Thanksgiving

In just 9 days we will celebrate Thanksgiving and then the REAL countdown for Christmas can begin.

 

I love Christmas (more on that later)!!! It truly is my favorite time of year.

 

Now, this is my first Thanksgiving as a Riley and my first time to host the important meal at OUR house with both sets of parents attending…now, that’s a lot of pressure. I am really excited to get to use all of our nice China and some dishes we haven’t been able to use yet, but I have a fear that I’m going to ruin the turkey. It’s either going to look like the top picture

 

 

OR

 

 

It will look like the above charred turkey.

 

 I like to think of myself as a pretty good cook/baker. However, having the responsibility of cooking a 15+pound bird for your parents and in-laws comes with a lot of pressure. If the turkey fails, we will at least have lots of sides. A must have for a Huey Thanksgiving is green bean casserole and a must have for a Riley Thanksgiving is Cranberry Sauce. What are some of your family traditions at Thanksgiving?

 

I will be serving a pumpkin dip as an appetizer that is to die for…seriously…it’s amazing (thanks Amy H!!!).  This is best served with apple slices or graham crackers…

 

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon frozen orange juice concentrate

DIRECTIONS

1.  In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Gradually mix in the pumpkin. Stir in the cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and orange juice until smooth and well blended. Chill until serving.

I am REALLY excited to have both parents at our house, not having to travel, and to show off all of our wonderful wedding presents. I’m even going to wear my cute Apron! I love hosting parties, but this is by far the biggest one we have been in charge of. Wish us luck J

 

Also, as of today just 37 days until Christmas!!!

Below are some reasons of why I love Christmas:

 

it makes me think of my family and the fun times we had growing up, skiing in Keystone, driving to Baylor bowl games (that was a LONG time ago), celebrating mom and dad’s anniversary (even once at Whataburger), Jesus’ Birthday, tamales on Christmas Eve, candlelight Christmas Eve church service, my birthday on the 15^th, my dog, Coon’s birthday on the 19^th, and Rusty’s birthday also on the 19^th, going to my brothers basketball games (MT Rice tournament), breakfast casserole on Christmas morning, and many more…