Thanksgiving Meal Recipes

Need ideas for your Thanksgiving meal? I found some that looked mouth-watering. Here they are for you. Maybe you can grab one and use. If you do, you have to let me know what you thought.

Classic Pumpkin Pie

This homemade pumpkin pie recipe uses homemade ginger-spiced whipped cream as an extra surprise. Thanksgiving dessert never tasted so good!

20 min.prep time 1:40total time

8 servings

13 Ratings

 

Ingredients

 

Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup cold Land O Lakes® Butter

2 to 3 tablespoons cold water

Filling

2 Land O Lakes® Eggs

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup Land O Lakes® Heavy Whipping Cream

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin*

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice**

1/2 teaspoon salt

Ginger Whipped Cream

1/2 cup Land O Lakes® Heavy Whipping Cream

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

Heat oven to 425°F.Combine flour and salt in bowl; cut in butter with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in enough water with fork just until flour is moistened. Shape dough into ball; flatten slightly.

Roll out dough on lightly floured surface into 12-inch circle. Fold into quarters. Place dough into ungreased 9-inch pie pan; unfold, pressing firmly against bottom and sides. Trim crust to 1/2 inch from edge of pan. Crimp or flute edge. Set aside.

Beat eggs at medium speed in bowl until thick and lemon-colored. Add all remaining filling ingredients; beat until well mixed. Pour filling ingredients into prepared crust. Bake 10 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

Bake 40-50 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Beat 1/2 cup whipping cream at high speed in bowl, scraping bowl often, until soft peaks form. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and ginger. Continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Top each serving with dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle with additional ground ginger, if desired.

Store pie and whipped cream in refrigerator.

 

*Substitute 2 cups mashed cooked fresh pumpkin.

**Substitute 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon each ground nutmeg and cloves.

 

Sweet Potatoes

Potatoes

6 medium (about 3 1/2 pounds) orange sweet potatoes or yams, cut into 2-inch chunks

3 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Butter

1 1/2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Pecans

1 tablespoon Land O Lakes® Butter

1/3 cup chopped pecans

2 tablespoon sugar

1/4 cup sliced green onions

Directions

Combine sweet potatoes and enough water to cover in 4-quart saucepan. Cook over high heat 5-6 minutes or until water comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high. Cook 30-35 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain. Cool slightly. Peel potatoes.Heat oven to 375°F.

Place sweet potatoes and all remaining potato ingredients into bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth.

Spoon potato mixture into lightly greased 2-quart casserole. Cover; bake 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in small nonstick skillet until sizzling; add pecans and sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, 2-3 minutes or until pecans are golden. Remove from heat.

Sprinkle potatoes with pecans and green onion, just before serving.

Recipe Tip

– To make ahead, prepare sweet potato mixture and pecans as directed. Do not bake sweet potato mixture; cover and refrigerate. Before meal time, heat oven to 375°F.; bake as directed. Just before serving, sprinkle with pecans and onions.

Cheesy Carrot and Bacon Bake

Carrots

6 to 8 medium (4 cups) carrots, sliced 1/4-inch

4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/4 cup finely chopped celery

1 tablespoon chopped onion

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1 cup milk

6 (3/4-ounce) slices Land O Lakes® Deli American, quartered

Topping

1 cup seasoned croutons, crushed

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F.Place carrots into 2-quart saucepan; add enough water to cover. Cook over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until just tender. Drain. Place cooked carrots into ungreased 8-inch square baking dish.

Cook bacon in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat until cooked but not crisp; add celery and onion. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, 3-4 minutes or until celery is crisply tender.

Stir in flour, salt and dry mustard. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, 1 minute or until bubbly. Stir in milk with whisk. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, 4-5 minutes or until mixture thickens and comes to a full boil. Continue boiling 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in cheese until melted.

Pour sauce over carrots. Sprinkle crushed croutons over carrots. Bake 35-40 minutes or until bubbly in center and bread cubes are lightly browned.

Recipe Tip

To make ahead, prepare as directed except do not top with croutons or bake. Pour sauce over carrots; refrigerate overnight. Crush croutons; place into resealable plastic food bag. To bake, remove carrots from refrigerate; let stand at room temperature 1 hour. Heat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle carrots with crushed croutons; bake 35-40 minutes or until bubbly in center and croutons are lightly browned.

