I am thankful for Sophia for posting these blog challenges on 2peas, so that I don’t forget I actually own a blog! 
So, in honor of Turkey Day, here are my answers to the Thanksgiving Twenty:
Do you cook all or part of the meal? I am ashamed to say that I cook very little of the meal. While it’s sort of a collaborative effort with the whole family bringing their customary and standard side dishes, my dear husband, a fabulous cook who actually enjoys making the Thanksgiving meal does the bulk of the cooking. I make the pumpkin pies (thanks, Libby’s in a can) and my trademark barley casserole (recipe to follow.)
How much do you spend buying groceries for the meal? Uh, again, that’s generally the DH’s gig. He takes off the week of Thanksgiving, and usually does the shopping. He told me he spent about $200 in groceries yesterday, but that wasn’t all for the feast. But I don’t think it includes the alcoholic beverages, either.
Do you eat at home or go to someone else’s? Up until about 5 years ago, we had ALWAYS had Thanksgiving at my parents, except for a couple of years we went to the cabin. But, lately, we’ve taken over the meal, and I’m good with that!
Describe your perfect bite? Just one?? Oh, come on!! It’s all fab!! Since our meal is so traditional, if one thing was missing, I’d be upset, though!!
White meat or dark? White.
Stuffing with giblets or without? With! That’s how Mom made it. Although, to tell you the truth, I don’t know if Mike does!! It’s delish regardless.
Anything you won’t eat at the Thanksgiving meal? Nope. I eat everything, right down to the jellied cranberry sauce!
Carve Mr. Gobble at the table or serve on a platter? My uber-talented DH carves it in the kitchen and serves it on a platter. He’s reknowned for his carving ability, and usually draws a crowd to see him in action. It’s a beautiful thing, if you can believe it!
Favorite pie? Well, PUMPKIN, of course!! What kind of question is that?!?
Formal table or Chinet? Last year, we dug out all 12 of our Wedding China place settings. It was the first time we’d used it ALL! This year, I’m guessing we’ll do the same, since we have SO MANY people. I don’t think we have enough of our everyday stuff to go around . . . otherwise we’d probably do that. Chinet would probably be a good way to go, but seems a little cheesy. Dunno.
Your menu? Turkey, stuffing, smashed taters, green bean casserole, Aunt Kari’s sweet potatoes, barley casserole, cranberry sauce, black olives, dinner rolls, snicker’s salad, and Pumpkin pie.
Favorite leftover? Green bean casserole, cold from the fridge. I’ve done that ever since I was a kid!
Extended family, friends, both or just the immediate family for dinner? Pretty much my whole side of the family, give or take a few! Mike’s family scatters for this holiday . . . either up north or to New York to visit Mo.
After dinner, do you go to the latest movie or football on TV? The last few years, we have watched a movie with whoever hasn’t passed out from overeating! Last year was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
Do you watch the Macy’s Parade? Here and there. I did as a kid, and always try to get my kids to watch it . . . but they’re just not into it!! What’s up with that?!
Christmas decorations up before or after? The day after. Same as for Christmas music. One holiday at a time, people!
Black Friday shopping or sleep in? I’m a sleep in kind of girl. I’ve done the Black Friday thing a couple of times, and have usually regretted it!
Any special Thanksgiving tradition? Apart from eating like a pig?!? Um, I guess it would be snitching the black olives from the kitchen before dinner was served. My grandma and I used to do that when I was a little girl, and now Meghan and I continue the tradition.
Favorite thing about Thanksgiving? The smells, the food, the cozy warm house, and of course, the company.
Favorite Thanksgiving memory? While this isn’t one particular memory, I recall standing at the big picture window in the kitchen of my parent’s house every year as a kid, waiting for the relatives to start arriving. Sometimes it would be snowing gently, other times it would be warm. But I remember the anticipation. Last year, I caught Reilly doing the same thing, and my heart swelled with the memory!
Share your best Thanksgiving recipe today so that everyone can buy the ingredients and try it at their feast too!
Mushroom Barley Casserole
½ cup butter
1 cup pear barley (soaked one hour)
1 cup quick cooking barley
½ cup slivered almonds
2 cups chicken broth
1 can sliced water chestnuts
1 medium onion, sliced
2 ounce package onion soup mix
5 ounce can of mushrooms
Make sure to soak the pearl barley one hour before assembling the casserole. Mix all ingredients together. Bake for 1 hour in a greased 9 x 13 pan in a 350º oven.
I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving!!
