Turkey:
Pick a nice plump Turkey.
I never get anything smaller than a 20 lb. bird.
They are nice and juicy and they leave lots of leftovers.
If you have company you won't even end up with many leftovers.
(our favorite is hot turkey sandwiches the next day.)
Pick a nice plump Turkey.
I never get anything smaller than a 20 lb. bird.
They are nice and juicy and they leave lots of leftovers.
If you have company you won't even end up with many leftovers.
(our favorite is hot turkey sandwiches the next day.)
I know there are lots of ways to cook a bird. Me. I keep it simple. I use the Reynolds Turkey Oven Bags. They are so easy. I have NEVER had a dry Turkey and they are predictable. They cook the Turkey perfect EVERY TIME! A 20 lb. Turkey in a bag will take around 4 hours (if it is stuffed.) Of course do all your prep work first. Wash it out well. Take the innards out of the cavity. Wash it out. We rub our turkey with vegetable oil and butter (we give it a nice massage). We then sprinkle salt and pepper and a little poultry seasoning over it. Then we stuff it. Then we gently insert it into the bag following the directions.
Stuffing:
This is my Mom's recipe.
I am pretty sure she got it from my Grandma Stephens. Again, this is not a complicated recipe.
However, I always get compliments and people tell me it's some of the best stuffing they have ever had.
If you like stuffing at all.
I have found it is a take it or leave it kind of deal.
I think most people like this recipe because it is simple.
No weird surprises. LOL.
I am pretty sure she got it from my Grandma Stephens. Again, this is not a complicated recipe.
However, I always get compliments and people tell me it's some of the best stuffing they have ever had.
If you like stuffing at all.
I have found it is a take it or leave it kind of deal.
I think most people like this recipe because it is simple.
No weird surprises. LOL.
stuffing recipe:
In a large bowl combine:
Buy a bag of the kind of stuffing you will see out this time of year (hint: NOT stove top. HA HA).
I use Prestwich Farms brand (it is in a blue bag and I have found it mostly everywhere I have lived, Missouri, Utah, Washington and Texas).
My Mom uses Mrs. Cubbison's that comes in a box.
I believe she finds the seasoned stuffing.
I use Prestwich Farms brand (it is in a blue bag and I have found it mostly everywhere I have lived, Missouri, Utah, Washington and Texas).
My Mom uses Mrs. Cubbison's that comes in a box.
I believe she finds the seasoned stuffing.
I Sandee Use Mrs Cubbison's stuffing as well.
Follow the recipe on the bag or box of stuffing:
.
For a 20 lb. bird you will use the entire bag
(if using the prestwich farms brand).
(if using the prestwich farms brand).
I believe it calls for 2 cups of chicken broth.
2 cups of chopped celery , 2 cups chopped onion
The next few steps are the things I add in special. This is what makes it taste so yummy.
Here is the secret
about 1/2 cup butter melted
1 bag of dry Lipton Onion Soup Mix
(this gives it the best flavor.)
(this gives it the best flavor.)
Grate about 2 big carrots (using a cheese grater).
(It is for really color, but it makes it pretty.)
(It is for really color, but it makes it pretty.)
I Sandee like to add one roll of sausage (Jimmy Dean) that has been cooked, and also one box of wild rice that has been cooked to the stuffing, you can leave it out or add it, but it makes dang good stuffing!
This stuffing is really good when it is stuffed in the bird. I know some people think it's pure evil to stuff a Turkey.
Me, I love the stuffing in the Turkey. Stuff loosely the cavity and the front. Oooohhh it is so good when the drippings of the Turkey are in it. When Turkey comes out of oven let it rest for a bit. Then take the stuffing out and put in your desired pretty dish. Mmmmm, you will never have dry stuffing this way.
For the Nourishing of our Soul:
Since this is most likely a Thanksgiving post and we talk about gratitude, I like the idea of being grateful. Dana made a long post of all she was grateful for here, but maybe you can take some time today to write down what you are grateful for as well , for your children and posterity to see! I have always said that my number one thing I am grateful for is my testimony of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, for it is my testimony that makes me who I am, gives me the eyes to see who I really am (a daughter of my Heavenly Father who loves me), why I am here (to gain a body, to be proven worthy, to help others, to learn and grow) what I am supposed to be doing with my time (developing a relationship with my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ) learning, helping others along the way) and where I am going (I am going to return to heaven to live with my Heavenly Father and Mother and my family!)
