In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I decided that I would like to share why cooking has become so important to me, both to my family and as a hobby. When I was a kid, the best part of my life was spent at my Grandma Johnnie's house in Ferriday, Louisiana. Since most of the time that I spent there was during the holidays, there was always lots of cooking, eating and sharing going on. I adored my grandma's homemade preserves and biscuits from scratch, not to mention all of the traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas foods which were served for dinner. Now that she's gone, I can't go back to my grandma's, but it makes me feel good to share that same level of comfort and giving with my family. Of course, I could never forget Aunt Nancy's homemade fudge and pecan pie and Clyde's warm hugs and hearty laugh. Now that my dad, Ory, is gone too, it's even more important to me to cherish these fond memories and to continue these traditions. I hope that Darlene, Bill, Terri Lynn, Uncle Winston and Aunt Kay all know how important those days are to me!
Cooking became a hobby and something I enjoy because of these memories, and from collecting, experimenting and perfecting my dishes so that I can prepare an even better table next year. I am thankful to have these happy holiday memories to share!
Since then, I have new family to be thankful for, Linda and my brothers Jamie, Patrick and Thomas and their families, my two loving children, Amber and T-Pat, and a niece and nephew Dawn and David and their families. I'm also thankful for my husband Jeremy and wonderful in-laws! Last, but certainly not least, I am truly thankful for my best friend Pam, who has been there for me for over 20 years.
I hope that I've successfully passed down this spirit of Thanksgiving and contributed happy childhood memories to my children through these traditions.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Frank Davis' "Franksgiving" Pot Roasted Turkey
Cooking.COM's Visions of Stuffing
LHJ: Positively Pumpkins
Seasoned Cooking's Thanksgiving Memories 2002
The Recipe Link's Thanksgiving 101
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Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Directions
In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves.
Store in an airtight container.
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TAFFY APPLE PIZZA
Refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough
1 (8 oz.) bar cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 Granny Smith apples
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
caramel topping
cinnamon
Cut off 1/3 of the cookie dough. With remaining dough knead and then spread out evenly onto round cookie sheet. Bake according to directions on package. Allow to cool.
Mix cream cheese, brown sugar and vanilla. Spread onto cooled cookie. Slice and arrange apples onto cookie. Sprinkle nuts and cinnamon over apples and drizzle caramel topping over all.
Submitted by Rena Darlene
Thanksgiving Graphics by
My Creations