Grandma’s Dinner Rolls

3 tablespoons warm water (105°F. to 115°F.)

1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast

1/4 teaspoon sugar

3/4 cups milk

1/4 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, cut into chunks

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sugar

1 Land O Lakes® Egg

3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Land O Lakes® Butter, melted, if desired

Directions

Place warm water in bowl; stir in yeast and 1/4 teaspoon sugar until dissolved. Let stand 5-10 minutes or until mixture starts to foam around edges.Place milk and butter in 1-quart saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until butter is almost melted.

Combine 1/4 cup sugar and salt in bowl. Add warm milk mixture; mix well. Add egg; beat at medium speed until well mixed. Check the temperature in the bowl. It should be less then 115°F. If it is warmer, let mixture cool slightly. Add yeast mixture; continue beating until well mixed. Add 2 cups flour; beat until mixture is smooth.

Stir in enough remaining flour with wooden spoon, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough is easy to handle. Let dough rest 5 minutes.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if dough is sticky. Place into greased bowl; turn greased side up.

Cover; let rise in warm place 45-60 minutes or until doubled in size. Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.

Punch down dough. Divide dough in half. Cut each half into 9 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. Place balls onto large greased baking sheets. Cover with plastic food wrap; let rise 30-45 minutes or until almost doubled in size

Heat oven to 350ºF.

Bake 12-14 minutes or until light golden brown. Brush warm rolls with melted butter, if desired.

 

Southern Pecan Pie

 

Southern Pecan Pie

Pecan pie that is sure to become a tradition on your dessert table.

20 min.prep time 1:40total time

8 servings

7 Ratings

 

Ingredients

 

Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup cold Land O Lakes® Butter

3 to 4 tablespoons cold water

Filling

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

3 Land O Lakes® Eggs

2 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Butter, melted

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 (4-ounce) package (1 cup) pecan halves

Topping

Land O Lakes® Heavy Whipping Cream, sweetened, whipped, if desired

Directions

Heat oven to 375°F.Combine flour and salt in bowl; cut in butter with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in enough water just until flour is moistened. Shape into ball; flatten slightly.

Roll out dough on lightly floured surface into 12-inch circle. Fold into quarters. Place dough into 9-inch pie pan; unfold, pressing firmly against bottom and sides. Trim crust to 1/2 inch from edge of pan. Crimp or flute edge. Set aside.

Combine corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla and salt in bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Stir in pecans.

Pour into crust. Bake 50-55 minutes until center is set. Cool completely.

Top each serving with whipped cream, if desired.

Chapter 16

From the point of Thanksgiving until December 1 life spun in circles. I didn’t see Al in this time frame. In fact I didn’t see anyone. I worked my job and when I wasn’t there I was with Dad.

Dad and I  had quite a few talks about things kids don’t usually…

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Chapter 16

From the point of Thanksgiving until December 1 life spun in circles. I didn’t see Al in this time frame. In fact I didn’t see anyone. I worked my job and when I wasn’t there I was with Dad.

Dad and I  had quite a few talks about things kids don’t usually discuss with their parents, but Dad knew he was dying. He talked to me about Al and he discussed his personal will with me.

We didn’t do anything when I was with him. I talked and he was quiet. I gave medications and the only time he would eat is when I brought him egg drop soup. His sister dropped by more often. She and B would spend time chatting and I stayed by my Dad’s side.

On December 1, Dad was in so much pain. He couldn’t sit still. I was constantly changing him from the chair to the bed. There wasn’t a position that was remotely comfortable for him.

He finally laid down on the bed. I didn’t even think for one second if it looked bad or not. I laid down on the bed beside him and placed his hand in mine. He quieted down and for about fifteen minutes we lay there with me telling him how much I loved him.

His eyes were closed but I knew he could hear my words. Then he opened his eyes and they became wide and then they closed and he took his last breath. Oh Lord, I will never forget that moment and  five years later, I still re-live that moment over and over.

I got off the bed and went to tell his sister and B that he had passed. They had not been in the room with Dad and me. They were in the bedroom across the hall chatting. When I told them they  both said,”really?”

They got up and went to where he was and told him they loved him. I never felt so alone as I did at that moment. It was up to me to call the funeral home. I made that dreaded call and went outside and sat in the swing and smoked. Crows filled the trees. Their chatter was so loud and when I looked up at the trees they were black in color from so many birds.

