It's that time of year where we start planning that lavish Thanksgiving dinner and considering what to cook, what to do with that boring turkey, candid yams or baked yam, who’s coming to dinner, you know...that same old stuff. Sometimes it seems so trivial to go over things but organization is the key to success. In today's economy we may need to step back and view the Thanksgiving Day menu in a different light. There are many options on what you can do to keep the cost at minimum and one to consider are COUPONS.
Coupons can be a life saver but the problem we face is "where are they?" Remember when you purchased the Sunday newspaper to get the abundance of coupons? Well, I had the opportunity to view an unopened Sunday newspaper for free this week; you know how I love FREE. With excitement I immediately searched for the coupons that normally take countless minus to go through as they are nearly falling out the paper but his time I was extremely disappointed. There were only about five coupons, and I'm not taking about front and back. I pondered where in the heck are the coupons? Are they also on a budget? Did the distributors merely forget them or did they keep themselves to reduce the cost of their Thanksgiving meal? Have you also noticed this lately? We will not be defeated by the coupon monster! To my dismay, I shared my thoughts with my girlfriend and we instantly went to our favorite friend, the worldwide internet. Yes, we diligently searched the subject and found a few worthy websites. Da! Coupons are not online. What a wonderful concept; you got to be kidding she should have know that! Not only were we able to find coupons related to groceries but for restaurants, movies, business, and many more topics. Thank you, I now have hope!
Now that I am empowered with my coupons I have planned my menu. I'm a southern girl at heart so you know "Salad Please" is not going on my table Thanksgiving Day. Listen! Once or twice a year is okay but just makes sure to take your friend along...the one no one will know about. You ask what she is talking about. "Fiber girl" Fiber is your best friend especially during the holidays since you know you are going to indulge in high caloric foods, although you really want to "Keep it Low..." Nevertheless, there are many forms out there but try to find the one with psyllium as it may make you feel full faster thus saving yourself from that second helping of food you know you don't need anyway; shu...just take a plate home for tomorrow.
Okay, okay, getting back to my wonderful menu, get this...on Wednesday at about 1:00 am and after seasoning and preparing the turkey with Creole marinade, we’re going to throw that bad boy into the smoke with those apple soaked hickey smoked wood chips; try saying that twice. Next, the trusty ham smothered in cranberry sauce and pineapples an array of condiment to make it happy is slow cooked to perfection. In the morning I’m going to get that corn bread herbal dressing with giblets going. After that, collard greens with cabbage seasoned with smoked turkey and jalapeño peppers, crank up the fire under my truly flavorful buttery candid, and I mean candid, yams. And you know we can’t forget a dish with the raisins. Come on down carrot salad with diced pineapples and minced Fuji apples for that tangy flair; pecans sound good too. Finally, no successful Thanksgiving dinner can be without, homemade butter popping, finger licking, mouth watering, YEAST ROLLS. Now that’s some good eating!
Hah...whatever your preparation and meal consist of, the most important elements of Thanksgivings Day is gratefulness, give thanks for all your blessings, love, and enjoy being with your family and friends. Although it may have taken you hours and you are extremely exhausted before you place the first place setting or open the door to welcome your guest, remember it was all worth it when they say we had the best time and you receive that warm heart felt huge from the little one that can barely walk. Love and the act of giving thanks are to the key to a successful life.
Happy Thanksgiving, gobble,gobble! Real Sweet Sprit!
