Stretch Pants, Turkey, and Traditions

It’s also the time of year that we remember all the things we’re thankful for whether it be family, a job, a home, friendships, loved ones, or time off of work. Do we need to mention those family dynamics? Why don’t we just skip to the traditions…

Every family has their own. My brother and I used to break the wishbone for no reason other than just to see who won. I seem to recall (which I can do since I’m writing this and he’s not) that he’d make way too much of the celebration if he won, but that’s what little brothers do.

My mom always made sweet potato casserole (recipe below) for ten people, though there were only four of us at the time, because that was a family favorite. And no, there weren’t marshmallows on top. It was a crust kind of like on a cobbler and sometimes with crushed nuts. We always get second helpings and ate way too much of it, but that’s why we wear those joggers with the stretchy waist. We love it so much that I’ve even started playing an SPC theme song every Thanksgiving that I sing along to and make my mom laugh (because what mom doesn’t think her most attractive, first-born son is hilarious?).

My maternal grandmother used to make a gelatin dish that included mashed up cranberries and pineapple. We’re searching her cookbooks* to see if she ever wrote down exactly what she did, or if it’s one of those memorized recipes. We’d gather around the table (that I now have in my storage unit), and sit at her countertop on an old Cosco step-stool chair (that I use as a nightstand) and feast on a little bit of everything, though I never was much of a fan of gelatin. It’s still one of those memories that stands out.

In late 2020, I got a group of in-laws with their own traditions. Thankfully, aunt Sue always brings some SPC to the family gathering, but the thing that caught me off guard was the Thanksgiving noodles that my mother-in-law makes. I had never heard of it before then, but I certainly don’t hate it!

We all have those traditions with some being passed down, some picked up from others, and some just downright weird, amirite? We won’t go there because family dynamics come with their own set of issues, but here are some mostly food-related traditions we’ve come across from our staff and their families:

• Breaking the wishbone
• Does sweet potato casserole get topped with marshmallows or with nuts?
• Stuffing vs. Dressing: what is it called, how is that determined, and why do we fight about naming it?
• Somebody always makes green bean casserole with the crispy onions
• That lonely salad that gets ignored for more turkey (or SPC)
• Prayer or blessing in your family’s native language by the family matriarch or patriarch
• Deciding way too late whose house to eat at
• Gluttony
• So much pie, cake, ice cream, dessert (see gluttony above)
• Football all day long

We’re curious what Thanksgiving traditions you have, so snap a pic or video, tag us on social media, and use the hashtag #AOPATurkeyTraditions!

This is also a great time of year to donate to, or volunteer at, your local homeless shelter and help those who aren’t as fortunate.

We also realize that this time of year is difficult for many, so if you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t wait; the world is a better place with you in it. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) connects the caller to a certified crisis center near where the call is placed.

We at AOPA wish everyone a safe, happy, and healthy holiday!

Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole
5 or 6 sweet potatoes, boiled and peeled
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup margarine, melted
3 eggs
1 pinch of salt
1 tbsp vanilla
Cinnamon and nutmeg to taste

Mash sweet potatoes and mix all ingredients together, place in casserole dish

SPC Topping
1/2 cup cornflake crumbs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup melted margarine
1/2 cup diced pecans (optional)
Sprinkle topping mixture on top of sweet potatoes. 

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes

*We found grandma's recipe! (Thanks, aunt Joni!)

Cranberry Salad
Combine:
4 cups boiling water
2 pkg strawberry Jell-O
1 cup granulated sugar
Juice from 1 can crushed pineapple
Enough ice cubes to make Jell-O harden

After Jell-O has partially set, add:
1-2 pkgs cleaned, crushed cranberries
1 can drained, crushed pineapple
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Return to refrigerator until Jell-O has set