Traditions and Additions – Local Shopping Tips for Thanksgiving

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By Mary Ellen Psaltis

thanksgiving recipes
Red hot cranberries – cooked or raw – there are recipes galore on the internet.

Turkey? Dressing? Cranberry Sauce? Yes, yes, and yes. Traditional favorites become favorites for a reason. They tickle long held memories as your soul is satisfied. Plus, the tastes are delicious. Whether you are shopping for a banquet of family ‘musts,’ or hoping to expand your repertoire, both Ralph’s Thriftway and Bayview Thriftway are ready to supply your wishes. You’ll find aisles stocked with the foundations for your Thanksgiving feast and opportunities to add to your bounty in new ways.

Turkey and Ham

Meat Manager, Adam Beasley, would love to take your order now for holiday needs. They’ll find the size you want and hold it for you. Choose from a fresh Diestel free-range turkey, a fresh, natural turkey from Acme or a frozen Norbest. There are Hempler’s hams, too.

Dressing

My cubed bread stuffing is dotted with celery, apple and onions and seasoned with sage. Maybe you prefer yours made with cornbread and oysters. Locally owned Thriftway carries scads of local breads, if you want to make your own. Essential Baking Company has its own bag of cubes for you. Do you cook your dressing in the bird or not? In my book, what other use could this cavity have if not for stuffing? Yes. We can agree to disagree.

Cranberries

A few years ago when I decided to pass on high fructose corn syrup, I found out that making my own cranberry sauce was as easy as opening a bag. All it takes is berries, a little water and some sugar. Boil five minutes until the berries pop. Cook longer if you want to make the skins softer. Then pour into a glass bowl and let cool. Presto. Variations might be adding orange pieces or orange juice. There also the nearly famous cranberry relish recipe from NPR’s Susan Stamberg to try.  I just heard one from Seattle’s ‘Food For Thought’ commentator Nancy Leson. Her recipe includes rum, which sounds interesting and you can make a batch ahead of time.

Potatoes

thanksgiving recipes
Get ready to mash red, white or Yukon potatoes.

For fluffy white mashed potatoes, you’ll need to peel your potatoes. Steam uniformly cut potatoes until soft. Hand mash or use a ricer. Heat up heavy cream and butter before mixing with the potatoes. You don’t have to use cream or butter, but my, oh my – they’ll melt in your mouth. I don’t mind potatoes with character. That means it’s OK to leave on the skins.

If potatoes are off your list, you can get on the mashed cauliflower bandwagon. A bit of garlic, buttermilk and butter mixed with your steamed cauliflower produces surprisingly good results. Don’t turn your nose up until you’ve tasted it.

Wine & Beer

Both Thriftway stores have bottles of holiday bargains. Stroll the displays. You can buy one with a label that appeals to your – or ask for help. The early settlers were on to something with hard cider.

Rhonda Nickle, Ralphs’ Bakery Deli Manager, says, “I love the holidays.” She’s noticeably excited about the Devonshire cream. She suggests mixing it with cream cheese for a smooth spread for apples, sandwiches or crackers. The deli is stocked with a vast array of cheeses and meats such as Boar’s Head sweet sliced ham. If you need a few suggestions for your holiday appetizer tray, please ask Nickle. Helping customers with food ideas is a favorite part of her job.

thanksgiving recipes
Joy Graham, one of Ralph’s cake decorators, will be mixing up a family favorite fruit salad.

Cake decorator, Joy Graham, will be preparing a fruit salad that her mom used to make. Now her children like it. Maybe your family calls this salad Ambrosia (food of the gods). Variations feature the addition of whipped cream, pecans and/or shredded coconut. Joy uses imitation sour cream for family members who do not eat dairy foods. This recipe can easily be doubled.

Here is Joy Graham’s Favry Family Favorite Holiday Salad

Holiday Salad

1 pint sour cream

1 bag miniature marshmallows

2 – 16 ounce cans fruit cocktail, drained

1 can pineapple tidbits, drained

1-2 cans mandarin oranges, drained

Mix together and store in refrigerator overnight. Add a sliced banana before serving.

What else do you need to remember?

  • How about carrots and celery for the soup you will make with the turkey carcass?
  • Mayo and lettuce make the list for turkey sandwiches.
  • For your non-dairy family and friends, SO Delicious has three holiday beverages made with coconut milk: Pumpkin Spice, Mint Chocolate and Nog.
  • Essential Baking Company has a rack of gluten-free breads and rolls.
  • Need a hostess gift? Choose from seasonal bouquets, scented candles, tempting chocolates – to name a few.

If you need it, you’ll likely find it at Ralph’s or Bayview. Both locations have barista service, if you need a pick-me-up as you shop. Have fun and happy shopping.

Eat Well – Be Well

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