I just realized when I told you to look at Dana's list that you cant get to her blog without her permission, so I copy and pasted her grateful list here:
I just realized when I told you to look at Dana's list that you cant get to her blog without her permission, so I copy and pasted her grateful list here:
Whew. I am tired tonight. I was up here working on something for a RS Meeting and thought I would check in. I have not posted in awhile. Not because I don't have anything to be grateful for. Infact I have loved reading all the gratitude post this month from others on their blogs. I have failed to write down for history the things I have been grateful for. I think I have put off doing it because there are so many things I feel grateful for. Including those times that stretch us till it hurts sometimes EVEN A LOT. Having had a few of those times in my life I know however how much one grows during those times and what a sacred ground it almost becomes as you are tried and tested. Therefore writing things down seemed harder and harder to do. But for the sake of my children someday I want them to know I am GRATEFUL for MANY MANY THINGS!
SOOOOOOOO.........................................................................................................................
Kevin is off to a conference in San Antonio for the week and the kids are studying and doing homework so I thought since I was working on the computer anyway I should at least document what I am grateful for the past year. At least try to put them down even though my attempt feels inadequate.
Sunday a darling sister in our ward gave a great talk on standards and tied it into being grateful. She mentioned her family having a grateful poster. They put it up in the kitchen during the month of November and family members can write things they are grateful for when they feel inspired to do so. What a cute idea. Then they frame it to remind them of their blessings for the next year. What a sweet idea. I loved it. I felt like it was too late of a tradition to start this year so last night for FHE I had the kids go around the room and talk about things they have been grateful for in the past year. It was sweet to hear their thoughts. Many of their grateful feelings were what I also felt grateful for.
Here is a list. And trust me there is so much more to be grateful for.
The ability to improve myself.
The chance to change.
The knowledge that God Lives and Loves me and my family and hears and answers our prayers.
The chance to teach the youth at church. I have really grown to love my 12 year old class.
Learning about the Prophets by teaching the 12 years olds.
To Listen and know that God is There
Our Home
Freedom to Choose
Freedom in our Nation
Those who have sacrificed so I have this freedom.
The Scriptures
My Patriarchal Blessing
Music!!!!!
Good Wholesome Laughter
Tears (Sometimes a good cry can solve the problems)
Temple and Baptismal Covenants
Having a Temple Close By to attend often
The Priesthood
Living Prophets
Having 3 Worthy Priesthood Holders in my Home
Watching my husband ordain my youngest son a Deacon and my oldest son a Priest able to stand in the circle. (Pretty GREAT experience.)
A loving, kind, gentle, smart, faithful, loyal, awesome husband. He is PERFECT for ME! ;) He also happens to be the one person I desire to spend my life and eternity with.
Hearing Kent Bless the Sacrament On Sunday.
Watching Matthew Pass the Sacrament this past Sunday.
Service
Friends Old and New (So GRATEFUL for this the past year)
Family Near and Far Away (even though we miss them TERRIBLY!)
Airplanes to get me places FAST! ;) This helps to ease the missing terribly part. ;)
Being able to go to UT to see my sweet niece Jenna married this coming weekend! ;) Even if a snowblizzard is in the forecast. She is marrying the right person, at the right time in the right place. And that is the most important thing she could do.
Cars, Electricity, Running Water (Anna has been watching the Little House series and I always think this when we watch an episode.)
Simple Treasures
Family Bonding Time
FHE
Early Morning Seminary and that my son gets up willingly every morning and goes with a smile and
comes home with one!
GREAT Schools!
Great teachers!
Children with a good sense of who they are and security in themselves. They do not seem to be tossed to and fro in their knowledge of who they are. Even when the world tries its best to tear that from them. They seem to be able to stand strong. It's most important to your parents that we improve each day.
Awesome Leaders at Church that give of their time freely to help teach my children gospel principles and love them.
Awesome Leaders at Church that give of their time freely to help teach my children gospel principles and love them.
Children that have learned the value of early to bed, early to rise.
I love waking up Anna. She wakes up with a smile every morning. I just go in her room and sing "Wake up Anna!" She always responds with a little smile in her voice "Okay Mommy." And she is up and ready. Even at 6am this is the response I get daily. All four of my kids are good about this.
