Thanksgiving – Lubbocks Home and Family Magazine

Thanksgiving

Courtney Dietz — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 23:21:00 +0000

Thanksgiving

Harper Johnson

Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to come together, express gratitude, and enjoy a festive meal. Here are some common Thanksgiving traditions that people often partake in:

Feast: The centerpiece of Thanksgiving is a large, hearty meal that typically includes a roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, vegetables, and various side dishes. Pumpkin pie and other desserts are often enjoyed as well.
Turkey Pardon: In the United States, it has become a tradition for the President to pardon a live turkey, sparing it from being part of the Thanksgiving meal. This lighthearted gesture is followed by the presentation of the National Thanksgiving Turkey to the President.
Family Gathering: Many people travel to spend Thanksgiving with family members. It’s a time to reconnect, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.

Thanksgiving Parade: Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is a longstanding tradition for many families. The parade features floats, giant balloons, marching bands, and performances.
Gratitude: Before the meal, it’s common for everyone to go around the table and share something they are thankful for. This is a moment of reflection and appreciation.
Volunteer Work: Some families and individuals choose to spend part of their Thanksgiving volunteering at soup kitchens, shelters, or other community service activities to help those in need.

Football: Watching football games, whether at home or in person, is a cherished tradition for many on Thanksgiving Day.
Black Friday Shopping: The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, has become synonymous with shopping deals and discounts, prompting some people to participate in early-morning or late-night shopping trips.
Cooking and Baking: Preparing traditional family recipes and sharing the responsibility of cooking and baking with loved ones is a cherished Thanksgiving tradition.

Friendsgiving: In addition to celebrating with family, some individuals also host “Friendsgiving” gatherings with their close friends. These gatherings often involve a potluck-style meal.
Decorations: Decorating the house with autumn-themed decor, such as pumpkins, leaves, and candles, adds to the festive atmosphere.
Outdoor Activities: Depending on the weather, some families might engage in outdoor activities like hikes, nature walks, or touch football games.

Thanksgiving Crafts: Children and adults alike might participate in Thanksgiving-themed crafts and activities, creating place cards, centerpieces, or other decorations.
Watching Movies: After the meal, some families enjoy watching movies together, either classic Thanksgiving-themed films or other family favorites.
Leftovers: After the feast, leftovers are often enjoyed for days. Some people even look forward to the creative meals they can make from the leftovers.

These traditions vary from family to family and region to region, but they all contribute to the warm and festive spirit of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Recipes

Courtney Dietz — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 22:54:00 +0000

What to do with those Thanksgiving Leftovers:

Coco Dietz

Did you have a great Thanksgiving but now find yourself drowning in the leftover turkey? Have no fear! Here are some delicious recipes you have to try with those leftovers!

Turkey Enchiladas:

2 ½ Cups Chopped Turkey

1 ½ Cups Grated Cheese

2 Cups Cream of Chicken Soup

½ Cup Milk

¼ Cup Chopped Green Chilies

12 Flour Tortillas

Heat soup, milk, and pepper and keep warm; add about 2 Tablespoons to the chopped turkey. Warm tortillas on a hot griddle and fill with 1/12 of the turkey and cheese each. Place in a lightly greased 13x9x2” pan. Pour soup mixture over top and top with grated cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until the cheese is hot and bubbly.

Turkey Stew:

16 oz Mixed Frozen Veggies (California Blend)

2 Cups Cubed Cooked Turkey

I can Cream of Potato Soup

1 Cup Milk

½ Shredded Cheese

½ Cup Sauteed Onion

½ Teaspoon Seasoned Salt

Uncooked Biscuits

Mix all ingredients except biscuits and pour into a 9x13x2” pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Place biscuits on top and bake for 15 minutes more or until biscuits are golden brown.

Three Cheese Turkey Bake:

½ Cup Chopped Onion

½ Cup Chopped Green Pepper

3 Tablespoons Butter

1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup

1 Can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 Jar of Chopped Pimentos, drained

½ Teaspoon Dried Basil

8 oz Noodles, cooked

3 Cups diced, cooked Turkey

2 Cups Ricotta Cheese or Cottage Cheese

2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

¼ Cup Buttered Bread Crumbs

In a skillet, saute onion and green pepper in butter until tender. Remove from heat. Stir in the soup, mushrooms, pimentos, and basil; set aside. In a large bowl, combine noodles, turkey, and cheeses; add mushroom sauce and mix well. Transfer to a greased 13x9x2” baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with crumbs. Bake 15 minutes longer.

Tortilla Soup:

30 oz Chicken Broth

1 Cup Diced Onion

2 Cloves Garlic

1 Teaspoon and 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley or Cilantro

½ Teaspoon Salt

⅛ Teaspoon Pepper

8 oz Chopped Turkey

1 Can Chopped Tomatoes

1 Tablespoon Green Chilies

2-3 Juiced Limes

Cheese

Tortilla Strips

Avocado

Sour Cream

Boil broth, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and chicken until chicken is done. Add tomatoes, chilies, and lime juice and heat through. Serve with shredded cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, and sour cream as desired. For tortilla strips: slice corn tortillas thinly and bake at 400 degrees stirring frequently until browned.

Cheesy Turkey Chowder:

3 Cups Chicken Broth

2 Cups Diced, Peeled Potatoes

1 Cup Diced Carrots

1 Cup Diced Celery

½ Cup Diced Onion

1 ½ Teaspoons Salt

¼ Teaspoon Pepper

¼ Cup Butter

⅓ Cup Flour

2 Cups Milk 2 Cups Shredded Cheese

2 Cups Diced, Cooked Chicken

In a 4-quart saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Reduce heat and add vegetables. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the veggies are tender. Melt butter in a medium saucepan, add flour and mix well, gradually stir in milk and cook until thick. Add cheese and cook until melted. Add cheese sauce and chicken to soup and heat through.