As quickly as they had come, they left. The funeral home came and I could not go inside. I stayed out until Dad was removed from the home. I was so thankful to the parlor as they helped me decide things. Who was there to call was one thing.

Dad’s sister’s husband, my uncle volunteered to tell Al and our half-sister. While the attendant and me were making decisions I don’t know what happened to B and the sister, but suddenly they appeared with Dad’s wallet and they had emptied it.

I was in too much pain to notice or think twice about what they had been up to. I didn’t even mind that Uncle was going to tell my siblings. The dust settles though and you learn of what was happening around you once your mind becomes clear.

Considering Al is disabled with mental challenges I would have made the effort to go to him in person and tell him the sad news about Dad, but instead the Uncle called Al. This had to be the coldest move ever. I can only imagine how Al felt getting a phone call stating, your Dad is dead.

Through the years of caring for Al he has told me how awful he felt. He didn’t know what to do. My heart still aches at the crappy way in which he was  dealt the news. What was worse or just as bad as that the month prior to Dad’s death Al and our half-sister were not allowed in B’s house. Neither of my siblings were given the chance to say goodbye or settle any last thoughts with  him.

I try real hard not to dwell on this topic today as the pain is instantly resurfaced and I find myself becoming depressed for a few days. That afternoon of his death I went to the funeral home and tried to make plans with the attendant. My Uncle kept trying to take over and make the decisions. Finally the owner of the home asked my Uncle to please remain quiet. It was time for the eldest child to take care of matters.

I can remember the looks on their faces as this task was taken out of their hands. They were not very happy. I did my job. I let the owner walk me through the steps. I went to my daughter’s home for a few days.

I wish today that I had handled things differently. All I can think of was my brain was fogged. I was moving out of habit but not thinking. Poor Al and the sister didn’t have me around or my support. I am so ashamed of not being there for them. I  was being led around hand over hand and questioned nothing.

The funeral came and the burial was over. I was made Executor over the estate and had plenty of work to do with this. I checked in on Al daily. I saw our half-sister much more often.

One week after we had buried Dad, I received a phone call from Al’s family doctor. He was letting me know that Al had left his job and driven himself to the doctor. Al was having a heart attack.

Up to that point my mind was on the continuing path of how life was before Dad’s death. I was going to get Al an apartment where disabled adults lived. He would continue with his job and routine that he was used to.

This caused a knife into a bubble effect. Our lives changed at that moment and never went back. We were creating a new path in life, with gravel instead of paved. Big pot holes and rather large bumps.

What We Think

I was so busy today. Two doctor’s appointments, one for Aland one for me. Running errands for Al…

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What We Think

I was so busy today. Two doctor’s appointments, one for Al and one for me. Running errands for Al here and there. I am beat. Another reason I am beat is for the last two nights Al has slept for about five hours each night.

I want to apologize for not doing what I enjoy and commenting and liking your posts today. I just can’t do it. I am too exhausted and am praying for an early sleep.

Last night Al was having a rough night. Not with the illness itself, but with the mental part of understanding of his illness.

He evidently had been pondering on his funeral. He was asking me questions and I was answering the best I could. Then he started crying and was actually getting upset. He started getting mad at our Aunt in Florida and our half-sister.

The conversation went pretty much like this.

” This illness is going to take my life and no one cares. I fight and fight and I can’t get it to go a way. One of these days I am going to lay in a casket. Who is going to be at my funeral? I bet Aunt Mary won’t be there. She don’t like me. She wouldn’t come see me when we were in Florida. She never sends you letters through your computer. She never calls me. She don’t like me. I bet she don’t even remember who I am. Do you think Julie will come? Julie doesn’t care about me either. You told her I was sick and she doesn’t come see me. Do you think she will be at my funeral?”

This is a good part of the conversation I heard last night. He was really crying and I think he really wishes his aunt and sister would come to his funeral. He told me no one would be there but me.

I told him all of us would be there. I told him everyone from his old work place would be there and his church. I told him that it would be one of the biggest funerals I have ever been too.

I don’t know what or will be there, but I do know when I told him it would be a big funeral and so many there would be just for him, he seemed to settle a little. The tears went from gushing to a slow stream.

Al must be doing a lot of thinking. It feels strange because he is having good days again but yet his mind is on his death.

