Thanksgiving History and Your Festivity Preparations

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn't until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

I don't know what your food traditions include, but my day would not be complete without deviled eggs, cranberry sauce, and a cheeseball!  What is it for you that makes Thanksgiving the ideal meal of the year?  Well, here are a couple of great recipe ideas for my favorites.  Please share yours! 

Deviled Eggs are always a perfect dish for the holidays. We have these every year.

Ingredients

• 12 hard boiled eggs
• ½  cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup dill pickle relish (mmm, my secret ingredient!)
• 1 tbsp mustard
• salt & pepper
• dash of cayenne
• paparika

Method

Start out with 12 hard-boiled eggs.  Once they are cooled, peel then slice in half scooping out yolks.  Mix all ingredients (except paprika) in a bowl & with a fork & then spoon into whites.  Sprinkle top with paprika refrigerate & serve.

Now, on to the cranberry sauce...No matter what anyone says, the gooey perfection straight of the can is the BEST!  Mmmm.

My grandpa makes the best cheeseball ever!  I have no idea what the secret ingredient is that makes it so great, be here is a great recipe for shrimp cheeseball, a perfect addition to any Lowcountry Thanksgiving!

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages fat-free cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 (4 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
• 1 (4.25 ounce) can tiny shrimp, drained and chopped
• 2 tablespoons wasabi paste, or to taste
• 1 cup toasted sesame seeds, divided

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, soy sauce, water chestnuts, shrimp, and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. Gradually stir in wasabi paste until you reach the desired amount of spice. Cover and refrigerate for one hour.
2. Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator, and shape into a ball. Roll in the remaining sesame seeds to cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve.



 Happy Cooking and Happy Holidays!