numerous times and every time I just felt sick to my stomach until he returned safely. Thank god he did.
I wish you and your family all the best!
spicysista
(1,663 posts)If you can, please thank you brother for his service.
Siwsan
(26,259 posts)I'm going to suggest she just enjoy the day with her husband and drop off some cold turkey on Friday. I can make my own 'side dishes'. I'm actually thinking about making some turkey tetrazzini.
As for Thursday, I might make a nice, extra cheesy, heavy on the pepperoni pizza and wash it down with something cold and bubbly. Xfinity has free premium shows, this week, so I'm going to watch 'The Good Lord Bird' on Showtime, and anything else that catches my eye.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)It's a good holiday for binge watching shows that need catching up on. Some friends have recommended "The Queen's Gambit" on Netflix, so I think I will watch that, as I only have one more episode on "The Crown".
There is also another good series on Hulu called "The Great", about Catherine the Great, but it's a bit cheeky, humerous and whimsical. It's historical, but takes a lot of liberties with history, so don't look for accuracy. However it is very entertaining. It stars Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. It's very glamourous, a bit bawdy, but anything but boring. Don't expect an intellectual experience. It's pure entertainment.
Siwsan
(26,259 posts)AND Elizabeth I with Dame Helen. Basically, I love pretty much anything starring Dame Helen Mirren.
I just added HBO Max to my cable subscription so I've got LOTS and LOTS of series to watch. Last year, during a free preview, I started watching 'Gentleman Jack' and now I can't wait to pick up from where I left off. AND, now I have access to the TCM film library so my sanity is saved, despite what looks like long months of self-isolation. And, of course, I have my books. Lots and lots of books.
bedazzled
(1,761 posts)She was gorgeous in that. Also loved her in white nights
lunatica
(53,410 posts)It my choice, so Im happy. Its just another day for me. And since I retired 3 years ago all my days are good.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I will be alone as well and I am happy about it too. No anxiety. However, I really wish I was retired!
lunatica
(53,410 posts)Its great for me because I found out Im a natural shut in. All my life I knew I liked alone time, but I never thought I would love it almost all the time. Like these months of staying at home has been really nice. Its been no sacrifice for me.
kacekwl
(7,016 posts)the right idea.
UTUSN
(70,683 posts)lunatica
(53,410 posts)PJMcK
(22,031 posts)Before the "second wave" arose, we had planned to visit with my sister, her husband and our father. 5 people, that would've been it.
But now, why take the chances? All 5 of us are in one or more higher-risk groups due to age or other health issues. It would be foolish to travel to get together for a meal. Too many chances for exposure.
So, we'll be staying in the apartment and have a good meal. We're not sure what the meal will be but we're foodies so we'll have a good time.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I really wish more people would be more cautious, but unfortunately, I think there is going to be an explosion of this virus due to people insisting upon having family gatherings. It's only going to make things worse and prevent Christmas gatherings from happening as well.
I have already decided that I am going to give Christmas a pass as well. It's not going to get better between now and then. It can only get worse. I don't want to contribute to it, nor to I want to risk my health.
Stay safe PJMcK. I hope you and your family stay safe and healthy!
PJMcK
(22,031 posts)Until we have a massive nation-wide vaccination program, all of our normal activities have to be modulated and kept in check.
Like you, we've already decided to forego any family Christmas/New Year's gatherings. Why take the chance?!
Thanks for your good wishes, smirkymonkey! Enjoy your Thanksgiving and I'll see you on the board!
Marthe48
(16,935 posts)I'm by myself, but my daughter brought me a turkey about 2 weeks ago. I thawed it out and roasted it that weekend, and had all of the yummy leftovers. Thursday, I'm planning to make a small pork roast, some roasted potatoes and some vegetables. I'm making rolls and will drop them off at my daughter's before their dinner. She is going to make me a plate later and drop it off. We're being flexible, but we won't eat together. We won't enter each other's homes, but that's okay.
We're going to get on Zoom with her sister, and watch the parade.
Sounds like you'll have a nice meal. And leftovers
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)It's best to be careful now so that you can be together - alive and healthy - later. We are all doing the Zoom T-giving as well. I don't think it will be so bad. It will be reassuring that everyone will be safe and healthy. I would rather feel secure than have to worry about infecting anyone in my family or worry that they might infect me. It's not worth it.
