It’s hard to believe but Thanksgiving is next week! This Thanksgiving is going to be a special one at our house because after four straight years of boys serving church missions – both boys will be home for Thanksgiving! I have been thinking about all the yummy things I will fix for them when they are home. Clark wanted to make sure we were getting a really big turkey so there would be plenty of leftovers – sometimes I think they like the leftovers better than the actual meal! So yes, we will have a BIG turkey and plenty of other food too. Today I am going to share two of my favorite Thanksgiving menu items.
Twenty years ago, when sweet college boys were 2 and 4 we went to Thanksgiving at Jim’s aunt and uncle in Washington. Aunt Dawn served a yummy dressing that I fell in love with and have served at every Thanksgiving dinner since. Even when we weren’t home for Thanksgiving I would make this dressing wherever we were. I am not a “mushy” stuffing fan – I like my stuffing “dry”. Those who like it “mushy” can just add more gravy! The other great thing about this dressing is you can make it the day ahead and then just pop it in the oven on turkey day. So here is Aunt Dawn’s Cornbread and Sausage Dressing -
1 cup brown rice
2 1/2 cups water
Cook rice and water for 45 minutes.
1 box dry cornbread dressing (stuffing)
Add to cooked brown rice.
Fry one package of Jimmie Dean’s Sausage.
Saute 1/2 cup onions and 1/2 cup celery in 1 cup butter
Add all ingredients together.
Add 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Cook 30 minutes covered at 350 degrees. Take cover off and bake an additional 15 minutes.
The next recipe is for dessert. I am not a pumpkin pie fan but my boys are so there is always one on the Thanksgiving table but I make the following dessert for me! It is best warm out of the oven but it’s good for breakfast the next morning – just warm it in the microwave! It is a perfect fall/winter dessert. We (actually me!) like lots of caramel sauce so I usually double the sauce recipe! Serve with whipped cream.
Apple Pudding Cake
4 cups grated apples (loosely packed), I use a green, tart apple
Mix together 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup oil
Add 2 cups flour, 2 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg and 2 tsp. cinnamon.
Bake in greased 9 x 13 pan at 350 for 40 minutes.
Caramel Sauce
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup evaporated milk or cream
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla.
Cook in saucepan over medium heat until melted and thickened.
Happy Turkey Day!
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
These recipes sound great! I am enjoying your pictures, journaling and recipes. Thanks!
Leigh Anne: I was so surprised to see my dressing recipe in your blog and wanted to let you know I now bake the dressing in greased muffin tins. It is so good that way. It is crispy all around the edges. Try it! I hope you enjoy. Love, Aunt Dawn