Thanksgiving Story
By Brenda S. Brown
It is time again for one of my favorite
holidays; Thanksgiving is a time of reflection, a chance to remember, to
count our blessings, and a wonderful opportunity to extend love through the
sharing of some fantastic southern fare. We spent many happy occasions at
Nanny's house in Terrell County near Dawson, and her fabulous country
offerings were the heart of all the family gatherings.
One of my prized family photos captures
members of our family gathered around her dining room table just before
enjoying a holiday banquet. Nanny prepared the finest cornbread dressing I
have ever tasted; her recipe is still used today by our family; she never
stuffed the ingredients inside a bird, hers was baked in a large
purple-colored container which continues to be cherished by my family.
Nanny was not fond of turkey so she
prepared a hen to compliment her dressing, a large plump one that had not
been frozen; I want it fresh, were her instructions to the butcher. When
you purchase fresh there is no worry about having to thaw the bird, it is
ready to roast immediately.
My mother prepared the tastiest potato
salad and it was always present on her Thanksgiving menu, the potatoes were
cooked in the jacket, to retain their best flavor, and the finished product
was adorned with slices of boiled eggs and garnished with bright red
paprika. There was an unusual square glass container that she used to
present this recipe and along-side were the ever present deviled eggs and
pickled peaches, assorted vegetables and an additional table laden with
desserts.
In Otto's family several of the ladies
to include his mother and grandmother prepared savory tasting dressing but
they frequently baked theirs with portions of the cooked poultry in the same
container; their presentation was different but it was also tasty.
My paternal Great-Grandmother, Miss
Lottie, concocted the finest sweet-potato casserole ever prepared. She knew
I adored the browned marshmallows so she forever shared her portion with
me. Countless family recipes were her inspiration because as a young,
single mother, she supported the family by operating a boarding house near
Atlanta, which included three hearty meals a day.
Although this feature sounds like the
celebration is all about the food, please do not be deceived, it is really
about those who prepare the banquets, which include the most essential
ingredient, love. Hopefully this journey down memory lane has inspired the
readers to recall those people who brought gladness into their lives;
Thanksgiving blessings from my family to yours.
Brenda S
Brown