Hope you and your family stay safe and healthy!
Marthe48
(16,935 posts)And enjoy your dinner
handmade34
(22,756 posts)sweet potatoes
salad
broccoli
and assorted eclectic munchies
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)FSogol
(45,476 posts)Beef Wellington
Smoked turkey breast
Scalloped potatoes
veggie casserole
cranberry salad
Yorkshire pudding
with homemade apple pie for desert.
and for drinking: Pale Fire Brewing's Red Molly
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I love Beef Wellington! One of my favorite dishes! The rest sounds great as well!
I hope you and the rest of the FSogol family have a wonderful holiday!
FSogol
(45,476 posts)Mmmh, Pecan pie!
coeur_de_lion
(3,676 posts)Potatoes au gratin
Brussels sprouts
No dessert planned yet, needs to be low carb
I have cooked dozens of turkeys over the years and perfected my cooking methods including brining the turkey. I have a fabulous recipe for brine if anyone is interested.
Did a nice brined turkey for my in-laws last year -- one of my best. But with only 4 of us there were lots of leftovers. I am so sick of turkey. I'm a frequent dieter and I eat loads of ground turkey. Turkey meatloaf, turkey burgers, turkey meatballs.
This year since it is just my husband and I social distancing, I am rebelling. Still a special dinner but NO TURKEY.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)That is something that is usually on our Christmas menu, but who says T-giving has to only include Turkey. Why not switch it up and serve something different? I love your rebellious spirit!
I wish you and your family a wonderful T-giving and I am sure your meal will be superb! Enjoy!
coeur_de_lion
(3,676 posts)Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Gosh do we have a lot to be thankful for this year.
fierywoman
(7,683 posts)smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)Of staying home for that holiday too. Maybe I will even try to learn too cook my own.
Nah, I hate cleaning up afterward. Ordering in is just so easy, and they do much better than I can usually do.
However, I really am interested in learning how to cook it for myself, just not until after the end of the year. This year has completely exhausted me. I honestly feel like I could sleep from now until Christmas.
I am hoping 2021 will bring me renewed energy and motivation.
fierywoman
(7,683 posts)You can find it 2nd hand on Amazon for not too much $... REALLY easy to cook from and very authentic tasting. Or go to "Souped up Recipes" on YouTube, she has a category "Better Than Takeout".
Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)I have a small turkey breast which will be accompanied by sausage stuffing (Pepp. Farms), mashed potatoes, fresh asparagus, cranberry sauce, and a glass (or two) of Pinot Grigio. I just realized I forgot to buy biscuits, so will do without to avoid another trip to the store. No dessert because it's not my thing.
My son and his family live nearby, but they have an active household consisting of two working adults and two busy teens - too much exposure for my liking. With the COVID numbers escalating, I decided it's too risky to spend the holiday there. They offered to drop off a plate, but I'd miss the leftovers for the turkey/stuffing/cranberry sandwich on Friday. The same will probably be true of Christmas also. It's a little lonely, but certainly safer, and I've done it before and lived.
Looks like there might be a few of us here on DU that day.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I am writing off the rest of this year. Call me paranoid, but I have read too many articles by doctors, scientists, epidemiologists and other public health officials that have convinced me to spend the rest of 2020 in isolation. I trust them more than I trust politicians.
I love my family and I would love to see them, especially my Dad, but my older brother and I had a chat tonight and we think its very irresponsible for our sister to have my parents up for Christmas since they are in their early 80's/late 70's and are high risk.
The brother that I spoke to tonight and I are hardcore Democrats, but my sister and her husband are raging Trumpers/republicans and do not give a damn about taking precautions nor do they even care who they expose to the virus - not their children, their friends, or our parents. They are in complete denial.
It fucking terrifies me, but my parents are also republicans and are not afraid either. All I can do is hope and pray for the best and that they will not catch anything while they are up there. There is nothing I can do to talk them out of it. I feel helpless.
Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)and let these adult family members choose their own fate, whatever it will be. You're doing the right thing, not only for yourself, but for your family as well. There's just so much you can do to get others to go along, however.
I hope they all make out well under the circumstances. It's really a sad day that health and family decisions follow political lines, but such is the divisiveness of the tRump administration. Like you, I choose to believe the science.
