Thanksgiving Remembered

My oldest daughter called me to ask for my sweet potato casserole recipe. She will be attending a friends family for Thanksgiving. She is quite homesick and wanted to make a dish that reminded her of home.  Golly I miss her very so much. I am so glad that she will not be spending Thanksgiving alone.

Thanksgiving was traditionally spent in the foot hills of the Appalachian Mountains at my husbands family farm. I can see in my minds eye the drive on the winding road through the historical town, Lewisburg, West Virginia then 20 minutes later arriving in the sweet little town of Union. Wyndridge Farm is located 5 minutes out side of town.  Fall is absolutely breath taking, Once you leave the main road, it is a few minutes up the dirt drive way, through the cows if were are lucky, and then suddenly you breach the top of the hill to a stunning view. The drive way is a circular one that gives you the opportunity to take in the quiet beauty of the family home and then back to the view.

No matter what time we would arrive, Jeff's parents would quietly welcome us into their home. Being an ever growing family we would break the stillness with lots of love, hugs and chatter! My heart is full of happiness and love thinking about these special memories. A few tears too!

Jeff's Mom is a wonderful cook. She would always have something delish waiting to fill bellies after the long drive to get there. It was only 3 hours but the last 30 minutes makes it seem like hours more due to the anticipation. Her cooking is always with beauty to the eyes as well to the belly. She never makes crazy over the top meals or dishes. Instead they are simple and yummy: Baked apples, pasta salad, fruit salad made with real whipping creme, bread pudding, beef stew and list goes on. I loved being a fly on the wall while she cooked.

Her Thanksgiving dinners were always beautiful. She would awake at dawn at start the turkey baking next the potatoes peeled resting in water, and cranberries simmering on the stove, all before anyone was awake. My Mother in law would spoil us by purchasing baked goods from ladies of the library bake sale the previous week, There would be pumpkin, cranberry, blueberry breads and muffins to name a few. If the weather was remotely warm, the children would be out the door exploring the farm for the next few hours. We never needed to worry about them but we always made sure they wore something bright just in case because it was hunting season in West Virginia.

Meanwhile, the table was set and the remainder of dishes prepared. We always ate early about 3pm. That way we could enjoy the meal, sleep of the carbs in a heavenly nap only to eat again about 7pm. Following dinner we would drive into Lewisburg watch the latest family movie and call it a night.

I love my sister in law Sherry. Her Thanksgiving day after breakfast is two slivers of pie, pumpkin and peacan respectfully, and a diet coke! To this day I can see her having a love fest! After breakfast we would pile in our cars and head to the Mennonite Bakery and the Cheese and More Store. We would select goodies to be given as gifts and for ourselves. Oh my golly I can taste the Farmer Cheese: milky, light and full of goodness!

Next it would be off to shop at the stores of Lewisburg. The town would be completely decked out to the nine with Christmas decorations. Certainly put you in the spirit if it was lacking! We would finally head back to the farm starving and cold. We were never disappointed with the amount of warmth, love, and food as we arrived back. On Sunday afternoon we would begrudgingly pack our cars and head back to reality. Our spirits renewed, our bellies on over load, and memories to last more than a life time.

I am wishing for you this holiday season the spirit of the holidays to bring you joy, the gathering of friends to bring you happiness and the love of God to surround you bringing you peace,
Love~Blair


SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

4 C sweet potatoes, cubed
1/2 C white sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 C milk, I use almond milk
1 tsp vanilla

1/2 C brown Sugar
1/3 C brown rice flour
3 Tbsp Earth Balance. softened
1 C chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat your oven to 325 degree F (165 degrees C). Place sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan with water to cover. Cook over medium high heat until tender (about 20 min); drain and mash. 

In a large bowl, mix together the sweet potatoes, white sugar, eggs, salt, butter, milk and extract. Mix until creamy.transfer to a 9X13 inch baking dish that has been greased with earth balance.

In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar and flour. Cut in Earth Balance until it becomes course. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is light brown. 

NOTE: You may add marshmallows to the top and place under the broiler for a few minutes!