By Eve Victory
Even though retail stores think it’s December, we know a gem of a holiday graces the month of November. Thanksgiving is uniquely American, and should be celebrated with flourish. Create some new traditions this year.
- Cookies aren’t just for Christmas – Don’t save the gingerbread for December. Get a variety of leaf, pumpkin and pilgrim cookie cutters and decorate with the kiddos.
- Bring your host a gift – Everyone loves Mamaw’s cheese grits and dressing so make her feel special with a thoughtful gift. Bring a potted mum, herbed honey, or even just a thank you card signed by the whole family.
- Share the love – Invite someone who is alone to your table. Donate time or ingredients to a local shelter, nursing home or food bank.
- Have an After-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving – Plan a brunch after Thanksgiving to connect with those who could not make it Thanksgiving Day. Break out the leftovers!
Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
4 cups shredded turkey
1 3/4 cup cranberry sauce
1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
3 cups mashed potatoes
2 cups gravy
3 cups cornbread dressing
4 tbsp melted butter
Chicken broth (optional – if it needs more moisture)
Put oven to 400 degrees.
Cooking spray a 9×13 pyrex dish and layer in this order: mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy and stuffing. (If it needs moisture, drizzle about ¼ cup of chicken broth on top.)
Drizzle melted butter over the stuffing and cover with foil. Bake for 25-35 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes to get it crisp and brown. (Remember: Cooking times vary depending upon your oven.)
Wishing you and yours a blessed and memorable holiday!
A native New Yorker, Eve Victory has called Hot Springs home since 2003. Working for years as an event and tradeshow planner and personal chef, Eve is currently the Hospitality and Tourism Instructor at National Park College. For information on how to turn your education into a career in the second largest industry in Hot Springs, contact Eve at evictory@np.edu.
