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Post by *Shannon on Nov 20, 2018 4:24:19 GMT
The only family we have in the area are my parents, so it's our family of four plus the two of them, six people. We've had family from out of town (Kansas) join us in the past at my parent's home. Their house is literally out the cul-de-sac and down about five houses. We've had just the six of us at our home a couple of times. We've done Cracker Barrel before my parents moved out here.
My mom is in a memory care facility now (she'll be joining us for lunch/dinner), my dad is 80 and, though still very active, is 80 - he gets tired easily. Three fourths of my family has been sick for the past two weeks. First a stomach bug, then a cold. None of us are up to a big day of cooking and cleaning. So, it's been declared a Cracker Barrel year and I'm so looking forward to it.
Homestyle Turkey n' Dressing Meal ($12.99) - Served Thanksgiving Day, Starting at 11 AM
Our classic Turkey n’ Dressing meal comes with Turkey, Gravy, a sampling of Sugar Cured Ham, Sweet Potato Casserole with pecans, Cranberry Relish, choice of country side, Buttermilk Biscuits or Corn Muffins, your choice of refillable beverage* and a tasty slice of Pumpkin Pie.
The food is really good and plentiful. There is a wait, but I don't mind hanging out there as long as the store's not packed beyond measure and it's not butt cold outside.
Anyone else doing Thanksgiving at CB, or another restaurant?
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Post by mom on Nov 20, 2018 4:27:51 GMT
We decided today to forgo our usual cooking at home and are going to Saltgrass. My dad was just diagnosed with cancer so we are all stressed and just worn out emotionally.
Normally we cook and host everyone here, but because of schedules, etc there will only be 6 of us (and 2 are little kids). It'll just be easier this way.
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Post by *Shannon on Nov 20, 2018 4:41:23 GMT
mom, I'm sorry about the circumstances surrounding Thanksgiving for your family this year. I think your situation is perfect for going to a restaurant. I hope y'all are able to relax and just enjoy being with each other.
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Post by 950nancy on Nov 20, 2018 4:43:11 GMT
I wish! There are four of us and I generally spend 2 days of cooking for a 15 minute meal. I get that everyone likes leftovers, but I don't think it is worth it. And of course, I am the only one who cooks. Everyone else watches football downstairs.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Nov 20, 2018 5:29:13 GMT
There are just 3 of us and we seriously considered getting reservations for lunch, but in the ended decided to do an easy dinner at home. DD always wants my cornbread dressing, so I will make that. Tomorrow I will pick up the Honeybaked ham and 2 sides. DH will fix the green beans (quick recipe). There is a can of Crescent rolls to bake if anyone is interested. A request has been made for my pound cake "because the frozen slices are so good at 2 am", so I will bake that on Wed.  (I slice/freeze what we don't have at lunch). It's actually nice to not be planning a huge to-do. Next year - reservations for sure though! |
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Post by breakfastattiffanys on Nov 20, 2018 5:36:37 GMT
I’m driving 2 hours Wednesday evening to my fiancé’s, to host our families at his house on Thursday. I was going to boycott the holiday this year because it was overwhelming to think of all the cooking ahead of me. Luckily, I have the most wonderful man who convinced me that pulled pork and assorted sides (mostly from Sams) is perfectly acceptable.
Guess what? I have warned everyone not to expect traditional and they all seem excited to just be together.
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Deleted
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May 15, 2024 16:07:03 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2018 5:54:43 GMT
Just three of us. I would go for Cracker Barrel!
One year we were sick so we had soup and dessert.
I try to keep tradition.
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Post by mom26 on Nov 20, 2018 7:08:06 GMT
I wish! There are four of us and I generally spend 2 days of cooking for a 15 minute meal. I get that everyone likes leftovers, but I don't think it is worth it. And of course, I am the only one who cooks. Everyone else watches football downstairs. Is that not the truth?! I will spend 2 days shopping, 2 days cooking and several hours cleaning up for a whopping huge dinner that is over in 30 minutes. Let's not even mention ironing the tablecloth, putting out the T-day decs and all that other stuff. Every year, I ask myself "WHY?!?!" This year, we will basically be doing 3 Thanksgiving dinners. Since we're having the 'official' one with most of the family on Saturday, it's been requested that I make Chicken Parmigiana on the actual day. Then turkey and all the fixings on Saturday. My one DS has to work that day, so he will be coming on Sunday, with my granddaughter, for a dinner of T-day leftovers. Not so much cooking, but all the same kitchen cleanup, pretty much. I am going to need ALL of next week to recover, lol. So, I say 'Do it, girl!' if everyone is on board with Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving. (I love me some Cracker Barrel, so I'm feeling a little jealous right now, I must admit.) |
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Post by marmargirl on Nov 20, 2018 7:26:21 GMT
My husband and I have lived here for 13 years. No family here, but have friends who are also transplants and we are all vegetarian or vegan so we go out for pizza and beer. It’s been our tradition for many years now and we love it!
