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Eighteen years ago, I was given the greatest gift
a woman could ever hope for on a cold, icy Thanksgiving Eve morning.
This year, on Thanksgiving Day, my one and only child – the
light of my life – will become an adult.
Thanksgiving holds a special place in my heart, and especially
this year, as we reach this major milestone in our home. It will
be a happy occasion for us, one mixed with emotion for at least
one of us, I’m sure, (can you guess which one will be crying?)
Our family tries hard not to dwell on the events of Thanksgiving
Day in 1992, when my father, and the only biological grandparent
Garrett ever knew, passed away.
Through the years, however, we have experienced true Thanksgiving
in many forms and do not enter this season lightly without an
attitude of gratitude. I want this year to be a memorable occasion
for all the right reasons – a time to reflect upon the blessings
that we’ve been given. We all have so much for which to be
thankful and should express it daily, but there’s just something
about this upcoming holiday that brings it all close to heart
and hearth.
I would like to share this prayer, sent to me recently by an email
buddy, that captures the reason for this particular season:
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings,
Thank you, Lord, that I can hear - many are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as
long as possible,
Thank you, Lord, that I can see - many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising,
Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise - many are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are
lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are
so loud, thank you, Lord, for my family - many are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in
magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord,
for the food we have - many are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous, thank you,
Lord, for the opportunity to work- many have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish
my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for life.
As you read this, hopefully, you too, will realize how blessed
you really are! Happy Thanksgiving!
Too
Simple Cranberry Relish
2 large cans whole berry cranberry sauce
1 small can mandarin oranges (drained)
1 small can pineapple (crushed or chunks — your choice, drained)
Broken walnuts
In a bowl that can be covered, mix together, cover, refrigerate
and serve.
Gingerbread
and Lemon Sauce
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup sugar
2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. ground cloves
¼ tsp. salt
¾ cup margarine, softened
¾ cup water
½ cup molasses
Lemon Sauce
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tbs. corn starch
1½ cup water
3 Tbsp. margarine
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
2 tsp. lemon juice
For gingerbread: Preheat oven to 350F. Grease square baking
pan. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, baking
soda, baking powder, cloves and salt. Stir in margarine, water
and molasses until well blended. Pour into pan. Bake 40 to 50
minutes or until tester inserted in center comes out clean. Serve
warm with lemon sauce.
Sauce: In 2-qt. saucepan, combine sugar and corn starch. Gradually
stir in water until smooth. Stirring constantly, bring to boil
over medium heat and boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in
margarine, lemon peel and lemon juice until well blended. Pour
into serving bowl and cover. Cool slightly. Serve on warm gingerbread.
My Favorite Readers’ Recipes
Don’t forget to pick up your Readers’ Recipe
tab this week. We received many wonderful recipes that will be
sure to add spark in your holiday cooking. Thanks to each of you
who shared your favorite recipes, tips and stories with us.
Don’t forget your copy of “Lovin’ Spoonful
. . . Cooking With Family and Friends,” a compilation
of nearly 400 mouth-watering recipes by Sherrie Norris.
It is available at all locations of High Country Media
– Boone, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, and at The
Avery Journal in Newland, all Boone Drugs, Black Bear
Books, Trailway Laundry, Wilcox Emporium,( top level,
booth 312-W,) and beginning June 15 at Mast Store locations.
EMAIL:
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