Thanksgiving Blessings

The class and I created Thanksgiving "Blessings Mix" at school on the last day before the Thanksgiving break. Get a VAT of some kind to put it in, because these are the ingredients necessary to make the mix.

Each ingredient represents something about Thanksgiving.

Bugles: Shaped like a cornucopia or Horn of Plenty, a symbol of our nation's abundance.

Pretzels: Arms folded in prayer, a freedom sought by those who founded our country.

Candy corn: The sacrifices of the Pilgrims' first winter. Food was so scarce settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn a day.

Nuts or seeds: Promise of a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligence.

Dried fruits: Harvest gifts from our bountiful land.

M&Ms: Memories of those who came before us to lead us into a blessed future.

Hershey's Kiss: The love of family and friends that sweetens our lives.

What a yummy mix of salty and sweet with a wonderful message included. 

Happy Thanksgiving, Everybody!

 

The Night Before Thanksgiving

It was the night before Thanksgiving. And we ate Italian style.

There would be plenty of time for that good ol' traditional food on Thanksgiving Day.

Shirley Harkey's Italian Stew
(I left out the sausages this time and doubled the tortellini.)
Serves: 8

1 pound bulk italian sausages
1 small chopped onion
1 clove minced garlic
3 cups beef broth
1 14 1/2-ounce can stewed tomatoes cut up
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 medium carrots thinly sliced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 9-ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 small sliced zucchini
1/3 cup chopped green peppers
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Grated parmesan cheese

In large stock pot cook sausage and onion over medium heat.  Shirley used italian sausage links and took the skin off.  Cook until meat is no longer pink and onion is tender.  Drain.  Add garlic, cook and stir for 2 minutes.

Stir in broth, tomatoes, sauce, carrot, basil and oregano.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

Gently stir in tortellini, zucchini and green pepper and parsley.  Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until tortellini is tender.  Serve with parmesan cheese.  Makes 2 quarts.

Ready for the Holiday

Time to get this thing on. Let's eat!

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends and Family!

Saving Thanksgiving

I am trying to save Thanksgiving. Single-handedly. 

If I don't put my tree up, maybe it can be saved. 

Boy it's been tempting. 

You know, to just go ahead and put the Christmas out while I've been out of school. 

After all, I love my shabby Christmas decorations.

But no! It's just not time. Wait, wait, wait!

Enjoy the grapevine pumpkin with lights one more day.

Gaze upon the Indian corn and gourds.

Relax and remember THIS holiday.

The neighbors have their Christmas lights up.

(We look lame.)