Before everybody starts, yes, I know how popular Halloween has become with “grown-ups”.  We dress up as our alter-egos or in something very suggestive, drink and party late into the night and generally do things we wouldn’t because, after all, we are disguised by our costumes.  I have done this many times. But now, really what I look forward to most is the 1/2 price candy AFTER Halloween and the fresh roasted pumpkin seeds. Oh yeah, and the scary movie marathons!

Really, as soon as October approaches, I am planning Thanksgiving.  How big a turkey? How many people? What appetizers? How much wine & champagne? I make list after list and talk about it endlessly until the big day. I always try something new, but also am a stickler for the dishes that evoke those fond childhood memories.

Growing up, my mother created epic Thanksgivings.  Barbecue free-range turkey, home made mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, sweet potato casserole with brown sugar pineapple sauce & marshmallow fluff and always cranberry jelly out of a can. And don’t get me started on her apple cornbread stuffing!  Even the appetizers were over the top, but year after year she had a relish tray of gherkin pickles, olives, celery sticks and watermelon pickles.  She too tried new recipes, but the tried and true were always there as well.

So, this Thanksgiving I am going to try brining the turkey.  Have a new hot appetizer dish I want to try with green chilies and way too much cheese. Am also thinking about new vegetable dish to attempt, but I will also have a relish tray, cranberry out of the can, sweet potato casserole and that apple cornbread stuffing.  It just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without them…

My mother died last year the day after New Years, so Holidays, which were always a big deal (and VERY food centered) in my family have become bittersweet.  As I prepare my mother’s recipes I will miss her, remember her, honor her, but most importantly, thank her for providing such strong lasting memories. Isn’t that really what Thanksgiving is about?