THANKSGIVING FOOD

Thanksgiving is my favourite holiday.  I love the anticipation, preparation, socialization...

First of all, here is how I organize. 
1.  I have a master menu list.  It lists everything I take to my in-laws on Thanksgiving day, and everything I make/serve when I redo Thanksgiving Day on the Sunday after Thanksgiving (at our home).

2.  My next list lists the dish I prepare, followed by all the ingredients.  This makes it easy when I start cooking, and I can be sure I have everything.

3.  My third list is my master grocery shopping list.  Besides listing what I need (example-11 bananas), I list what they are for (8-2 frozen fruit salads, 3 jello).  I do that in case I have a new recipe plan and need more, or am leaving a recipe out this year.  I take a copy of my shopping list to the store, as well as a copy of my menu.  If I pick something up on sale or already have it, I just cross it off before shopping.  It also includes everyone's favourite pies.

4.  I have a copy of every recipe that I will or may use.  (Also written on the recipe is any other cookbook that it is written in, and who and when I got it.)  If I have any recipes that I have found thru the year/season, they are there, too.

5.  All of the above are in a page protector, in the back of my main binder cook book.  (It is one that I write my recipes in.)

With everything organized, I am ready to go.
One of my favourite recipes is one that that I got from my sister-in-law, Kristin, in 1999.
Don't ignore this recipe just because you don't like cranberries.  It is really good.  We serve it as a side dish with the turkey, and it is sooo good on the planned-over turkey sandwiches.  And, if you have more left, make a jello salad.
This recipe makes a good amount so I always send some home with a sister-in-law.

CRANBERRY SALSA (I make this the day before and chill over night to blend the flavours.)

1 bag of cranberries-washed and chopped small in the food processor
5 apples-UN peeled and finely chopped
1 can crushed pineapple-well drained
1 - 1 1/2 cups sugar

Mix, cover and chill.
This is bright and pretty, also.  If you try this, leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Another long time recipe that I make is a cheese ball.  I have used this recipe for AT LEAST 15 years.  (Can you believe that one of my daughters asked me if she could make and take it this year???)  I have many cheese ball recipes that I have collected thru the years - but I always use this one.

CHEESE BALL (This is from my mom-in-laws friend, Eileen.)  It makes 2 cheese balls

1 jar OLD ENGLISH CHEESE SPREAD

2 8 oz. packages of cream cheese-softened

1 tea. lemon juice

1/2 tea. garlic salt

1 tea. onion salt

2 table. mayonnaise

Mix all of this well.  Then add

1 1/2 cups grated (cheddar) cheese

1 table. dry parsley

Chill well (like overnight ;) and then form into 2 cheese balls.  Roll in chopped walnuts, lightly pressing them in.  (Sometimes I don't because some kidults don't like nuts.  No nuts on this one.)

If you have any questions (or a comment) you can use the "comments"or my email.I am trying a new cranberry dessert recipe tomorrow that I will share if it passes.  I will also add pictures to this post, and do MY 10 THINGS list.