TexasBushwhacker
(20,174 posts)Originally we were going to have a small, store prepared meal at my brother's house, just him, me and our niece. Unfortunately, someone at his job came down with COVID-19 and, in an abundance of caution, they closed the whole building for disinfecting and told everyone to quarantine at home for 2 weeks. He's got a birthday in December, so we'll celebrate that instead.
I'll probably pick up a turkey dinner from IHOP or Denny's, because I just have to have some turkey and mashed potatoes and GRAVY on Thanksgiving
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I think it's wise for you to skip getting together for the holiday for safety reasons. Hopefully things will be better in another month, but if not, please don't rush it.
Glad you have a nice plan for T-giving for yourself! I think i would feel deprived if I didn't have the traditional T-day meal, even if I am going to be alone.
nocoincidences
(2,218 posts)in my chosen family, living together, and none of us are too crazy about turkey, so we got a spiral ham. We will do traditional green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and cheddar biscuits. Key lime pie for dessert. All the things we like to eat!
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)There are no mandates that T-giving dinner has to be absolutely traditional. It should be whatever you like. I was thinking of Chinese food for a while until I realized that I was going to be on a Zoom call w/my family (an realized that I didn't want to explain my unorthodox choice). Besides, I do like the traditional dinner, but it's kind of a pain.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
nocoincidences
(2,218 posts)I wish we had a decent Chinese that delivers, but the only one in our area keeps deteriorating, and has gone below the level of our tolerance.
I just want everyone to be safe on T'day.
There are a lot of foolish people who are flying and I hope none or few of them is a DU member. I like to think we are smarter than that, but you know how that goes....
MuseRider
(34,105 posts)so for the 3 of us I am doing it like always. I have been baking bread for the last few days for stuffing and then all the usual turkey dinner things. I love to do it and do it from scratch. SO...I am doing it. There will be lots of leftovers and that is a blessing these days too. I also decided to make a Cranberry Upside Down cake. I did that once a long time ago and it was wonderful.
I truly do enjoy cooking on holidays and birthdays. Not so much on other days, but I will always bake. They have been doing all the shopping and dishes for me as I work outside on the farm during the days. They deserve this, they earned it and I love it. I did think about blowing it off, they would have been fine with it but I just wanted to do it.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)It all sounds delicious! But Cranberry upside-down cake sounds great! Yum!
Hope you all have a wonderful holiday and you will have to share your recipe with us and send us some pics!
MuseRider
(34,105 posts)I made it one other time and it was awful, just did not set. It was def worth another try. https://www.joyofbaking.com/CranberryUpsideDownCake.html
PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,848 posts)I got a 10 pound turkey last week, it's now thawing in the fridge. I prefer a whole turkey to a breast because the whole one is far more flavorful. Plus I like to fix the stuffing inside the bird, again more flavorful that way.
Mashed potatoes, gravy, peas as my sides. Depending on what the lines in front of the grocery store are like tomorrow, I might acquire some dessert. Here in New Mexico number of patrons inside any stores are limited, plus the local Target and one of our Albertson's grocery stores are both closed because of employees testing Covid positive. So the stores that are left are harder to get into than usual.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I only got a 4lb boneless turkey breast. It's not as flavorful, but I just didn't feel like dealing with the mess.
I am normally not a dessert person at all, but I am most excited about the WF pecan pie (which I will heat up) and the Talenti Vanilla Caramel Swirl Gelato to top it (also got some Vanilla Bean Gelato as back up, since I already broke into the VCS gelato - it's like crack.)
Anyway, I think I will have to start a new diet as a New Year's resolution.
Arkansas Granny
(31,514 posts)I made dressing and pies. My daughter picked them up today (we were both masked) and brought me a bottle of wine.
My son and his date are going to dinner at my daughter's house. They have all been following masking and social distancing guidelines for months. They will cook the turkey(s) and the rest of the meal. Then they will prepare dinner boxes to be picked up or delivered by other family members who would ordinarily get together for Thanksgiving.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I am amazed at how clever people are during this pandemic. We are all too far apart to do anything like that, but we will connect by face time on T-giving day.
