Janet Wilder wrote:
>
> Son gave me menu he wants today. Turkey, dressing, gravy, mashed
> potatoes, the family's traditional cole slaw, home-made cranberry sauce
> and a "green vegetable of my choice". Might do the shredded Brussels
> sprouts with pecans and craisins I made last year. I noticed in the store
> today that they sell already shredded Brussels sprouts.

That's like buying preground mystery meat... you can bet they shred
the damaged/schmutzic ones, outter leaves, cores, and all... I'd shred
my own... brussel sprouts make the Champagne of cole slaw... don't
think you need two cabbage dishes, choose one. I don't do cabbage
dishes for Thanksgiving, too gassy/filling, so many better foods to
fill up on. I make a tossed green salad to fill my 24 cup
Williams-Sonoma bowl:
http://i62.tinypic.com/2pzbhbo.jpg
When tossed with a little vinegar a salad will keep in the fridge for
five days.

> No one in his family likes sweet potatoes, so I'm off the hook for that.
> With mashed potatoes and dressing, there is already enough starch.

I always bake sweet potatoes in their jackets... they're far more
healthful than mashed white spuds:
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/...roducts/2667/2
Easy to bake along with the turkey... do some of each
I prepare the kasha the day before, then just reheat:
http://i59.tinypic.com/25s51q8.jpg
http://i58.tinypic.com/2n01su9.jpg
I used to prepare gravy but these days everyone is dieting.

> I found a frozen, hormone-free, no injected crap "natural" turkey weighing
> a little over 10 pounds at the store today. If I wait any longer, all the
> small ones are gone, so I bought it and stuck it in my deep freeze until
> it's ready for defrosting in the fridge.

I like a large hen, about 16 pounds, I have cats to feed... amazing
how much turkey six cats can consume... market in town has store brand
turkeys (nothing added) for 48¢/lb with a $25 purchase.

> I may bake the bread for stuffing depending if I have time. We will be
> going to the zoo and the beach and mini golf so there won't be a lot of
> extra time.

I don't do bread stuffing, kasha varnishkas are much better... I'll
make two boxes of Wolff's.

> I have a request for apple pie from him, but I want pecan and pumpkin,
> too, so I'll make 3 pies.

I am not much into pies, I don't care for pie crust (now that's empty
carb calories)... I'll bake a chocolate cake in one of my fancy
schmancy Nordic Ware pans... and the market in town has BOGO on Mrs.
Smiths so I'll get one apple and one pumpkin for who wants. They also
have Perry's ice cream; 3/$10, a local company that makes excellent
ice cream... I'll choose three flavors when I get the
http://www.perrysicecream.com/products/ice-cream/

> What about other Americans? Any special dishes planned?

Beverages of course... L'chiam!