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Post by cannmom on Nov 20, 2018 11:01:14 GMT
It's just three of us and we are going out this year. We are going to a local restaurant that has a huge delicious buffet. Prime rib, ham, turkey, crab stuffed salmon, shrimp, and tons of sides and desserts. Ds was against it until he heard prime rib. That got him on-board with the idea. I usually don't mind cooking even for just the 3 of us, but it's been a stressful time lately and I'm glad not to have to fool with it this year. It was DH's idea and I'm grateful he thought of it.
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casii
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,464 
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Post by casii on Nov 20, 2018 12:32:50 GMT
My favorite thing to make for Thanksgiving is reservations!
Very pregnant DD has asked if we can have BBQ so I'll be picking some up from our local spot. Braved Costco yesterday for pumpkin pie. They still want all the carby sides so I will be doing some cooking but I'm so glad it won't be the massive slog it usually is.
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dald222
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,602
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Post by dald222 on Nov 20, 2018 12:46:52 GMT
we have in the past. we loved it. we love Cracker Barrel too
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QueenoftheSloths
Drama Llama
Member Since January 2004, 2,698 forum posts PeaNut Number: 122614 PeaBoard Title: StuckOnPeas
Posts: 5,955
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Nov 20, 2018 13:12:47 GMT
DH and I are going out for a buffet, as we usually do. We are trying a new one this year, and I hope it's good!
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Post by pattyraindrops on Nov 20, 2018 13:19:53 GMT
Just 4 of us this year. My son and DIL work at Walmart and Thanksgiving will be nuts for them and it doesn't get better till after Christmas.
When I found out they were working, that extended local family were going with in laws or traveling and then to top it off our stove stopped working a couple of days ago I gathered DH and the younger 2 kids and asked what they would like to do.
So we are watching movies at home and eating Totinos pizza lol
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hippypea
Full Member
Just here for the FLUFF!!
Posts: 153
Jun 25, 2014 23:12:52 GMT
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Post by hippypea on Nov 20, 2018 13:29:13 GMT
We're doing the Cracker Barrel carry out, heat and eat, at my mom's house. We've done it for the past 4 or 5 years or more! It takes some math skills to figure out how to time everything right but they give you all the directions and it's pretty easy and tasty. We usually supplement it with an extra turkey breast - fried! YUM! Plenty of food.
I tried to get DH to grill out steaks as an alternative Thanksgiving because we've had to alter plans for my family's side, my brother is out of town and won't be back at a decent time to eat on Thursday. So we're doing the full dinner on Friday, but DH and FIL work on Friday, so we decided to do something small at our home on Thursday, which is where the steaks come in, but DH is stubborn sometimes and wants to do turkey. Nevermind that we will have plenty leftover on Friday.
I am all about making things as easy as possible, and I am not the best cook so this is a great compromise. I would rather not stress over cooking (or my inability to do so) and enjoy the time with my family.
Hope everyone is able to enjoy a nice, peaceful holiday.
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Post by stampinfraulein on Nov 20, 2018 13:54:09 GMT
We thought about going out, but it will cost just as much to do that as it would to buy premade food and then you don't get any leftovers! I was going to buy a premade meal but I waited too long and missed the deadline at the places I wanted to order. So yesterday at Costco I bought a huge tray of mashed potatoes and a pie and croissant rolls. I'll make a turkey breast today and maybe some sweet potatoes and stuffing (DH and I are the only ones who will eat them). When I was at Costco yesterday I was surprised--you could do the whole meal premade from there! They sell premade Appetizers, turkey, turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, precooked veggies, rolls, pies and other desserts, sparkling cider, heck you can even buy a floral centerpiece for your table! They have it all!
