Happy Turkey Day
This poem was posted by someone from the RAOK list. I really like what it says and wish anyone reading this the happiest of Thanksgivings.
BE THANKFUL
By Author Unknown
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
Chris and I celebrated the day with his family at his sister's house. She had 18 cousins, aunts, and kids together. It was the first time we ever celebrated with so many relatives! It was a lot of fun and the food was plentiful. My contribution was a Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie.
1 pastry crust for a deep-dish pie 9-inch (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (I use Granny Smith and Fiji apples)
1 recipe crumb topping (see below)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup caramel topping
Ingredients for Crumb Topping:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2cup all-purpose flour
1/2cup quick cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup butter
Directions for Crumb Topping:
1. Stir together brown sugar,flour, rolled oats.
2. Cut in 1/2 cup butter until topping is like course crumbs. Set aside.
Directions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt.
2. Add apple slices and gently toss until coated.
3. Transfer apple mixture to the pie shell.
4. Sprinkle crumb topping over apple mixture.
5. Place pie on a cookie sheet so the drippings don't drop into your oven.
6. Cover edges of pie with aluminum foil.
7. Bake in a preheated 375 oven for 25 minutes. Then remove foil and put back in for another 25 to 30 minutes without foil.
8. Remove from oven. Sprinkle pie with chopped pecans then drizzle with caramel on top.
9. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
(Recipe courtesy of Marsha Brooks, Apple Pie Contest 2001 on abc's Good Morning America show)
On Saturday, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving II with my family at my parents house. Traditionally I have hosted turkey day, often not enjoying it because of all the work involved with cooking and entertaining. This year it was so nice to not have to cook and clean and clean up and prep and...etc. Chris' only complaint is that we don't have any leftovers. Oh well!
