Folks, keep up the good work adding to the ”Thanksgiving Humor Week’ post. Meanwhile, here’s a wonderful side dish (and a little pilgrim history) for your feast. Thanks Bernadine for guest writing. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. May you be safe, smile much, and laugh even more.–Dianne Marie Andre
By Bernadine Chapman-Cruz
At Thanksgiving, thoughts turn to the pilgrims landing on Plymouth Rock. Seeking religious freedom in an unfamiliar place, early life was filled with hardships, from battling the elements, to rampant disease, dwindling population and the unknown dangers associated with living in an unfamiliar land. Nonetheless, a God fearing people, the pilgrims were thankful.
During colonization, the pilgrims came to rely on the Indians, who were native to the area. The red man taught the white man how to live off the land, trap game and grow corn. After a successful harvest, the pilgrims decided to celebrate the wealth the land had to offer in a communal feast. Not only did the new settlers provide for their families and community, but extended an invitation to the Indian Chiefs with whom they had formed friendships.
When it came time for the celebration, food preparation was in full flurry and the pilgrim’s tables were laden with the rich abundance of the land. Wild duck, goose and deer, along with corn, other vegetables, cranberries and assorted fruits and nuts made for a hearty and tasty fare. It is interesting to note that the turkey, ubiquitous with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, may not have adorned the pilgrim’s table.
When it came time for the guests to arrive, the pilgrims expected the Indian Chiefs with whom they had become trusted friends, but were dismayed when entire villages accompanied their leaders to the feast. Even though astonished by the number of unexpected guests, the pilgrims welcomed all who came to their table and the traditional Thanksgiving dinner was born.
Thanksgiving is a time to welcome family and friends; to share a meal prepared with love; and to be thankful for our blessings, just like the pilgrims did so long ago. A delightful way to carry on this tradition is to include Pilgrim Corn Salad as part of your holiday menu. Happy Thanksgiving. Copyright 2011 Bernadine Chapman-Cruz
Pilgrim Corn Salad
In a medium size bowl combine:
2 cans kernel corn
¾ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped pecans.
Marinate with dressing consisting of:
2 Tablespoons each: olive oil and balsamic vinegar
1 Tablespoon apricot jam
1 teaspoon each: Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce
Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Yield 8 – ½ cup servings
A Halloween tradition turns into a lifelong joy – cherishing the sweet natural flavor of a juicy apple. As a child, on Halloween I anxiously awaited nightfall. As soon as porch lights glowed, armed with a large grocery sack, I ventured out to trick or treat. Customary Halloween treats included a variety of candies, gums and sticky popcorn balls wrapped in waxed paper. Sometimes I was even lucky enough to discover a wheat head penny or a buffalo nickel in the bottom of my sack.
If you have tomatoes ripening on the vine, oil and vinegar, garlic, seasonings and a French bread baguette, you have the makings for a wonderful snack or light summertime meal – bruschetta.
satisfying subjects to photograph as well. The colors and designs that only nature can create invite me to slow down and focus intently on capturing their essence.
For centuries, the shamrock has been surrounded by Irish legend and lore. Often the green three-leaf plant is confused with the lucky four-leaf clover. Other traditional Irish icons are closely associated with the shamrock. The Emerald Isle’s mischievous leprechauns, pots of gold, and rainbows have a place in Ireland’s history, but the shamrock has a fascinating legacy all its own.
In and Around the Garden 