As I write this, it is the middle of the afternoon on Thanksgiving. I’ve spent most of the day in the kitchen, and I feel a very strong connection with my grandmothers.
Thanksgiving when I was growing up meant going to Grandma’s house. Most often, my mom’s twin sister and her family would be there as well. My cousin and sister and I would be sent to the basement to play while the food was cooking.
And oh, the spread! There was turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, salad, fresh dinner buns, and several kinds of pie with ice cream and whipped cream for dessert.
Many years ago, before my grandmother passed away, I called her and asked for the recipe for her dinner buns. It was an interesting conversation, because she didn’t have a recipe that she followed. “Heat some water, and put in some yeast with a bit of sugar…”
With a bit of prodding, I was able to get some measurements. The page on which I wrote my notes looks less like a recipe and more like a shopping list! Regardless, over the years, I have managed to work out how to make those delicious dinner rolls that are full of nostalgia.
And though I wasn’t planning on it, a day or two ago, my Grandma Gade energetically tapped me on the shoulder. So this morning I mixed up a batch of dinner buns for our Thanksgiving dinner. Along with pumpkin pies, ham, loaded mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts (which weren’t on the menu when I was growing up – probably why I love them now).
We all ate until we were stuffed – full bellies and food comas. Nearly food comas. And I definitely felt a connection to my family, though they are thousands of miles away and won’t be celebrating their Thanksgiving for another month.
Today, I’m very grateful – grateful for a full pantry, grateful for my family and friends, grateful for the beautiful place I get to live, grateful for my employment, grateful for my amazing husband and children, grateful for traditions, grateful for my so many blessings. And I’m grateful for all of you who read my blog – all four of you. 😉
Happy Thanksgiving!
Blessings,
Mary
Grateful you are in my life, Mary.