thanksgiving “at this table”
For me, Idina Menzel’s song, “At This Table,’ captures the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
So come as you are
Remember that the door is always open
Yes, come as you are
The perfect gift that you could bring is your heart
Come, come as you are
Come as you are
At this table, everyone is welcome
At this table, everybody cares
At this table, everybody matters
So come, pull up a chair
As we gather together to give thanks for our many blessings, this song is a beautiful reminder that “everybody matters…everybody cares.” “The door is always open” to friends, family, neighbors, strangers, folks we agree with and even those with a different perspective. Would the world be a different place if everyone brought the gift of an open heart to greet every day, every occasion? No judgments, no dissention. Everyone around the table giving thanks with an open heart.
“So come, pull up a chair,” and let’s all enjoy the beauty of the season – every day, every season!
As a child, our family Thanksgiving table was an abundance of flavors with a cornucopia of side dishes surrounding the turkey platter. Everyone had a favorite dish and if it was missing, the dinner was a disappointment. Mashed potatoes andcandied sweet potatoes. Green bean casserole, corn pudding, cranberries, frozen pineapple salad or a lime jello mold with crushed pineapple, herring – in wine sauce and in sour cream, black olives and stuffed olives, gherkin pickles, parker house rolls. Oh yes, the turkey platter with a giant drumstick for my brother, and a bowl overflowing with Mimi’s turkey stuffing, and lots of gravy!
We had to put an extra leaf or two in the table to accommodate the menu and also have room for the good china, silver candlesticks and crystal goblets. The lovely floral centerpiece was quickly relocated to the side buffet once everyone sat down, had a moment to admire it, and then dinner was served.
The Swedish Family Kitchen includes recipes for some of my favorite sides. Just a caution – This is NOT a Keto diet! Thanksgiving has always been a Carb Festival in my home. Turkey seems to be an excuse to serve carbs.
The Bourbon Pear Sweet Potato casserole is an adaptation of my family’s Candied Sweet Potatoes with marshmallows and pineapple. This is the adult version.
Pears, bourbon, brown sugar, butter and pecans make sweet potatoes sensational
Jansson’s Temptation is a new addition thanks to my family in Sweden. While Sweden doesn’t observe Thanksgiving as we do in the U.S. (no Pilgrim and Indian banquet to observe), the country’s favorite potato dish served at all important celebrations is Jansson’s Temptation. It’s addictive!
Best scalloped potatoes ever
Custardy Corn Pudding is the standard family recipe with the addition of bacon bits for added flavor.
Bacon crumbles add a crunch and flavor.
Cranberry Sauce a l’Orange has also been updated from Mom’s traditional recipe to add a bit of orange flavor.
Kay adds Grand Marnier to her Cranberries a l’orange
Mimi’s Turkey Dressing was really a stuffing crammed inside the bird. A casserole dressing can never replace the flavor of stuffing with the turkey juices seeping into the bread. But, for various reasons, many folks prefer to serve “dressing.” This recipe can easily be adapted for smaller gatherings.
Add turkey breast tenderloins to bake with the dressing and a perfect Thanksgiving dinner for two to four
With the exception of Custardy Corn Pudding, the sides can be partially or completely prepared ahead of time allowing the cook to enjoy a cocktail and the company ahead of dinner.
“So come, pull up a chair” and have a beautiful and bountiful Thanksgiving!