Listening to Matthew practice his French Horn. Not only is he getting really good but the joy I see it bringing him as he gets better and better. Anna as well in her starting year of piano. Will they earn scholarships in music? That remains to be seen (never say never, right?) But I love they each seem to enjoy music in many different forms. And I love the sounds of children playing piano, guitar, horns, and so forth. I love it when we are all singing along to a song in the van. We may not quite be the Osmonds and I am pretty sure I could never get them to sing in public with me (which I don't get because I LOVE to sing) but we do have fun together. I am happy Megan is singing in the Catholic/LDS Combined Choir for Christmas. What a great experience.
Not taking myself so seriously. I am grateful that I have learned to laugh at myself.
Not worrying about what others have. There are always those who will have more and those that will have less. It is what you do with what you have and how you serve those around you and help those in need. I have learned by watching those serve and being served and serving that in the end this is the most important thing to learn about the things we are blessed with. I have seen the generosity of people and the goodness of their hearts in these situations. I have learned that it is a true test of character in what people are willing to give up to help another soul in this life. And it has nothing to do with how little or how much you have. It is a gift from God no matter how great or small our blessings and when we impart them to others I believe we are taught more than if we keep it to ourselves.
Being on Time and learning the value of time and others time.
(I owe this to my Dad and Mom who were never late anywhere and always on time to all our church meetings.)
(I owe this to my Dad and Mom who were never late anywhere and always on time to all our church meetings.)
Organization
Being Prepared
Preparation in and of itself and what it is teaching me
Work!
Teaching my Children to Work.
Goodly Parents (Both SETS!)
Eternal Perspective
Enduring to the End
Seeing the Path Ahead when you have taken a few steps in the Dark at the start.
Faith.
General Conference.
Good Literature to Read.
Snuggly Beds
Fall Leaves
Swimming Pools
Kindness and Smiles from people
Handwritten notes with messages of love
Hometeachers and Visiting Teachers
Text Messages (yep even at 40 years old I love hearing from my family this way!)
Christmas Trees
Pumpkins
Trees (I LOVE TREES)
Trees (I LOVE TREES)
Sharing Hot Cocoa with my youngest Anna. She hates most all sweets, cookies, cakes. Yep not sure where she came from?? But, she LOVES hot cocoa. And she loves to sit at the table and chat with me while she sips on it with her fluffy white marshmellows.
Giving Rides to school to my children. When we first moved here and we were too close for buses and yet too far to walk I thought this would be a nightmare with four kids to get to and from school. But over the past year I have really grown to love and cherish the time I spend with each one of them to and from school. Kevin would say the same about driving Kent to and from Seminary at 6am the past year. Great Blessings to spend time with them in the car.
Food/Nourishment
Fuzzy Pets that are constant and loyal (Shadow to be specific.)
Nature
Dry Erase Marker Love Notes my Husband leaves me on the mirror in my bathroom when he leaves on a business trip. I don't know why but I am always surprised when I see it after he is gone and I refuse to wash them off until he returns home safely to us.
Hair Dye to cover my lovely grey hair. (UGH)
Animals in General (even the bunnies that eat all the flowers in my yard.)
Health
Exercise (well that one has not always been easy for me but I am grateful for it when I feel stronger)
Standing Steadfast and Immovable
Forgiveness
Hugs from Children
A Clean Home
Kevin
Kent
Megan
Matthew
Anna
I wanted to name them each by name. Because they really are that important to me.
Trials - Why would I be glad to have had these? Because great and small they stretch us. And after all that testing if we are faithful we see that we have grown and become stronger and more like Him.
Chocolate Chip Cookies my daughter Megan makes on a Sunday afternoon. (I now understand the reason why my Mom stopped baking when I turned 12. A few years later I passed the torch to my little sister. Cookies always taste better when someone else gives you one.)
Faithful children that are doing what the Lord would have them do. Seeing their testimonies grow. Watching them be stretched and learn they can do things they thought they could not do. (LIKE MOVE.)
Having my children home with us. I love nothing more than when we are all together at home. And they have seemed to really love being at home the past year instead of looking for friends to fill that need of friendship as much. Although I am also grateful for the good friends they have made here.
The Savior and the Knowledge that He atoned for the sins of the World so we can return to live with our Father in Heaven as a family someday.
There are so many more.
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