I am actually kind of relieved about it all. I find the holidays very stressful. As much as I love my family, the family visits take a toll on my as an introvert in a family of extreme extroverts. They don't get my need for solitude and privacy. I don't get their need for constant interaction and boisterous expression.
sarge43
(28,941 posts)Traditional: Roast a turkey, smashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing (he loves stuffing), a veggie salad, cranberry sauce and some kind of pie.
We like the idea of taking a day to be thankful for all we have.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)My plans are almost the same, except alone. However, I don't mind. I am one of those introverts who actually loves being alone, but I will enjoy connecting with people by phone and email on Thursday. However, that will be sufficient forme.
I hope you and your husband have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
sarge43
(28,941 posts)About that cranberry sauce. Make some. It keeps in the fridge quite well and it's to die for on vanilla ice cream, plain yogurt, a smear on toast.
You have a great Thanksgiving Day, too. Better days are on the way.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)Especially the ice cream thing! Maybe I will!
zeusdogmom
(990 posts)I'm making baked acorn squash with a wild rice filling. The rice is from my precious stash of real wild rice from northern Minnesota, hand harvest by the local Native Americans. It is so good. A mincemeat pie for later in the day. Some bubbly.
I have a knitting project I absolutely need to finish so there will be some TV while I knit. Probably lots of TV.
Normal gathering with friends this year just is not worth it.
I wish all of you a peaceful day of giving thanks for all that we have.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)Do you have a pic of Zeus Dog? That is the only thing I am missing is a dog. I would love to have a doggie more than anything! All my siblings have dogs (big dogs) and I am just obsesed with them, but I don't get to see them very often. I miss them constantly.
Wishing you and Zeus Dog a very happy day of thanks as well!
MustLoveBeagles
(11,591 posts)It's just me, hubby, and a very trusted friend that hardly leaves her house except to visit us and go to doctor appointments. No other third party is allowed into our house.
We're having a 7.7 pound bird as opposed to the usual 20 to 30 pound bird. Garlic mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts w/garlic butter and bacon, asparagus in lemon butter, butter croissants and rolls, A cherry,blueberry, or strawberry cheesecake (possibly all three). We doing a punch with sherbert ice cream, 7 Up, Malibu Rum, Sunny D and frozen sliced fruit. He's already made an upside down cake with his homemade cranberry sauce and I doubt there will be any left by Thanksgiving. He's also made a cocktail with the leftover cranberry juice and Bacardi Gold rum.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)Especially the Punch! All of it sounds really good! Do your beagles get some turkey?
We grew up with beagles and I just love them! They are the sweetest dogs. I love it when they howl - ours used to howl at the noon whistle in our town and when fire engines went by. They were so cute!
Anyway, hope you all have a great holiday and have a glass of punch for me!
MustLoveBeagles
(11,591 posts)Our dogs will get turkey and other extras. We have to be careful about giving too much to Dobie our new rescue. He's a butterball. We'll probably have to wake up Oscar the 14 year old to give him treats. The dogs outnumber the people in this house. The friend also has a beagle named George and a pom/rat terrier mix named Tiger.
Dobie howls and loses his mind over dental sticks. The other day I got a hot dog out of the fridge intending to cut it up in small pieces as treats. I accidentally dropped it and it rolled to a stop by his feet. He was so intent on getting the dental stick he ignored the hot dog! Any other dog would've devoured that in a second. This reminds me that I still have to post photos of Dobie (at the request of Dem2theMax) in the Lounge as soon as I figure out how to transfer the pics on my phone to my computer.
I'll drink a glass of spiked punch in your honor smirkmonkey. Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone and stay safe.
elleng
(130,865 posts)had 'T'giving dinner' with a friend today, 1/2 Duck a l'orange (frozen, from Maple Leaf farm, not bad,) baked sweet potatoes, mixed veges (green beans, potatoes, tomatoes,) Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz Ben + Jerry's for dessert.
My friend bought a butternut squash, when I said 'No, butter + maple syrup) it's not @ my house now; hope my friend's hands remain intact!
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)The more the merrier, I say! Sounds like you are already 1 for 1, hopefully the holiday will continue to get better for you.
elleng
(130,865 posts)and I decided not to join daughter+ family's gathering, for health reasons; she agreed. We'll see eachother soon. Granddaughter just started walking, so I won't wait TOO long!