More Changes

I didn’t know whether to go hide in a corner of my room or write to my friends on here. I have tears in my eyes as I have found out the truths that I have been searching for.

I look outside as the snow softly falls and watch it begin to cover the grounds and roads once again. This is what part of me wishes for. Someone cover me with a blanket and bring me comfort.

I would give anything in this world to have my parents back. I would definitely risk the snow storm in order to be in the comfort of their words right now. But alas, I know this will not happen.

I have always believed that God knows all. He works out our problems to our good. I have to cling to this as I have already shredded the ends of the rope hanging right above my reach.

I want to go into the kitchen and find anything and everything to stuff in my mouth; for food blankets me with comfort, but I will not as I realize I will pay the huge price of high sugars later on.

What I learned to be true, and as they say straight from the horse’s mouth is no program is going to allow Al‘s funeral bill to become a legal expense. The wording is wrong on the paper work and there is no way to change it as the originals have already been viewed.

I had already checked into a refund a couple of weeks ago and discovered to my dismay that of all the thousands that have been paid on it will all vanish but one tenth in a refund. This just makes me want to vomit. Not only that and please don’t think of me as hard-shelled but if he passes before me I will then have to pay for another funeral out of my pocket.

This Friday morning I am meeting Al with his driver at our doctor’s office. We will be getting Al an updated physical and also a form which will have all of Al’s diagnosis on it. Then I am to fax this to the correct number.

This in turn will be sent to another department to be approved or denied. What I didn’t know for sure until today is that this is for a waiver that will bring Al back home. He will go to a day program Monday through Friday for eight hours.

The lady working on this case told me that he is eligible and sees no reason why it will not be approved. She says this won’t take long at all. The next step will be Al receiving a case worker and she will then meet with Al and me and they will be checking out our home to see if there are any changes that need to be made for his convenience. I believe these changes are done at their expense.

I won’t mind having Al here because he will be able to go to the day programs. This is something very much he needs. After he comes home then another waiver is introduced and it will be possible that he could move into the group homes if he chooses or if it gets to be too much for me.This waiver is much lengthier and takes quite a bit longer. Either way I know that God is in charge of this whole deal. It will work out. I will have time still for me five days a week and Al will be back here.

What bothers me so bad is that the facility refuses to allow me the funeral home expense. The government sees it as a life insurance policy. I was told I could try to sway the facility to see things from my view to allow the funeral expense each month, but all they could say is we want our money owed to us.

I will never look at nursing homes again with the same eyes. I will never forget them suggesting to me that I sell Al’s personal things out of his room to help pay for his own funeral. First of all he doesn’t have anything of funeral expense value. I will never forget them telling me they don’t have time to chat with him.

I would rather have him  here where I know I love him and he will get better care than he received there. Yes I will be involved again. Yes there is a chance he can go to the group homes eventually, but for now, I refuse to see my brother slip into a deeper depression. For now I am thankful for the waiver to release him from their greedy and non-caring fingers. For the rest of it? the future for Al and me? I have no choice but to place it in God’s hands. He will never do Al or me wrong. I have to believe and trust that God will help me with Al here at home.

I went back and read some of the posts I had written a few months ago, but for some reasons I am not as afraid and worried. Al is weaker. He can no longer come at me. He walks very little and we won’t be together 24/7. He will have a life of his own and he won’t be treated bad nor shunned.

The tears flowing from me now and the urge to vomit come from the heartless people who won’t show any compassion for another human soul. I will not beat myself up for the what I have done’s, but I refuse to keep making the same error over and over.

As Rose would say on the Golden Girls, this facility can all go to He double hockey sticks!!

My one friends uses a common phrase that comes to my mind right now. God is good, God loves me, and life is what it is.

Oh and by the way friends, I prayed so many times for God to save the big snow until after I went to this important meeting for Al. I don’t know if you prayed also but thanks if you did. I know there is a God, I don’t have to see his face, I can see him at work. God held on to those big snow flakes. All there were was snow flakes gently falling. The streets were clear and I was able to go to the meeting and come home. About fifteen minutes after  I returned  home  God let loose of those flakes and now it is snowing like crazy. All the roads are snow-covered and so is my car. Thank-you Jesus for answering my prayer and watching over me and  Al. I praise your name and sing hallelujah!

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