Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes

When people think about Thanksgiving, certain thoughts come to mind. Macy's day parade, pilgrims and Indians, football, and food. Cooking for thanksgiving can be extremely stressful. From deciding exactly what to cook, shopping, and the actual preparation, many hours of work and thought go into preparing a single meal. If your family is like mine, you may have dishes that you serve every year. I generally look forward to these dishes because I only have them once a year. However, every once in a while, you need something new to add to the table. Here are some recipes that should wow your guests, and your taste buds!

Ambrosia (aka Thanksgiving Gold)
My grandmother makes this dessert only once a year. My sister always brings a jar or plastic container to take the left overs home with her...I always somehow forget. Luckily for her, she has moved out of my parents house, and so she doesn't have to worry about me...I mean our little brother...sneaking bites while she isn't looking.

Because this is my grandmother's recipe, there is no exact recipe of one cup of this and a teaspoon of that. You have to eye it, which means that it'll be a little different every time. The goal is to find the right balance that works for you. If you are worried about "getting it right," don't be. You can't go wrong. The only way you can mess this recipe up is if you use rotten oranges. Also, this recipe is best if you make it the day before and let it sit in the fridge over night.

Ingredients
Oranges (about 1 per person)
Canned Pineapple
Shredded Coconut
Sugar

Directions
1. Peel the oranges and cut into bite size chunks.
2. Drain and add the pineapple. You want to have about 2/3 to 3/4 oranges, and 1/4-1/3 pineapple
3. Add enough coconut so that you have a piece or two in every bite.
4. Add sugar to taste
5. Mix

Potato Soup
I like to make this soup every once in a while. It warms you right up on a cold day! I like to use baking potatoes, but you could really use any kind. This soup recipe is one that you will want to taste every once in a while during the cooking process to make sure that it is tasting good. As you add things, you may want to taste to see if you need a little more cream, salt, pepper, or cheese.

Ingredients:
Potatoes (1-2 per person)
Milk or Cream
Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Green onion or chives, chopped
Bacon, cooked and chopped into small pieces (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Peel potatoes and cut into chunks
2. Put in large pot and cover with water
3. Boil until potatoes are cooked and tender
4. Remove from heat, and drain 1/2 to 3/4 of the water
5. Mix the remaining water with the potatoes using beaters (like you would if you were making home made mashed potatoes). I personally like to have chunks in my soup, and so I don't beat it completely smooth.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Mix a little bit of cream or milk into the soup to make it a little creamier
8. You can either add the cheddar cheese now, or you can let each person add it themselves. I like a lot of cheese, and so I add enough to make it really cheesy.
9. At this point, you will want to check the thickness of the soup. If it is too thin, heat until it thickens. If it's too thick, add some more cream or water until it reaches the desired thickness. You may also want to taste to see if it has enough salt and pepper.
10. Ladle some soup into each bowl. Top with green onions or chives and bacon pieces

Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich
This sandwich is perfect if you are having a lighter meal but still want to have the traditional Thanksgiving tastes. Its also great to make with left overs the day after!

Ingredients:
Whole wheat bread (or left over rolls)
Turkey
Cranberry sauce (either canned or home made)
Mayonnaise
Lettuce (optional)
Tomato (optional)

Directions:
1. Spread some mayo on one slice of bread
2. Spread a layer of cranberry sauce on the other slice of bread
3. Add lettuce, tomato, and turkey.
4. Close up the sandwich and enjoy!