A Traditional American Thanksgiving, By CJ Heileman

Pretty much every State in the Union will agree on what dishes make up a traditional American Thanksgiving. As a 4th generation American (my ancestors emigrated from Germany prior to WWI) I have celebrated with 3 of the 4 generations and the menu is always the same!

THANKSGIVING MENU
One giant Roasted Turkey
Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Sweet Potatoes & Brown Sugar
Green Bean Casserole
Corn (The American Indians and the Pilgrims shared this on the 1st Thanksgiving.)
Cranberries-whole, jellied or sauce
Pumpkin Pie and Pecan or Cherry or Apple “a la mode”. Pumpkin is a must.
Through the years, women and yes, sometimes men, have found a few secretes out to make this great feast even greater.

Turkey Made Easy: Reynolds Oven Bags are a safe and tasty way to prepare Turkey. It leaves the Turkey moist and juicy. Plus there is no mess. Just toss the cooking bag when done.

Always wash your bird from top to bottom. Let the water run through until it turns clear.
Do Not forget to take the bag of giblets out from the inside of the Turkey before you start cooking!
About the Gravy: Boil the giblets and eliminate the fat afterwards, you will have the broth to make gravy. Your pets will enjoy the parts you discarded. Choose the right flour and your gravy will be lump free. A good choice is Gold Medal Wondra Quick-Mixing Flour. You can find it at the Grocery Store in the flour aisle. It is sold in a small canister (382g). A simple recipe is on the back label. For perfect color, add a few drops of Bouquet Kitchen Browning & Seasoning Sauce for the ultimate gravy.
Stuffing Hint: If you buy your stuffing in a box, try mixing 2 kinds of Stove Top; the Chicken and Cornbread stuffing mix. Be sure to have extra Broth on hand in case you need to add liquid. You can buy Low Sodium if there are health concerns.

Know your Beans! If fresh is not an option, try Del Monte canned “Blue Lake” French Style Green Beans. Top with America’s #1 Brand: French’s French Fried Onions. On the back of the canister is a great recipe for a Green Bean Casserole.

Corn. Just think, in 1621, it was served at the very first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts. If not fresh corn, then try Green Giant Steam Crisp Extra Sweet Niblets from the can or add a local touch with Del Monte’s whole Kernel Southwest Corn with Poblano & Red Peppers.
If you’re in the mood to make your own Pumpkin Pie Mix use Libby’s. It’s easy. You just add 2 large eggs, beaten with 1 (30oz) can of pie mix and 2/3 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk and pour into a 9 inch deep-dish pie shell. GREAT TIP: Add 1 Tbsp Pumpkin Pie

Spice from McCormick.
These are all the special secretes I know to share for a truly Great American Celebration…Happy Thanksgiving!
Special Thanks to Sammie Rothrock, Thanksgiving Connoisseur
By CJ Heileman