Thanksgiving menu

When my Thanksgiving turkey sweatshirt finally wore out
I made it into a pillow.  Too many memories to toss it out!

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday centered around food and family.  In some ways it's easy. The traditional menu is nearly always the same - so no big decisions about what to serve.  On the other hand, it's a lot of work to put together a meal for a crowd!

For many years we had large family gatherings at Thanksgiving.   Aunts, Uncles and Cousins, Cousins spouses, a few in-laws, and eventually our own kids!  Such great memories of those wonderful times together.  For nearly 20 years my Uncle Bern would host the Thanksgiving gathering at his home.  Every family would bring something to contribute to the meal.

Here's what our typical Thanksgiving menu looked like for 20-25 people:

Appetizers:  Veggie tray and dill dip- carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes.  Cheese and crackers.
Beverages:  Hot apple cider, tea, coffee, milk.
Salads:  Frozen fruit salad or fresh fruit salad, jellied and whole berry cranberry sauces.
Dinner:  Roast turkey, stuffing made separately, turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, green beans.  Rolls, butter, olives, dill pickles.
Dessert:  Apple, Pumpkin and Pecan pies.  Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream.

We give you thanks, O Lord, for all the blessings we have received from thy bounty.
Through Christ our Lord,  Amen.