I am a good cook and I like to cook, but it is just DH and me and 3 young (PICKY) kids. I've done the thing where I cooked for hours by myself for us to eat a 15 minute meal, and then had to clean up, All while everyone else got to lay around and do whatever they wanted while I worked. Two years ago I decided I was done with that and we ordered a premade meal from Mimi's cafe. I did whatever I wanted all day until it was time to heat up the food and then I didn't have a million dishes to wash after. It was the BEST Thanksgiving ever! It was revolutionary.
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Post by stampinfraulein on Nov 20, 2018 13:58:45 GMT
I wish! There are four of us and I generally spend 2 days of cooking for a 15 minute meal. I get that everyone likes leftovers, but I don't think it is worth it. And of course, I am the only one who cooks. Everyone else watches football downstairs. Buy it all premade from Costco or a restaurant or King Soopers! Seriously. Sooooo worth it. |
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Post by dockmaster on Nov 20, 2018 15:14:10 GMT
The Mister retired from the Navy last November and started a traveling job. Since June he has been working 3.5 hours south in Florida. He and a roommate are renting a condo on the beach.
The roommate is going home to AL for the holiday. My girls and I are driving down to spend Thanksgiving on the beach with DH.
DH has made reservation at a restaurant we like that is literally steps from the ocean. I don't know what's on the menu, they advertised Thanksgiving dinner, works for us.
Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!
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Post by mikklynn on Nov 20, 2018 15:16:41 GMT
I started buying a pre-made meal years ago, when DH was diagnosed with cancer.
I'd be totally up for Cracker Barrel, too.
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,619
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Post by basketdiva on Nov 20, 2018 15:22:18 GMT
For several years a good and I have taken turns hosting holiday dinners. We divide up the meal and have everyone's favorites. But in both our homes if you want that special stuffing, then you can get into the kitchen and help prepare it or it won't get down. Both husbands are fantastic at clean up.
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scorpeao
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Posts: 4,521
Location: NorCal USA
Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
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Post by scorpeao on Nov 20, 2018 15:44:12 GMT
My partner and I are going to Seasons 52. My daughter is in the Navy, so she won't be home, and his kids will be with their mom.
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Nov 20, 2018 15:45:54 GMT
Cracker Barrel sure sounds good, but none nearby.
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Post by mustlovecats on Nov 20, 2018 15:53:57 GMT
We thought about going out, but it will cost just as much to do that as it would to buy premade food and then you don't get any leftovers! I was going to buy a premade meal but I waited too long and missed the deadline at the places I wanted to order. So yesterday at Costco I bought a huge tray of mashed potatoes and a pie and croissant rolls. I'll make a turkey breast today and maybe some sweet potatoes and stuffing (DH and I are the only ones who will eat them). When I was at Costco yesterday I was surprised--you could do the whole meal premade from there! They sell premade Appetizers, turkey, turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, precooked veggies, rolls, pies and other desserts, sparkling cider, heck you can even buy a floral centerpiece for your table! They have it all!
I am a good cook and I like to cook, but it is just DH and me and 3 young (PICKY) kids. I've done the thing where I cooked for hours by myself for us to eat a 15 minute meal, and then had to clean up, All while everyone else got to lay around and do whatever they wanted while I worked. Two years ago I decided I was done with that and we ordered a premade meal from Mimi's cafe. I did whatever I wanted all day until it was time to heat up the food and then I didn't have a million dishes to wash after. It was the BEST Thanksgiving ever! It was revolutionary.
