Originally Posted by jumping doris (Post 8110791)

This is our fifth thanksgiving. It is hard to get involved if you aren't american because you don't have all the memories etc. Bit like Boxing day for us.

Anyway, the first year we went to some friends and it was lovely. We had only been here a month and I was so surprised to be invited anywhere. We went back to their house two years ago and have been invited again this year. We know them well now and it will be great.
We had one thanksgiving alone and I quite liked that.

We arrived on these shores in early October 2005 and have very vivid memories of all the strange Fall things americans do...hay rides, fright nights etc. It was lovely, the weather was great and it was a really good time of year to arrive I think.

So..last year we decided to create our own tradition of having a family fall picnic. We went to Presque Isle on the shore of Lake Erie and had a really nice day. Part of the tradition is to be that we reminisce about our arrival here, think about the people and places we have found and the people and places we left behind.

This year we went to Presque Isle again but I think we will go somewhere else next year.

It is our own little thanksgiving without a turkey!

Originally Posted by Bob (Post 8113497)

I don't care really either way, just a practice run for x-mas I guess, but it's a nice great and well the only decent holiday most people are given so enjoy that.

We'll be heading up to Maine, to the folks and then having Thanks giving with the grandmother and head back over the weekend probably.

Don't mind the grub, but I do prefer roasted potatoes when doing a roast rather than mashed spuds, seems like such a waste of using the oven if all you use it for is the meat, without roasting the veg either...that's my only gripe.

Originally Posted by Kaffy Mintcake (Post 8114061)

You should prepare some roasted veggies then, nothing wrong with that.

But someone said ham for Thanksgiving ... that's just wrong. ;)

Originally Posted by Bob (Post 8114065)

If it were my place I would, or even at the folks place, but I'm not going to out at the grand mothers...she's a bit stuck in her ways :D

Originally Posted by sambapink (Post 8114101)

This bean cassorole that is mentioned alot - is it like green beans (runner beans)? Has anyone got a recipe I could use?

Originally Posted by sambapink (Post 8114101)

This is our 3rd Thanksgiving - the first one was really tough because we were missing home and I knew our whole street was spending the day with family. My sister who lives out here spends every TG in California with her in-laws so we do get invited to the beach house to spend it with them. We may pop in to see them the day after TG but on the day itself we will have friends over.

This bean cassorole that is mentioned alot - is it like green beans (runner beans)? Has anyone got a recipe I could use? My friend is doing the Turkey and I will do all the trimmings. My favorite veg to have is mashed swede and carrots.. mashed with warm milk and butter :wub: I do a mix of normal potatoes and sweet potatos roasted and of course roasted honey parsnips. I'll have to do brussells 'cos my OH loves them :sneaky: but they are lovely panfried with shallots.

*tummy rumbles*

Originally Posted by Bob (Post 8114113)

Sneeze into a casserole dish, then empty a can of green beans, then cream of mushroom soup and something crunchy like those lays fried onions and bake...

Or use partially blanched fresh green beans and do as above...nice to mix some crushed nuts of choice in with the onion topping though....and also perhaps forego the sneezing... :D

You'll find a recipe on any can of chicken/mushroom soup or packet of beans, or bread crumbs or can of fried onions around though.

It's kind of vile, on par with the sweet potato and marshmellows....just have a balsamic and orange dressing on the beans, much nicer -

boil beans in water with orange peal...dump in bowl, mix in balsamic vinegar and squeezed juice of the orange, sprinkle with pinenuts though almonds are a nice twist if you have it as a starter rather than a side.

The rest of TG is really cool though.

Originally Posted by sambapink (Post 8114101)

*tummy rumbles*

Originally Posted by MrEmjoy (Post 8114686)

Some people put soup and beans in a dish and heat them up.

*wipes mouth of sick*


I steam the green beans and mix with roasted cherry tomatoes and onion, and add few tbsp's of water to the onions and tomato before serving or re heating.

And a splash of balsamic and maybe some Pine nuts on top for good measure.

Bobs idea sounds nice as always.


This year I'm refusing to take part in any of the cooking as I don't like to be in a kitchen cooking with too many people and it's not my house, AND I DON'T WANT TO GO TO ST LOUIS. :frown:

Originally Posted by Kaffy Mintcake (Post 8114061)

But someone said ham for Thanksgiving ... that's just wrong. ;)

Originally Posted by Englishtart (Post 8114959)

Think that was me :o I know it's traditionally turkey served at TG, but we always have ham. We came to this decision many years ago, Ham is hubby's fave, but I'm not a fan, so he gets ham for TG and we both get turkey for Christmas.

No matter how much I love him, I am not willing to give up my traditional Christmas turkey and there is no way I want to eat it at TG too, that would take away from the feeling of it being a special treat at Christmas.;)