Stuffed
Thanksgiving is here and it’s time to get stuffed. Ha Ha, just kidding, although I will do my best to eat all the goodies at the table. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, not because of all the good eats but because of all the wonderful memories tied to this special day.
As a kid, Thanksgiving had a schedule: up early for breakfast so the kitchen would be free of people to be yelled at - GET OUT! - while cooking took place, usually beginning the night before. Then the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, still one of my traditions, then outside to play football, no other game can be substituted, then everyone gathers around the table and not so illustrious table - the dreaded kiddie table. It’s a badge of honor later to make it to the adult table. Everyone says what they are thankful for, then the Lord is properly thanked. Next is the big show which includes turkey, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, broccoli and cheese casserole, stuffing, mashed taters, black and green olives, candied yams with marshmallows roasted on top, and numerous other lesser side dishes.
After everyone is satisfactorily stuffed, it is time to gather around the TV for the Cowboys game. While I do love my Chiefs, the Cowboys are a close second and it would not be Thanksgiving without a Cowboys game. During the game begins the restuffing with deserts of all manner. Three pies must be at any Thanksgiving I attend though. Pumpkin, pecan, and chocolate silk - these are mandatory and I will bring them if duty calls. It’s very traditional to have many debates, arguments, and yelling matches as the woman folk will allow, during the game. Sometime before the fourth quarter the snoring will commence then after nap time it’s back outside to toss the football again for most.
Mom, who passed about 25 years ago, had two traditions that always were kept, one of which I never fail to perform. One was the family outing to the movies, either Thanksgiving night or the next day and the second was her famous after- Thanksgiving Day sandwich. My mom is the central factor in my love of cooking and her traditional sandwich is one of my fondest memories.
To make Mom’s Turkey Day Sandwich you will need leftover turkey, Helman’s mayonnaise (no substitutes), cranberry sauce (Ocean Spray from the can), horseradish sauce, stuffing, purple onion, large tomato, and bread. The type of bread is up to you, I enjoy rye bread. You may assemble the sandwich as you like as long as these ingredients are in there somewhere, black and green olives on the side are highly recommended.
This seemingly simple thing, the sandwich, is so full of love and memory of and for my mom. What are some of your fondest traditions and memories? This is Will B wishing all of you a very special Thanksgiving, may it be filled with lots of love, memories, and family.