Thanksgiving is a busy time in our family that includes lots of planning and preparation. Approximately 30 people will be descending on the Blum house on Thursday for our annual Thanksgiving dinner with my wife’s extended family. This year will be a little different, though. My mother-in-law, Jerry Reppond, known by all far and wide as Granny, passed away in October of this year, and she will be greatly missed. She was the matriarch of our family, and Thanksgiving was HER holiday. We have always had a large group with lots of family as well as many guests. The dinner rotates to different brother’s & sister’s houses each year.
Granny & family, Thanksgiving 2010
We’ll all miss Granny this year, but the tradition will continue at our house. My sister-in-law Jane Southwick has promised to make Granny’s famous cranberry salad (which is the only reason I keep going to these crazy big Thanksgivings), so here’s the recipe:
Granny’s Famous Cranberry Salad
1 Pkg. Ocean Spray Fresh Cranberries
*1 Cup Miniature Marshmellows (as desired)
*1 Cup Red seedless grapes cut in half
* 1/2 Cup Pecans – chopped
1 – 8 0z. carton Cool Whip
3 Cups Sugar
Grind cranberries and add sugar, let stand overnight in the fridge.
Add other ingredients about 1 hour or so before serving.
* Just an estimate. Add what seems good to you!
Enjoy Thanksgiving this year; the Christmas holiday is fast approaching! My wife, Cindy, has already decorated our restaurants with the festive Christmas cheer that she does every year! Although 2011 has been one of the most difficult years I’ve ever experienced, I know we can keep pushing forward and counting every blessing (even the small ones) as we finish out this year. This Thanksgiving don’t forget that our Lord Jesus Christ will continually give us strength to rebuild and move forward. Happy Thanksgiving!
Dining with Dave 