You Are What You Eat

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Thanksgiving is Almost Here!

Lisa Hockenberry
Jolie – November 2008
RSVP – Thanksgiving

The sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the holidays conjure up memories of food and family. It takes a lot of hustle and bustle to create the time honored traditional Thanksgiving feast. May you find a cornucopia of hints for hosting your own Thanksgiving gathering, easy dishes to take when traveling, and suggestions for dining out on the big day.

Local chefs share their favorite Thanksgiving recipes for you to make in your home:

Cast Iron Cornbread
Congaree Grill, Kyle Taylor, chef
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 ¼ cups cornmeal
1 cup sugar
4 oz melted butter
16 ounces milk
3 eggs
1 tablespoon baking powder

Mix dry ingrediants ina bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, and eggs. Add liquid mixture to dry mixture. Pour into a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Bake 45 minutes at 375 degrees. 8 servings.

Carrot and Raisin Salad

Rosewood Market, Basil Garzia, owner
2 large organic carrots, grated
½ cup raisins (try dried cranberries for an interesting twist)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
3 tablespoons lemon juice
Pinch of salt

Mix and enjoy. Serves 2-4 people. May be doubled.

Save time and money by preparing your holiday side dishes at Dream Dinners, located inside the Piggly Wiggly at Forest Acres. Dream Dinners “ is an innovative concept in meal preparation that eliminates menu planning, shopping, prep-work and clean-up by moving the meal assembly process out of people's kitchens and into specially equipped stores.” http://www.dreamdinners.com/ During November, they are offering a Holiday Side Station session. For those short on time, another options is to order the Bacon Wrapped Maple Glazed Turkey Medallions from their preassembled “fast lane” menu. Inquire about minimum order sizes, pricing, and serving sizes.

Enjoy the flavors of slow-cooked, Southern favorites, without the hassle of cooking. S&S Cafeteria will be selling pre-cooked turkeys and holiday hams, side dishes such as homemade dressing, and a bountiful variety of desserts. S&S Cafeteria, 803-782-0575. Lizard’s Thicket will also be selling their side dishes, including their collards and mac and cheese, in half and whole pans, in addition to whole pies and cakes. Available at all locations and be sure to call orders in advance. Talk about keeping it simple! www.lizardsthicket.com

Rosewood Market Natural Foods and Deli offers foods for the health-conscious, vegetarian, and for those with specialty diets, such as low carb. According to owner, Basil Garcia, during the holidays they provide a vegetarian option, a tofu turkey. It doesn’t look like a turkey, but rather it is a savory tofu loaf. You can also find frozen organic turkeys, homemade pies, and a plethora of sides, dips, and more in their to-go case. www.rosewoodmarket.com

When traveling to family or friend’s homes over the holiday, it is best to not arrive empty handed. This pie is easy to make, pleases both the savory and sweet palate, and travels well because it can be served at room temperature. What’s more Southern than the sweet potato!

Nutty Sweet Potato Pie
Rosewood Market, Basil Garzia, owner

12 medium sweet potatoes, baked or steamed, then peeled
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Mash sweet potatoes. Add spices, nuts, and ¼ cup butter – mix well. Pour mixture into greased pie plate. Dribble the remaining butter on top of the pie. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly.

For those of you wanting to have a stress-free “harvest” for Thanksgiving, then please visit Garibaldi’s of Columbia, located at 2013 Greene Street. Garibaldi’s has a strong reputation for hosting one of the best Thanksgiving dinners in town. Gabriele Evans, with Garibaldi’s boasts, “If you have friends or family visiting from out of town, visit at your home and then come dine with us!” They will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 12pm – 8pm, and serving traditional Thanksgiving fare, with turkey, dressing, the works, as well as a handful of their signature dishes. No clean up required. Reservations are suggested. 803-771-8888.

Enjoy the autumn air with a stroll around the historic Horseshoe at the University of South Carolina and visit the McCutchen House. They are offering a variety of special Fall events, including a Pie Day, November 25th. In addition to their gourmet lunch buffet: holiday culinary classes and wine tastings are held throughout the season. www.hrsm.sc.edu/McCutchen-house/news-events.html

May you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving filled with food, football, and family! Gobble-gobble! And as always, RSVP!

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