My Favorite Thanksgiving Menu

I'm posting my favorite Thanksgiving Menu, along with the recipes today, in case you're looking for inspiration for the upcoming Thanksgiving. (For Canadians, Thanksgiving is on Monday, October 10th.) It's not the cheapest menu you'll find, but it's truly delicious!

Rosemary, Sage & Orange Turkey
Roasted Maple-Cranberry Sauce
Golden Mashed Potatoes
Stove-Top Stuffing (Yes, I use BOXED stuffing because it's what my family likes best! However, if you'd like a homemade version, try the one below. Last year, I found a great cornbread one at Walmart or Superstore. I'll be keeping my eyes out for that same one again. I think it had cranberries in it.)
Traditional Bread Stuffing
Better Pumpkin Pie
Colorful Tossed Salad
Amandine Green Beans (or cooked peas)

Getting 20 Meals Out of 1 Ham

Yes, I actually get 20 meals out of one ham. When ham is on sale, buy a big bone-in uncooked, but smoked, ham. (It’s possible around here to get a good size on sale for $20 or so, making this a source of protein for 20 meals at $1 per meal PER family. That’s cheap.) Bake it in your oven and use it for your first meal. Everyone gets a good slice. You might serve it with mashed potatoes and corn and applesauce for a traditional ham dinner. Use your favorite recipe and meal combination.

Let the ham cool. Then slice off the fat and discard it. Slice off all the meat. Leave a little bit on the bone. Use the ham bone to make Ham and Bean Soup. This soup is delicious! Make a big batch. This is good for about 3 hearty meals for us. Sometimes 4.

Now chop up all the rest of the ham. Cube it wherever possible. For oddly cut pieces, just chop it up into nice bite-sized chunks. Put these into ziplock freezer bags in portions of about 1-1/2 cups – 2 cups each. Use these portions for:

Quiche (one small package is enough for two regular quiche pies, making enough for two meals)

Scrambled Eggs (Use one small package and just add some ham to your scrambled eggs. You should be able to use one package for several breakfasts.)

Ham and Pineapple Pizza (One small package is enough for one hearty pizza and is enough for one supper and one lunch for my family. One large package can be stretched to cover two pizzas, making enough for two suppers and two lunches for my family, or for one meal when serving another family.)

Other soups

Macaroni and Cheese (Just add some ham for extra protein and a more gourmet flavor.)

Hash brown casserole (When you add ham, it makes a hearty main dish.)

Stuffed Corn Bread

Recipes to come….