Beech Tree News Network

Last weekend, my sister and I discussed what we would cook and take to my mom’s Thanksgiving gathering this weekend. Between the two of us, we could feed a crowd, but we’re not the only ones cooking for the gathering. I can guarantee there will be leftovers from that meal. When large families gather together, too much food is prepared (“just in case…”). I see the humor in this, but we will still cook too much.

Now, the holiday meal doesn’t have to be totally home cooked. My daughter mentioned that for a minimal price ($10 to $12), some Owensboro restaurants will cook or smoke turkeys and hams for people. A person would simply drop off a thawed turkey or ham, then pick it up a few days later. What a time saver! I don’t plan to use that service this week, but may in the future. I like smoked meat, but don’t do it myself.

For various reasons, many purchase their holiday meal and eat at home. I read an online article about restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner (http://www.inquisitr.com/2581302/how-much-is-cracker-barrel-thanksgiving...). One thing that interested me was the information below:
“Take-out for Cracker Barrel’s family-sized Thanksgiving meal-to-go is $64.99 and serves up to six. The meal is heat-and-eat and includes turkey, gravy, a sample of Sugar Cured Ham, three sides, cranberry relish, and a choice of biscuits, corn muffins, or a loaf of sour dough bread. You must place your order 24 hours in advance and pick up between November 21 and 29. Holiday pies ($8.99), whole spiral and Country hams are also available for purchase.”
I wonder how far $65 would go toward buying the groceries for a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal for six. Also, if a person doesn’t have the space, time, or interest, preparing a Thanksgiving meal at home might not be the best option.

Many have expressed their thoughts about Thanksgiving, and a few of those (some touching, some humorous) are listed below (http://www.rd.com/funny-stuff/funny-thanksgiving-quotes/; http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_thanksgiving.html):
•    Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie. --Jim Davis
•    Last Thanksgiving I shot my own turkey. It was fun. That shotgun going, Blam! Everybody at the supermarket just staring. Why track them when I know where they are? --Kenny Rogerson
•    Even though we’re a week and a half away from Thanksgiving, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. --Richard Roeper
•    You can tell you ate too much for Thanksgiving when you have to let your bathrobe out. --Jay Leno
•    What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets.  I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving? --Erma Bombeck
•    I love Thanksgiving because it's a holiday that is centered around food and family, two things that are of utmost importance to me. --Marcus Samuelsson

Thanksgiving is typically a time of family gatherings and tables of food. It’s a time to be thankful for our blessings, enjoy the company of those with whom we choose to spend our time, and eat more than we need. And, I’m thankful for the day.