Our Thanksgiving dinner is traditional with no changes allowed – it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving according to my family.
It starts with pumpkin soup, then turkey, two stuffings (don’t ask) mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce both fresh and jellied in the can (do you see a theme here), sweet potatoes (it used to be both plain baked and also candied, but, really, enough is enough), rutabagas, green vegetable, rolls, butter, pumpkin pie, apple cider, wine, fruit and nuts.
It’s been that way for forty years! So, while you might think I’m crazy, when some of my family informed me that, yes they would be coming for Thanksgiving, I was thrilled.
And, while the dinner itself is a big project, I really have to think about bringing the guest room up to par.
When I was a young bride, I delighted in having overnight guests, and my guest room was always at the ready. A down comforter and pillows, hard and soft, were a must.
The nightstand had to accommodate a lamp, tissues, clock, candy bowl, books and, of course, a water carafe. A luggage stand and extra hangers for the closet are necessities, and there is the all-important comfortable reading chair (with a stuffed animal for cuddling, just in case).
I’ve put out a bed tray with a vase, tea pot, cup, saucer, breakfast plate, napkin, juice glass and cutlery. The tray hasn’t been used in years but I’m so happy to have a place for it again. I think breakfast in bed is a luxury and I’m delighted to be able to “spoil” the people I love.
I need a goodie to put on that pretty little plate and I’m thinking, muffins. Try these.
Morning Glory Muffins – 14-16 Muffins: In large bowl, whisk 3 eggs, 2tsp. vanilla extract, and 1cup vegetable oil. Stir in 2 cups grated carrots, 1 Granny Smith unpeeled apple, grated, 18 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained, ½ cup chopped pecans, ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut, ½ cup raisins.
In medium bowl stir 2-1/4 cups flour, 1-1/4 cups sugar, 1 tbs. ground cinnamon, 2 tsps. baking soda and 1 tsp. Kosher salt. Add to wet ingredients, stir. Scoop into paper lined muffin tins. Bake 30-35 minutes.