This is exactly why we order a premade meal... it’s a lot of work for one meal and getting a bunch of food already cooked and ready to heat up was just revolutionary for us too. |
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Post by 950nancy on Nov 20, 2018 17:25:20 GMT
I wish! There are four of us and I generally spend 2 days of cooking for a 15 minute meal. I get that everyone likes leftovers, but I don't think it is worth it. And of course, I am the only one who cooks. Everyone else watches football downstairs. Is that not the truth?! I will spend 2 days shopping, 2 days cooking and several hours cleaning up for a whopping huge dinner that is over in 30 minutes. Let's not even mention ironing the tablecloth, putting out the T-day decs and all that other stuff. Every year, I ask myself "WHY?!?!" This year, we will basically be doing 3 Thanksgiving dinners. Since we're having the 'official' one with most of the family on Saturday, it's been requested that I make Chicken Parmigiana on the actual day. Then turkey and all the fixings on Saturday. My one DS has to work that day, so he will be coming on Sunday, with my granddaughter, for a dinner of T-day leftovers. Not so much cooking, but all the same kitchen cleanup, pretty much. I am going to need ALL of next week to recover, lol. So, I say 'Do it, girl!' if everyone is on board with Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving. (I love me some Cracker Barrel, so I'm feeling a little jealous right now, I must admit.) No one is on board but me! Why would they be? They get to come upstairs 5 minutes before we eat, walk around and try to look like they did something and then eat. Now as a family of four, we can rock getting the dishes done and everything cleaned up including the tablecloth being replaced and decorations put back on in less than 15 minutes. It also helps that I do a majority of the actual food prep on Tuesday and Wednesday so there aren't nearly the dishes others might have. |
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Post by 950nancy on Nov 20, 2018 17:29:59 GMT
I wish! There are four of us and I generally spend 2 days of cooking for a 15 minute meal. I get that everyone likes leftovers, but I don't think it is worth it. And of course, I am the only one who cooks. Everyone else watches football downstairs. Buy it all premade from Costco or a restaurant or King Soopers! Seriously. Sooooo worth it. One year we tried ordering from our local grocery store and it was just okay. Something about family recipes I suppose. But I would love to go to a buffet. I have gone before with friends when my husband and sons went to a football game. I loved it. |
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Post by PenandInk on Nov 20, 2018 17:46:08 GMT
When I was a child, we had no family nearby, so our family of 6 always went camping, either to the beach or the desert. I never had a “real” thanksgiving until I went to college and lived near my grandmother. I was quite surprised at the hours of work before and after the meal for the 15 minute eatfest. It was just so much work!! I have fond memories of sitting in front of our little travel trailer looking at the beach and eating hot dogs cooked over the fire. How can you not be thankful there??
Then I married a man whose family always did the big holiday dinner thing. Over the years I’ve gone along with the flow, but in 2010 we moved far from family and lived in a very walkable town. We started doing thanksgiving at a little French restaurant about 4 blocks from our home. We could walk there, have a couple of glasses of wine with dinner, and not worry about driving home. We always bought one extra turkey diner to take home, so we would have “leftovers.”
We are back living near family again and I’ve tried every year to get them to try a restaurant, but it’s a no-go. I’ll keep trying. Sometimes breaking a tradition can make a lovely new one!
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hippypea
Full Member
Just here for the FLUFF!!
Posts: 153
Jun 25, 2014 23:12:52 GMT
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Post by hippypea on Nov 20, 2018 18:06:34 GMT
I was honestly starting to feel bad lately about how undomesticated I am, how I have managed to find so many shortcuts to get food on the table (instant mashed potatoes!) and now after reading all these responses, I do feel a little better.
I just remember the days of seeing my grandmothers and my mom and my aunts all sweating away in the kitchen, while the men folk watched sports ball in the other room with their feet up. Now I am actually looking forward to getting our meal done AND putting MY feet up to watch the game ... GEAUX SAINTS!
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Post by angie3dpea on Nov 20, 2018 18:16:41 GMT
My SO and I don’t have any of our kids this year, so it’s just the 2 of us. I’m pretty sure I’m going to make reservations at the local Brazilian Steakhouse. They’re doing traditional thanksgiving food + all of their normal meats. Sounds like a winner!
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hippypea
Full Member
Just here for the FLUFF!!
Posts: 153
Jun 25, 2014 23:12:52 GMT
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Post by hippypea on Nov 20, 2018 18:52:04 GMT
The Brazilian Steakhouse would be an AWESOME Thanksgiving tradition, I bet DH would agree to that 1000%! Maybe next year! lol
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LeaP
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Posts: 3,939
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
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Post by LeaP on Nov 20, 2018 21:56:22 GMT
Yes. We are going to Koreatown (Los Angeles) and having Korean BBQ. My eldest isn't eating dairy so that pretty much excludes all the side dishes I make at Thanksgiving. I'm making a ham for dinner tonight...with dairy free sides  |
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