Libby Hires

Columnist

Happy Thanksgiving! Here we are ready to celebrate another holiday with family and friends. This year we are blessed to have my mom visiting with us to share in the good food and fellowship. Of course, there will probably be some talk of politics this year, but here’s a new rule: whoever starts the first argument is the one that does the dishes. Capiche?!

When I was younger, my sister and I got drumsticks when eating chicken. I remember when I was about 6 years old, my dad presented me with the turkey drumstick at Thanksgiving. He had a great sense of humor and could play it off like a champ. His brown eyes would twinkle like the brightest of stars. Imagine my own eyes seeing that giant turkey leg on my plate. I picked it up just like a chicken leg and ate it just the same, but with a laugh of course.

Thanksgiving meals with our family means a feast because so much is prepared. Everyone is sent home with a “to go” tray with their favorites. For those of you that do not have the ability to send the leftovers away, you can be creative in reinventing them--especially if you are one of the people that despises eating the same meal the next day. Hey, I’m good with a turkey sandwich on Friday after Thanksgiving or even that good ol’ dressing, but sometimes, we must appease those finicky eaters!

Easy Tetrazzini

8 oz dried spaghetti pasta 1 small can cooked mushrooms, drained (optional) 1 10 ¾ oz. can cream of mushroom soup 1 10 ¾ oz. can cream of chicken soup 1/2 cup chicken stock or broth ½ cups whole milk or half-and-half 4 cups chopped cooked turkey or chicken (about 1 ¼ pounds) ½ cup grated Parmesan ½ cup dry breadcrumbs 2 TBSP butter or margarine Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, Combine the mushrooms, soups, broth, milk, and turkey. Add the drained pasta and stir to mix well. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Mix the breadcrumbs and parmesan together in a bowl. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the mixture in a baking dish. Cut butter into small parts and place over breadcrumbs. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbling.