When it comes to Thanksgiving, I’m a bit of a purist. Don’t mess with my Thanksgiving Feast, please!

Turkey– I don’t care if it’s organic, Butterball, dry brined, wet brined (which I haven’t found helps), it must be Roasted. No smoked or fried turkeys for me. Because, while those methods are fine, turkey is merely the vehicle which transports my Nanny’s Sausage Stuffing. This recipe should not be messed with at all. Two beaten eggs and Jimmy Dean sausage make this stuffing moist and delectable. One time we tried Zeke’s Dad’s Oyster Stuffing instead and there was a revolt.

Potatoes– mashed AND sweet- must be served. One year my mother-in-law Barbara said “too many potatoes” and we only had mashed. Sacrilege! Mashed potatoes are absolutely necessary as a side and an excellent vehicle for butter and gravy. Sweet potatoes are like a warm, orange dessert- sweet and gooey. Store-bought mashed potatoes (like Bob Evan’s original) are surprisingly good and so much less work!

The appetizer should be a cruditie platter with carrots, celery and black olives. This will not be eaten and leaves more room for the main course. There should be a green. In our family, it is usually Green Beans. It can be Green Bean Casserole, with cream of mushroom soup and fried onions on top, but it doesn’t have to be. I actually prefer fresh green beans, steamed, with some butter and sliced almonds on top.

Speaking of which, salad is almost never eaten if served at Thanksgiving, as there are way too many other, more tempting foods to eat. You can eat salad every day of the year. You don’t need to eat it on Thanksgiving! One year we ended up with a bowl full of salad and my grandmother insisted on keeping it, dressing and all. “People eat leftover salad” she said. We did not.

Cranberry sauce is, of course, a necessity at Thanksgiving. This is one side dish I don’t mind if it’s fresh, boiled or jellied, out of a can (my Dad’s preferred version). This item can be experimented with and use fresh ginger, orange, vanilla bean, whatever you wish, but it is required as a tart and sweet counterpoint to all the rich foods. Besides, it goes great on turkey sandwiches.

Rolls. Again, I have no hard and fast rules about rolls served at Thanksgiving. Dinner rolls, herbed, Potato, Hawaiian, Parker House. The most important attribute rolls should have is the ability to be transformed into Turkey Sandwiches later that night and the next day. In this case, pillowy, soft rolls are the best.

There’s no need for any other dessert at Thanksgiving than pies. What else would anyone need with all the rest of the food served? Pumpkin, served with fresh whipped cream and Pecan, served on it’s own (or with vanilla ice cream if you really want to gild the lily) are the two pies that must make an appearance at my Thanksgiving table. All the other pies are appreciated, but secondary.

I have lots to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. My oldest stepdaughter Lauren got married last weekend at a beautiful ceremony in San Francisco. The next night my husband and I went to The French Laundry in Yountsville for dinner- a true once-in-a-lifetime event. Then, on Wednesday, my latest grandchild was born. Madeline Lee- Maddy- a week overdue and weighing in a 8 pounds, 1 ounce. What a beauty! I’m going to see her this Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

My Mom is hosting Thanksgiving this year. I felt a little overwhelmed with the wedding and trying to get our house ready for sale. She offered; I accepted. Looking back at my photos, I see I hosted Thanksgiving last year, which I’d already forgotten about. How time flies!

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving- my favorite holiday because it’s about being grateful, spending time with loved ones and food, glorious food. I hope you have a wonderful day and get a second helping of whatever it is you love. Mine will be my grandmother’s Sausage Stuffing!

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