Add seasonal seafood to your Thanksgiving feast

When we think of Thanksgiving, we think about turkey, corn, green beans and pumpkin pie. But did you know that seafood is also a traditional component? It’s believed that seafood was served at the first Thanksgiving.

An extra bonus: it’s protein. I don’t know who had the bright idea of having Thanksgiving dinner in the late afternoon but if you’re like me, by the time the turkey is finally ready, you’re HUNGRY. If you offer an appetizer, soup or early first course of seafood, not only is it unexpected and elegant, it also staves off hunger pangs that can cause grouchiness.

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Much of it is also easy to prepare. Oyster stew, for example, takes just minutes.

Just keep in mind: turkey will keep, but seafood won’t. So, let people fill up on shirmp cocktail, crab dip or oyster stew. It won’t be good the second day like turkey will.

In Virginia and Maryland, crabs are still in season in November and oysters are also in season. Maryland restaurants offer crabs along with their carry-out Thanksgiving feasts. Nantucket Bay scallops and Atlantic Little Neck clams come into season in November. The biggest hauls of Canadian lobsters are also in November. Here are some regional recipes to try for your first course/appetizer…let me know if you have made any of these before!

Oyster Stew

Old Bay Hot Crab Dip Recipe (tip: add a teaspoon of lemon juice and a dash of Tabasco to this recipe, garnish with chopped chive)

Waypoint Seafood and Grill (Williamsburg, VA) Scalloped Oysters

Eastern Shore Oyster Stuffing

Chincoteague Fried Oysters

Tangier Island, Virginia Crab Cakes

Maine Lobster Bisque

Legal Seafoods Little Neck Clam Chowder

Bay Scallops Gratin Appetizer

 

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Safe Thanksgiving Plans for 2020

Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels.com

Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away but with infection rates increasing, it’s time to make some decisions about the safest way to celebrate the holiday.

Take a break with a gratitude meditation

This year, I have been learning and practicing meditation and mindfulness as part of my self care and personal development. I wanted to share this gratitude meditation. It’s only 5 minutes long.

If you feel your attention wandering, just notice the feeling or thought and turn your attention back to your breath. It’s normal to feel distracted or think of other things.

Turkey Day Trivia!

QUESTIONS

1. Who painted “Freedom from Want?” in 1943, depicting a Thanksgiving scene?

2. Say “thank you” in Spanish, French, Italian and German.

3. What is the difference between “stuffing” and “dressing”?

A playlist of Thanksgiving-perfect songs

You know what goes great with a Thanksgiving meal and get-together?

Music.

A soft backdrop of positive, beautiful music sets a gracious mood and enhances conversation, not takes away from it. It is calming, and a proven mood-lifter and stress-buster. Music has been shown to help you slow down and really enjoy food, as well as make healthy eating choices.

Host or Hostess Gifts for Thanksgiving

Are you having Thanksgiving in someone else’s home? Then, you’ll want to bring a gift to show your appreciation. Here is an assortment of ideas from Cracker Barrel.

The year there were TWO Thanksgivings

Here’s a Thanksgiving episode of the Jack Benny Show from 1939. The running gag is that there were two Thanksgivings that year…and there really was!

A Newsweek Magazine 1939 cartoon that depicted which states were celebrating which Thanksgiving date. Note that the Pilgrim looks like FDR! (Wikimedia)

Thanksgiving had not yet been set as a fixed holiday, as it was set each year by Presidential Proclamation. Presidents had traditionally set Thanksgiving for the last Thursday in November as President Lincoln had first done.

But in 1939, President Roosevelt acquiesed to the request of retailers who wanted to have an additional week of Christmas gift sales. At that time, shoppers tended not to shop for Christmas presents until after Thanksgiving.

Free Thanksgiving Meals in Northern Virginia and DC

Are you having one of those years? We’ve all been there, one time or another. You are not alone and support is available.

Here is a short list of places that are offering free Thanksgiving meals and fellowship for people who are in recovery, are experiencing homelessness or are coping with financial challenges or other problems.

Thanksgiving for one: making a solitary holiday special

Have you ever spent Thanksgiving by yourself? You’re not alone! Maybe you are one of the people who…

• Are single and live alone; a growing population in nearly every age range.
• Share custody of their kids and it’s not their turn to spend Thanksgiving with them this year.
• Can’t afford to travel to see distant relatives.
• Don’t have any family members left or are estranged from their family.
• Work on Thanksgiving Day or on Black Friday.
• Experience depression, anxiety or other challenges that cause them to isolate.
• Enjoy having the day to themselves.

For Thanksgiving: A Turkey Cheese Ball

I think this is pretty darn cute. It’s a standard cheese ball — nothing fancy in the way of ingredients — cheddar, chives, cream cheese, a little pepper and Dijon Mustard — but, ah, it’s the way you decorate this cheese ball that takes it into sublime territory.

My only worry is that people will not want to mess it up. But it sounds delicious! Put this out with your crudites this Thanksgiving!

From your friends at Hallmark. Download the recipe and decorating instructions.