Saturday, October 29, 2011

THANKSGIVING 2011

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but also the parent of others."
Cicero.

Thank you is a word that should be with us daily and constantly. We are so fortunate to have what we need, a home, food, education and to be free to live our lives with dignity.
Remember that each person has their own way to give thanks and while some do it at prayer, when they bless the food they eat, when they reap a crop, it is an individual way of saying Thanks for what we have.

Education, Democracy, Justice and a Government that leads the people and creates an environment of Peace and Harmony, are a great deal to be grateful for.
So wishing you all a day of togetherness with those you love and time to reflect and feel wonderful for what we are blessed with.

Thanksgiving gifts, cards and little messages are a part of the day. Sit down now, while you have time and select the gifts, write love notes, wrap them carefully and they are ready to give with love. Post the gifts to the soldiers far away now and to love one that cannot be with you. (See the blog re SOLDIERS)

Plan the menu, tables and décor and buy it all now.
A large tray with all kind of candles on it, is lovely for the family to light. Let each person say their own thank you and light up the candles
Plan the food you can cook ahead and freeze. Make a selection of cookies and cakes now. Have spare plates and cutlery for extra meals during the day and have small containers for left over foods. It is easier to pack them into the fridge.

Prepare natural drinks and extra juices, beers and lollipops for the kids. You can never win. No matter what, the demand is great, because it is a long celebration.

A few ideas you might like.
SWEET POTATO AND PUMPKIN ROLL.
This is quick and easy. Use ready pastry. I make this in the morning and bake it. Just roll the pastry on a floured board. I roll it fairly thin, If it is difficult to handle, roll three pieces and join them later.
Cook four sweet potatoes, four cubed potatoes. And two sups of diced pumpkin. When it is cooked, just cube it all and arrange it on the pastry.. Sprinkle cinnamon on it and drizzle a tablespoon of honey on the dough. I place the honey in a soup ladle over the steam of a kettle and it is then easy to drizzle. Grate mozzarella cheese and goats cheese over this and carefully roll it up. The dough will stick together if you wet the edges. The amount of cheese is up to you, a cup is enough. I spice with the cinnamon, honey and a little grated onions. Beat up an egg and brush this over the pastry roll. Sprinkle sesame seeds on it and bake in a hot oven for twenty minutes.

PUMPKIN PIE.
I do the pumpkin pie without a base. We have so much food that it is lighter to digest this way. Take a pie dish and moisten with olive oil Sprinkle crushed corn flakes over it. That is the base. Now cook pumpkin. You need two full cups when cooked. Mix the cooked pumpkin with half a cup of brown sugar, a teaspoon of cinnamon, half a teaspoon of ginger, four tablespoons of raisins and three eggs. Mix well and add one jar of yogurt and a grated apple. Mix and put this into the base and bake in a medium oven for twenty minutes. You can serve this with grated parmesan on the top and chopped chives. Looks great and is yummy.

BAKED APPLES.

I bake apples for everyone. If they are left over simply puree them. You can freeze them with the .following.. This is for twelve apples. Two tablespoons diced dried apricots, four cut up dates, and half a cup of raisins, a tablespoon of lemon juice or a squeezed fresh orange. A teaspoon of cinnamon and two teaspoons of honey. Fill the cored apple and place it in a baking dish that allows you to fill it with water half way. I place an apple tea bag in the water and bake it in a medium oven for thirty minutes. You need to baste it a few times. When it is ready and cool, you can freeze them or wrap individually to freeze for later use. You can serve this with custard, a soya caramel pudding, ice cream or simply maple syrup.

Have a great time and enjoy it all Love and light Rona

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