THANKSGIVING #2 2014

I am very blessed to be able to be with family two times this Thanksgiving Holiday.  Thursday The King and I and the Court Jester went to my Aunt Del and Uncle Roy's in the metropolis of Harwood MO, population about 25...

My cousin Michael and his friend Laura were there.  It was our first time to meet Laura.  She's such a delight.  And it was a true blessing to see Mike so happy with her.  She's a bright ray of sunshine in his life for sure!  My very special second cousin (and adopted 2nd daughter) Delnelle and her boyfriend Justin were also there.  Delnelle is only 19 but she's a natural in the kitchen.  I wasn't feeling up to par.  Mom and William had the stomach bug on Monday and Tuesday and I was feeling like they were a little too generous with their sharing.  So far, I'm fortunate they didn't share too much!  Delnelle's brother and dad were also there making 13 of us total.  It was a great meal.  You can read about what I prepared here.  It was banana cream pie.

And we gobbled till we wobbled and played a mean game of "Liverpool Rummy" afterward.  I would have won if the high score was the goal!

Because I wasn't feeling up to par, when we got home, I laid down for a "few minutes".  I woke up at 3:30 a.m.!  I got up and should have went Black Friday Shopping... but didn't.  Just cruised Pinterest and Facebook instead.  I did do some Black Friday Shopping later in the day at the LQS!  :)

So my Second Thanksgiving Dinner was at Mom's on Saturday.  The Whole Gang was there except this precious family that's serving our country while stationed in Japan.

Miss you Hollie, Kyle, Raleigh and Kameron but we got this for next year!

Saturday I made homemade strawberry pie and the King made homemade macaroni and cheese.

Here is the recipe for the Strawberry pie.  It is soooo easy!

Ingredients

• 1 C sugar
• 1 C Water
• 3 T strawberry gelatin mix
• 1 Pint Fresh Strawberries
• 3 Heaping Tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 pie crust, cooked and cooled (Sometimes I make it from scratch and sometimes the Pillsbury Dough Boy makes it.)

Instructions

1. Combine sugar, cornstarch, and dry gelatin mix by stirring well. Add water and cook until thick and clear over medium high heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Set aside and let cool. Wash and hull strawberries, cut in half and arrange over pie crust. When filling is cool, pour over strawberries and chill pie until ready to serve. Serve with whipped cream. Think of me when you eat a piece :)

The King's recipe for Macaroni and Cheese is here.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large elbow macaroni
• 1 stick plus 1 tbsp butter
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 9 tbsp all purpose flour
• 3 cups of milk
• 4 oz. creamed cheese cubed
• 2 cups grated Colby/Monterrey Jack Cheese

Directions

1. Cook the macaroni as directed on the package
2. in a heated sauce pan add butter and let it melt
3. add salt, pepper, flour and whisk to remove lumps
4. add milk
5. whisk over heat until it becomes thick
6. Add the cheeses and cook until cheese is melted
7. Pour the macaroni in a casserole baking dish
8. Pour your flour/milk/cheese mixture over the top and fold in gently
9. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 mins
10. EAT!

Of course, Mom made her homemade egg noodles.  You can read about that here.