Tasteful Tuesday

Thanksgiving is America's national chow-down feast, the one occasion each year when gluttony becomes a patriotic duty.  ~Michael Dresser

So your gonna do it this year- YOUR FIRST THANKSGIVING MEAL!! How you feeling??  Alittle bit of everything right- excited, happy, nervous, the works! Don't worry, 1stclassLadies are here to help you prepare and cook the food, set the table, and entertain your guest. Follow this few tips and we are sure your thanksgiving will be a success.

Lets get right to the main part of the night- THE FOOD! Its always a good idea to prepare as much of thanksgiving as you can the night before so your not crammed on the big day. Desserts can definitely be made the night before as well as cold food that will be served (i.e. potato/ macaroni salad.) Homemade punches can also be prepared before hand this way its nice and cold when served. Depending on the poultry, it should also be season either a day or hours before cooking. This allows the seasoning to set into the meat giving it full flavor. Thanksgiving depending on the size of your party, should have a certain amount of food. If the party consist of  more then eight people, you should have more then two of eat type of  food to eat. For example, have a macaroni and cheese as well as a rice as the starch. Or have a broccoli and a corn. There should always be at least two types of poultry (unfortunately not everyone eats turkey.) Make sure to have finger foods, fruits, and/or salads before the meal in case anyone is alittle hungry when arriving.

 Now if the food is going to look good, make sure your place looks great! You want a very inviting and comfy ambiance. Nice warm colors for the fall season are good such as yellows, oranges and browns. Whether it's family and/or friends visiting for the first time make sure the place looks tip top if you plan on giving a tour- First impression mean alot. If you don't plan on given the tour, make sure to close and or lock off limit rooms. Everyone has that aunt that is nosey!! same rules apply for the bathroom. EVERYONE know someone is bound to go through your medicine cabinet. So if there is something in there you don't want them to see REMOVE IT ASAP!

The HOST with the MOST. Not only do you want your Thanksgiving to be the talk amongst family/friends Monday morning, but you want people still talking about it when Christmas comes around. And we are not talking just the food- you want people to still be talking about YOU and how well a host you were. Though thanksgiving is more about the food, you don't want the kitchen to take time away from you and your guest (which is another reason to prepare as much as possible the night before.) Make sure your there to greet your guest as they arrive. Go around every now and again to make sure they is nothing you can do for your guest like get them something to drink. Engage is small conversation with everyone in between checking on the food.This lets the guest know you didn't forget about them. There is always someone that asks do you need help. TAKE IT!! This makes the load alittle lighter and kitchen alittle less work and alittle more laughs. For men, Thanksgiving also means football. Have enough beverage and snacks for them as well as the ladies in attendance.

Follow these steps and you will be 1stClassLadies certified to have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! 

My Kinda Recipe

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, (about 2 medium), boiled and mashed
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1/4 cup melted butter
3/4 cup half and half
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 9" unbaked pie shell

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°.
2. Place the sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl.
3. Beat in the sugar, flour, salt, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Continue beating until smooth.
5. Slowly mix in the half and half, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. Pour the mixture into the pie shell and bake until golden brown and set, 35-40 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven to a cooling rack. Serve with sweetened whipped cream.

Serving size: 8

*this recipe was courtesy of http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art694.asp*