These @ creek behind my house. https://www.democraticunderground.com/12083545
Thinking about what I'll eat, next days.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)You are very lucky to live in such a place!
Dem2theMax
(9,650 posts)Feels like I've been alone most of my life. In the last years of my parents lives, we turned holidays upside down. We started having non-traditional entrees for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
Since they passed away, I have kept the tradition going. This Thanksgiving I will be having salmon for dinner. There will be a vegetable of some sort, and maybe mashed potatoes. Haven't decided yet on whether I'm having apple pie or some yummy chocolate thing for dessert.
Have no clue about Christmas. But Easter it will definitely be pizza for dinner!
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)My parents are getting up there too and they are determined to go to my sister's home in Maine for Christmas (they are raging republicans w/ four teenage kids, and I know they are not careful or taking precautions, even though ME is a lower risk state) so I worry very much that they may not be around much longer. I will not be able to talk them out of it, especially my step-mother. She is determined. I am invited as well, but I will decline. They don't know yet.
Anyway, your dinner sounds lovely, even though it's untraditional. I love salmon and I think its great to try something different. Pizza for Easter is awesome!
Dem2theMax
(9,650 posts)My parents passed long enough ago that I'm now used to it. That doesn't mean I don't miss them like crazy and wish they were here.
But I'm determined to keep our corny traditions going. Other relatives would be appalled when they heard we were having pizza for Easter. We got quite a kick out of it. So I do it in my parents honor and their memory, and it actually makes me happy.
One cousin really was so appalled that she sent us a huge gift certificate for Honey Baked Ham and all the trimmings. She couldn't believe we were going to have pizza for a holiday. Pizza is a perfect food, good for any and every occasion, including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Shortly after my parents died, a good friend lost her husband. So we started spending Easter together. And of course we had pizza. She has since remarried. And now her new husband has to have pizza with us! LOL! We are not giving up our tradition just because she got remarried. We couldn't get together this year because of
Covid-19, so we had our own pizzas in our own homes, and we sent each other pictures of our pizzas.
I can't imagine having to deal with family who are not taking the virus seriously. Especially when it's your parents. I really feel for you. It's such a special time, but you are doing the right thing in taking care of your own health.
May you have an absolutely beautiful Thanksgiving. And I truly hope that your family will remain healthy.
MustLoveBeagles
(11,591 posts)Hubby and I were talking about doing surf and turf this year with salmon and steak but decided to go the traditional route but scaled back. Sorry to hear about the passing of your parents. Mine are gone too.
Have a safe holiday
Dem2theMax
(9,650 posts)Your surf and turf reminded me of one of our non-traditional Christmas dinners. We went crazy and had Alaskan king crab legs. (This was some years ago when you didn't have to take out a bank loan to afford them.)
I can't remember how many pounds of crab legs we purchased, but I do remember eating for a few hours. I was so stuffed. And I think that's the happiest I have ever been at a Christmas dinner. I can still see my dad sitting at the other end of the table, grinning from ear-to-ear. Best idea we ever had!
As I mentioned in a previous post, Mom and Dad have been gone for a while, but they are ever present in my thoughts. As I'm sure your parents are in yours. It's always the hardest at the holidays.
From the time I was a little girl, our house was the house all the relatives came to for every holiday dinner. As the years went by, everyone married and moved away. And then more years went by, and as people started passing away, those family get-togethers became smaller and smaller. Until one day, it was just my mom, dad and myself. They had outlived everyone but me.
It is lonely. But I am surrounded by wonderful memories. And there's a lot of love in those memories. I hope it's the same for you.
Have an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving.
For our parents
Buckeye_Democrat
(14,853 posts)PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,848 posts)smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)Low maintenance, easy cleanup. I am especially into the easy cleanup. If there is one thing I hate about big family meals it is the massive cleanup job afterward. Ugh! I hate it! Even with a dishwasher, it's still a huge chore with about 20 people give or take a few.
I'll be on my own as well, so we will all have to check in here on DU to make sure everyone is doing ok.
Buckeye_Democrat
(14,853 posts)Especially after eating something like turkey.
IcyPeas
(21,858 posts)A cauliflower and some brussels sprouts. That's all i have planned so far...
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)Can't forget the potatoes though, they are the best part of the meal as far as I am concerned. I could skip everything else but that!