Foodies

There's no doubt about it.  This family loves to eat. I don't think we can plan an event that doesn't involve food ... either the selection of it, the preparation of it, the location from which we're going to obtain it, who's going to bring it, who's dietary requirements prohibit it .... oh my gosh, it ongoing. 

So, when our Diva Master challenged us to scrap a page involving food and our family ... well, I knew I had that subject covered. 

Thanksgiving was a perfect example of the obsession we have with food ... and games.  Evidently a few of us just couldn't bear to face another meal of the traditional dishes that get served during holiday get-togethers.  This would include my mother-in-law's secret family recipe for Shrimp Salad .... a delicious mixture of

salad roni, celery, onion, canned shrimp, mayonnaise and whipped cream!  Honestly.  That's all that's in it.  Well, that and lots of salt and pepper.   There's not a Bate in our family who is worth their 'salt' who doesn't LOVE Helen's Shrimp Salad.  I mean, come on!  She served it to her Bridge Ladies!  

I digress.  Some members of our family announced that one more bowl full of Shrimp Salad was just more than they could bear.  So, it was decided that we would mix things up a bit ... and each person contributing to our Thanksgiving meal would be required to bring something that had never been served to the family before. That way we wouldn't have any of the boring and expected fare that makes Thanksgiving ....well, Thanksgiving. 

Okay.  Fine.  BUT ... some of us LOVE the traditional food!  So, we agreed to each bring one of the assigned ... and easy to prepare ... traditional dishes.  AND, we would bring a 'surprise' dish, too!  That way the people who loved the old stand-by's could have them (Tori, hehehe) ... and those who just couldn't face another spoonful of Shrimp Salad would have the option to have something else.  AND ... in our true family tradition .. we'd make a game out of it.  After tasting all the new menu items we would VOTE for our favorite and it would be added to next year's menu. 

Well, even if all you took was just a spoonful of each it was hard to get everything on your plate!  YUM!  So, we had brined turkey, smashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and shrimp salad.  (All of it was delicious, btw.)

But, it was so fun to see what everyone brought for their 'contest' dish! 

Creative minds located the actual Gumbo recipe served in New Orlean's Square in Disneyland ... a true family favorite ...and served it up in a crusty, bread boule!  

These cheesy covered squares are actually spicy green tamales!  Served up with a kick-ass pork green chili!  mmmmmm, good. 

These little ramekins were filled with a delicious Pumpkin farfalle pasta with crumbled italian sausage.

Gourmet Mac n' Cheese is all the rage these days.  And this one was a huge hit!  Especially with the little girls! (Purists please note the bowl of Shrimp Salad in the background. :D)

It was refreshing to have something that WASN'T covered with melted cheese!!  bbwwahahaha Chrissy brought along HER family's traditonal Waldorf Salad!  Crisp, sweet and delicious! 

And, just when you thought you couldn't eat another bite ... there was an amazing broccoli casserole ... creamy and spicy, and a cheesy meatloaf bursting with flavor and simply superb! 

It was time to vote.  We voted for our top 3 favorites ... but, to be honest it's much like last year's Super Bowl.  I don't recall who took second and third.  bbwwwahahaha   But .... I CAN tell you that .... the Carnivore's WON!!!  Duana's Meatloaf took Top Honors! Her spectacular meatloaf won Hand's Down!  And, RaKell proudly presented her with our golden spoon award ... lovingly referred to as "Oh No! Not Shrimp Salad Award'. 

Omgsh, it was so much fun!  We had some fabulous food, full tummies and who knows?  Maybe we've started a NEW tradition. But, either way, I just HAD to scrap the memories ... 

Afterall ... isn't that what scrapping is about?  Preserving those memories ... to help me remember years from now when I'm in 'the home'?  bbwwahahaha

I'll share a few other family photos from the day .... 

We gathered around the kitchen table to put together a quick jig saw puzzle. 

And, watching the football games was made more interesting by the addition of Thanksgiving Eye Spy! 

And, of course, it just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a blow-up turkey for the table!  bbwwwahahaha

 

 

Comments

[Aubree]

I am so coming to your house next thanksgiving!! Now do share the recipes...we love meatloaf and gumbo and mac n cheese! Yum

[Jing-Jing Nickel]

Note to self: no matter how much you want to read colette's post, when she specifically titles her post with "food", do not read!!! This isn't good for my diet or my keyboard as I have to wipe off my drool. Off to eat some chips, i'm hungry!!!