THANKSGIVING IDEASWith Thanksgiving right around the corner, I thought it would be a nice idea to send some inexpensive decorating and cooking ideas along with what to do with all that turkey for the next week! We all know that the holidays are supposed to be about spending time with family. In this economic situation that we are in things seem to be getting more expensive. Here are some ways to make some inexpensive centerpieces, make the turkey gravy that everyone knows and loves and how not waste the leftovers. These are two of the many simple ways to make beautiful centerpieces (compliments of bhg.com). Get a plain glass jar with a fall colored candle and surround it with dried corn! What could be simpler than that? You can also use a tall clear vase, cut some fall leaves about a week ahead of time to dry them and press them in wax paper sleeves between the pages of a heavy book. Or you may cut the leaves a short time before your guests arrive. Once the leaves have been pressed or picked simply place them in the clear vase and presto a beautiful and virtually free centerpiece!! How about that famous gravy everyone knows and loves. While the turkey is cooling on the cutting board, pour the pan drippings into a large glass measuring cup and make sure to scrape the browned turkey bits into the same cup. Then skim and reserve the fat from the drippings and pour ¼ cup of the fat into a 2 quart saucepan (discard the remaining fat). Next stir in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Make sure to add enough reduced-sodium chicken broth to remaining drippings into the measuring cup to equal 2 cups. Once this is done, add the broth mixture to the flour mixture in the saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until bubbly. After that cook and stir for 1 minute more. Finally strain the gravy into a serving dish season to just the way you like it with salt and pepper and ENJOY! (compliments of bhg.com). In this economy waste not! The good ol’ fashioned turkey soup always seems to be popular. Who doesn’t look forward to that? The following ingredients will be needed.
After you have gotten all of the needed ingredients the directions next are very simple. First break the turkey frame or cut in half with kitchen shears. Place in a large pot. Add water, broth, onion, garlic and salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours. Next, remove the turkey frame. Let it cool then cut the meat of the bones. Coarsely chop the meat and have enough turkey to equal 2 cups. Set the turkey aside, discard the bones, strain the broth and skim off the fat. After that, return the broth to a boil. Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning, pepper and veggies. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes. Add pasta let it simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes or until pasta is tender and still firm and the veggies are tender. Stir in turkey and beans; heat through. Finally, that last step before tasting your famous turkey soup that you worked so hard on is to add the Parmesan cheese and ENJOY!! I hope this has given some positive Thanksgiving cheer and give us a chance to sit back and think about what we are all thankful for. Submitted by: Kristyn Laycock
|
