Thanksgiving is for Turkey; Everyday is for Dog Food!!!

When I was a little girl, for as far back as I can remember we always had Thanksgiving dinner at my Grandma & Grandpa Hudd’s house with the whole family; it’s one of my favorite memories! I remember that there were tables put together in the living room that spanned from one side to the other. I remember my cousin, Janet and I almost always sat together on top of the wood stove while the others packed in around us. I remember the smells of the season, the huge turkey on the table, all of the milk that was spilled, all of the laughter in the air and we all loved each other almost as much as the table full of pies in the kitchen. I also remember one year when my grandfather was late to dinner because he was out hunting… there was silence at the table as he came in the door half soused and plopped down in his chair. As my grandmother famously raised one eyebrow, all she could say was, “Oh Orie!!!” She was so mad at him but she’d never let on to us or get us upset. Way back then… life was truly magical and nothing could ever hurt us if we were together…

As I pull out another tissue, (sorry, great memories like that make me cry and I miss my grandparents so much) I suddenly feel the need to tell you about another family tradition…

My mom’s sister, Martha was the epitome of caregivers to her own and all of her siblings’ children. Aunt Martie had 4 children of her own yet never turned down an opportunity to babysit for the rest of us… all of us! She’d pick us up on a Saturday, load us up in the old Volkswagen bus and take us to her house. We played for hours together and about 4:00pm we’d start to smell the sweet scent of our favorite meal… DOG FOOD! When Aunt Martie made dog food we’d all race to the table to get the first helping and pray that there would be enough for seconds! Now… before you call child protective services on my poor, old aunt… she knew what kids liked and she mixed it all together; there was macaroni (we never called it pasta), cut up hot dogs, tomato soup, corn… I’m not sure what else, all I know is that it was delicious and we loved it! The fact that she called it dog food made it even more enticing!

On those nights, sleeping on the floor in her living room, all huddled together underneath the mounds of blankets, we had no idea that we were poor; all we knew was that our wonderful and kind aunt loved us all and hopefully we’d be able to come back next weekend! “Go to sleep you kids… the bus is leaving at 8 o’clock sharp for church in the morning and if you’re not on it; you’re not going!” We were always up and ready to go…

This is a true story and let me tell you… as we got older there were many more! In the interest of time though, I won’t even begin to share with you the story about the cats in the freezer or the spaghetti in the pockets or even the time when my cousin rolled in dog poop at a family picnic and my Aunt Martie put him in a trash bag, tied it around his neck and made him sit in the car & sweat… good times!

I would like to wish all of you a Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, good health and much joy. Remember your loved ones from holidays past and share your memories with the little ones; when they get older, they will cherish them as I do mine.

Here is a quick & easy recipe that I make for hors d’oeuvres every Thanksgiving; whether I am hosting or traveling home to be with my family…

Sausage & Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

2 Containers Fresh Mushrooms

2 Boxes Store Purchased Stuffing Mix for Chicken

1 Stick of Butter

1/2 Large Roll of Uncooked Breakfast Sausage (or links without casings)

1 Cup Grated Romano Cheese plus more for Sprinkling

2 Eggs

2 T. Red Pepper Flakes plus more for Sprinkling

Wipe mushrooms with damp cloth to remove dirt. Gently twist stems to remove. Prepare stuffing using package directions, let cool. Chop mushroom stems. In medium saucepan, melt butter then cook mushroom stems until soft & golden. Transfer stuffing to mixing bowl. Add cooked mushroom stems, raw breakfast sausage, cheese, eggs and red pepper flakes.

With your hands, mix thoroughly until sausage is evenly distributed. Stuff each mushroom generously & place on un-greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with cheese & red pepper flakes. Bake uncovered in pre-heated 350 degree oven 45-60 minutes or until cooked through & just starting to brown on top. Serve immediately.

May your holidays be filled with flavor!!!