For me Thanksgiving has always been about the food. I appreciate the family time, especially as I get older and the kids range farther afield. And I do my best to stay grateful, take each day with a grain of thanks. But the food? Most always a slam dunk. And mainly because of my Mother.
My Mom was a fabulous cook. About the second week of October my phone would begin to ring and it would be Mom planning the Thanksgiving menu. And, because I am the only other cook in the family, we always planned it together. One of our many bonds, along with a love of books, history, and grandchildren. Well, my children, her grandchildren.
Whole turkey or turkey breast? Country ham or spiral sliced? Sauteed haricot verts or long cooked with pork belly? Mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or stuffing? Yes please. Rolls or cornbread? And do we need a salad? My vote was always for salad, mainly because Mom made a simple homemade vinaigrette like no other. And croutons from all that frozen bread cluttering the freezer the last three months.
I’m a run and gun style of cook. Hit the grocery store day before and pull it together on the fly Thanksgiving Day. Fix it in post. For her it was more than a meal, filled with love and unspoken meaning, and menu collaboration and planning was her favorite part.
Another thing about our Thanksgiving – everyone was welcome. One year my daughter had befriended a charming fellow fifth grader. Turned out she and her own mother were living in their car, getting by on peanut butter and the occasional kindness of strangers. The girl was irascibly brilliant, and the mom spoke fluent French and Italian. They ended up moving into our guest bedroom for a while.
My bachelor cousin Johnny was always there. Usually just out of rehab. Again. And Dad’s best friend with no family from high school. A widowed neighbor. And… well, whoever had no special place to go on Thanksgiving.
Welcome.
I’ve eaten at many fine Thanksgiving tables over the years. Wonderful meals there. Had excellent food at charming restaurants. But the food at my Mother’s table on Thanksgiving was almost, really, incomparable. I think because it was made with skill, care, love, and open minded hospitality. Heavy emphasis on the love. And of course the careful planning and collaboration of the menu.
Mom left us three years ago, and this is our third Thanksgiving without her. I still miss her terribly.
Still not sure what I’m cooking this year. I do know that it’s Thanksgiving week, and the menu needs to be planned.
Maybe I’ll start with that.
fabulous!
Beautiful!! Happy Thanksgiving!
Very nice memory of your Mama. Keep writing.
Gala
I’m reading all your stories, in reverse chronological order. I’ve enjoyed and “felt” each one. This one though, brings a lump to my throat and a couple of tears to my eyes. Ditto… Thanksgiving feast planned and prepared with skill, love, and a warm welcoming heart. Beautiful sentiment and beautifully written.
Keep on cooking that bird. It improves.
Miss Carolyn and now I’m hongry
Jim I can’t wait to share this with my parents. They always have said that Carolyn was a wonderful cook. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Awe! Love this!! This is what Thanksgiving is about!
I was there for many of those Thanksgiving dinners over the fifty years that your mom and I were friends. It was magical every year. Love you and miss her terribly. Happy Thanksgiving. Keep sharing.
Adding to what Mom said, when I think of Thanksgiving, I think of the Woffords. To have had those years rooted in the tradition of delicious food and the warm company of our “god-family” is truly priceless. I miss “Aunt Carolyn” with all my heart, but I remember her often, and especially during this holiday, which has been bittersweet over the past few years. Thank you for sharing, Jim! Hugs!
Your mom was a great Southern Lady.
Good article
Jim,
This takes me back to all our wonderful Thanksgiving dinners with my mom, who could “flat put it on the table”. She went on to see Jesus four years ago. Thank you, as always, brother.
I talk about Ms. Carolyn very often and think of her daily while having my coffee and “bird watching” out my kitchen window. Of course, I didn’t know her before she become sick but the lady that I had the pleasure of getting to know will forever hold a special place in my heart ❤️ she will always be loved and miss by me.
I personally ate thanksgiving ate that table many times and it was the best food ever. My aunt was the best cook I’ve ever known and she inspired me to want to learn to cook. I miss all those good people at that table. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
Perennial Seasonal post. The shared memories bring back memories of my own.