Yum, how I love Thanksgiving day. For my family it is a day of eating, visiting, and eating some more…
Tonight, I’m cooking my first Thanksgiving Feast for my neighbors from Spain. They moved across the street this summer and I have had the blessing of sharing American traditions with them- pumpkin farm, pumpkin carving, Trick-or Treating, and now Thanksgiving!
I love Spain and I consider it a gift from God that they moved into our neighborhood. Our kids are similar ages and I love spending time with the mom who is my age. Their family truly is a blessing to ours.
The mom’s parents are in town this week, so I wanted to do a traditional Thanksgiving Feast to share with them. One problem. I have never cooked a Thanksgiving Feast by myself.
Thanksgiving at the Eakers
Shane and I come from two very different Thanksgiving backgrounds, but we still both depend on our parents to shoulder the weight of the Thanksgiving meal. On both sides of our family, we are typically asked to bring a side dish to compliment the meal. Shane’s family has a sit down dinner on “China” plates. With my family, it is every man, woman, and child for themselves. At lunch, we gather in the kitchen, bless the food, make a line, and take turns loading food on our Dixie plates. The kids sit at the table and the adults make room wherever is available to sit. My family usually has 30-40 members attend. It is a mini reunion. Before us grandkids started having kids, we would repeat this ritual for Christmas and bring gifts.
I’m not sure if we will do China or Dixie today. Depends on how my day goes…
So for the fun finds post, I’ve found copycat recipes for my favorite Thanksgiving foods. Y’all they are pretty southern! There is nothing on this list that you will find in a diet book. And that, my friends, is why we feast on these finds only once or twice a year. 
Feast- Turkey
My uncle David usually brings the Deep-Fried Turkey and boy is it moist and yummy! Paula Deen will tell you how to do it here. Caution! This must be done outside or you could burn your house down. Just say’n! Today, I’m going to see how our Big Green Egg cooks the turkey for our dinner.
Feast- Dressing
My dad always makes the dressing. This dish reminds me of home more that any other food. I tried it one time for my in-laws. It took four hours to prepare. I was so happy about making it, then it turned out dry and there were four other dressing at the table. Not a happy cooker. I don’t think I have the stamina to make it for today, but I sure respect my dad’s labor of love even more now that I have cooked it. I found a similar recipe to my dad’s at Yummly.
Feast- Maise
This, Jalapeno Corn Casserole, is the recipe that my Aunt Dena (David’s wife) makes. It is my third favorite dish. It really is a “wowing” side dish if you want to impress your family. I’m thankful to find a similar recipe at Lightrecipes, but there really is nothing light about this dish! It is rich, creamy, and delicious. I’m so embarrassed to see that is has 546 calories per serving. Okay, so I’m holding off on seconds this year, but I’m definitely going to let my Spanish friends taste this treat!
Feast- Green Bean Supreme
This is one of Shane’s family’s favorites. Shane and his brother get the honors of taking turns making this every year. His mom has the cutest Campbell’s recipe book from the 60′s that is amazing (Campbell you should really republish it, because it it so vintage and the recipes are so simple!). Okay, so that is the one thing that Aunt Kiki (my second sister-in-love) and I will be fighting over from our in-laws (And I will let her have it, because she loves all things vintage). Anyways, I found the recipe here at Campbell’s Kitchen. Yes, I will be making this today.
Feast- Sweet Potato Casserole
The last pick was the hardest. It was a tie between Derby Pie, Broccoli Salad, Deviled Eggs, or Sweet Potato Casserole.
The winner is Sweet Potato Casserole! This is what my grandma Hamilton would make every year. it was more like a dessert! My cousin Anita is charged with making it now. My Recipes has a recipe that sounds like my grandma’s.
Okay, so you maybe wondering what do I make for Thanksgiving meal? Yep, the Devil Eggs! I make some mean deviled eggs.
What’s for dinner tonight?
- Smoked Turkey on the Big Green Egg
- Dressing (Stove Top Stuffing)
- Jalapeno Corn Casserole
- Green Beam Supreme
- Mashed or Creamed Potatoes & Brown Gravy (Shane’s fav)
- My friend Mohana (Cuisine with Chilean Flavor) from Chili is bringing the desert.
I would love for you to share your family’s Thanksgiving foods. Do you use China or Dixie? What is the dish you always make or that your family asks you to bring?
This post is making me hungry.
Happy Feasting,
Mitzi
I just got this email prayer alert from Samaritan’s Purse this morning. As we celebrate and feast together this holiday season, may we be ever mindful of those around the world that need our prayers and support.
