To all who Celebrate Thanksgiving, may your day be filled with good food, great friends, dear family, wonderful children and sweet pets! May you enjoy all the joys that come with Thanksgiving.....Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Creamed Spinach, Corn Bread Rolls, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Stuffing, Stuffing, and More Stuffing, and Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Chocolate Pie, and Cheesecake......And, in the spirit of the day, may you have lots and lots of Chocolate....! And if you are really lucky, A Delicious, Delightful Chocolate Turkey!
When I was growing up, this was a special treat that one found sitting in front of your 'place' at the table when you came into the dining room having been called in from wherever you were playing to partake of this special dinner. As the years went on, I became the person responsible for making sure we all had those chocolate Turkeys. Back in the day, they came from Schrafft's, a favorite restaurant of our family that was in Manhattan that also just happened to make and sell very very special chocolates of all kinds.....This was a tradition that was kept up over the years, every Thanksgiving.
Later...after moving to Los Angeles, I had to find a place that had Chocolate Turkeys for Thanksgiving....And that turned out to be See's Candy....The first picture above are the chocolate turkeys that come from See's Candy.....I'm so grateful that they feel this tradition is as important as I do. And though I can no longer go where I used to go for Thanksgiving for the past ten years or so---too many children with the possibility of colds, flu, etc.----I continue the tradition, 'in absentia'....In fact, I just got an email today from the hostess that 'the turkeys arrived safely and are all ready on the table for the children'.....This warms my heart more than you will ever know. So, this 'tradition' which has been going on for the 76 years of my life....continues here in 2007. These are the things that are very comforting to me about The Thanksgiving Holiday.
So have the loveliest of Holidays on Thursday, for all who celebrate this very American tradition, and tell me what traditions are comforting to you about Turkey Day? More To Come.....
- had this to say:
Happy Thanksgiving to you Aunty Em. We don't celebrate it here obviously so no chocolate turkeys for us :)
- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 1:33:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Now you know we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Australia...but after seeing that turkey (and you know I'm talking about the BIG CHOCOLATE ONE!!!)...I'm sure wishing we DID celebrate it here!
Happy Thanksgiving anyways!!- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 3:22:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Happy Thanksgiving to you! have a wonderful day. We don't celebrate it either, like Miss Wings. Those chocolate turkeys look wonderful and I am sure they are absolutely delicious!!
- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 3:40:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I as introduced to See's candy by my daughter, who learned of it during a trip to CA years ago. It is great - although I haven't had the turkey....LOL
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Naomi!- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 5:17:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Naomi, Hope you have a very nice ThanksGiving with all of the trimmings anyway.I think every family has their own traditions. The best part of this day for me is to spend it with family. It has proberly been over thirty years since have spent it with my own siblings, and am the oldest of seven. But they are all with me and memories. One of my siblings, has always felt like my child, and always missing her:( But she is with me in heart. My husbands family is large, and special and how very lucky we all are to have them. Now I read your list of food, and it seems that there are several things missing. More stuffing and Gravy and mashed pototes. fruit salad made with coolwip and walnuts, scalloped corn, and apple pie. And more stuffing.:) have a great day. pat:)
- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 5:43:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I forgot about chocolate turkeys!!! Loved those!!
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving. We're sticking close to home because of Kelso, but that's fine with us. Lucas and I are going to cook a nice meal for ourselves. It will be fun.- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 5:56:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
This will be my first Thanksgiving without a group. The BF and I are spending the long weekend in Asheville, NC and having dinner at the Biltmore House...home to the Vanderbilts...that can't be bad, right?
- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 6:25:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi! I didn't comment on your spoon river post, since things have been hectic here, but I loved it!!! Getting to see you sing was such a delight!!! I'm so glad you shared those!! I enjoyed all of it and wish I could have seen it all. No wonder it was a hit!!
We don't really have any traditions other than stuffing ourselves!! That food all sounds wonderful and the chocolate turkeys is such a great idea!! I'll have to look and see if we have any here. I don't recall seeing them, but I'll check it out!!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and dear Sweetie too!!! :)- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 6:45:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Beautiful pictures and what a wonderful tradition. I love how families make their own traditions that is unique only to them.
Happy Thanksgiving to you:)- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 7:05:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Boy that all looks good! I can't wait to get to grandma's house and eat. I'm glad I don't cook for this holiday.
You have a very nice Thanksgiving too! And I answered your questions on why Hannah Montana was so popular today on my blog. I had interviewed the kids to find out!- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 7:05:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Did you and I post the same picture or are they just similar? I'll have to go back and look at mine (which came from google image).
I'd forgotten about the chocolate turkeys too.
This year we're invited out. First time in at least 20 years I haven't cooked for a crowd.
Have a wonderful Thanskgiving. It's my favorite holiday.- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 8:46:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
First and foremost, I need to let you know that Rev. JD says that gluttony is not a sin on Thanksgiving.
Seeing that chocolate turkey made me start to gobble. YUM-Yum for my tum-tum!!
I plan to eat a boatload of good food.
Although life is not perfect and often is very difficult, there are always many things for which we can be thankful. You are one of my unexpected blessings in life, along with a few other special blog buddies that I have had the pleasure of finding. What a joy it is to blog!!
Happy Thanksgiving, Naomi.- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 11:13:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Have a great thanksgiving, naomi!
- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 12:14:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Happy Thanksgiving Naomi - you have enriched my life and I am thankful for you and your wonderful blog - have a terrific day tomorrow. Love, Suzann
- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 12:38:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
I saw the chocolate Turkeys when I was in New York this time last year! It's hard to think a whole year has gone by since then!
I also saw a picture of George Bush pardoning a turkey in line with tradition. I had a hard time telling which was the turkey though! LOL!
I hope you have a great day :)- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 1:49:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
well darn! The mailman skipped my house with my chocolate turkey! hahaha... what a great tradition Naomi!! Have a wonderful Bird-day!
- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 2:29:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 2:39:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I have never, ever seen, or even heard of a chocolate turkey. Only bunnies. Now......I HAVE TO HAVE ONE!!!!!Happy Thanksgiving to you Naomi. May you day be magical. xoxoxo
- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 3:02:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Happy TG Naomi. You know as a Norwegian and married to an American wife, I've learned to appreciate this tradition a lot. I think to be reminded of what you are greatful to is the best of it.
Btw: sorry I haven't been around lately as life is very hectic right now with family matters and a lot of traveling. I'll go to Brussels for the rest of the week, but try to catch up next week.- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 3:24:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Well, I suppose you don't want to hear about the year my father stuffed the turkey with black beans and rice, now do you?
I think the chocolate turkey looks fantastic. I've never such a thing, but I believe chocolate should be a part of every major holiday! Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day, Naomi!- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 3:27:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Naomi,
wish I was there. Have a great T G
Thank you for the url you sent me. I read with great interest. Funny how late the Turkey's come in as THE main ting to eat. But Pumkins are still around.
btw. I search the net to find something in English about the old, similar celebrations here in the high North. But in vain. Iæll try a better search later.
it's very late for me: nearly 2 am- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 4:58:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Naomi, that table of food looks so inviting. I love your tradition of the chocolate turkeys. A new tradition of ours is to have the kids and grandkids sit on the love seat, in front of the stairs, and take a picture. Jocelyne and I were looking at the picture from 2005 yesterday and she pointed at the baby on Justin's lap and said, "The Baby" in an excited voice. I tried to tell her that the baby was her two years ago when she was only four months old....I can't wait to take this years picture....After all the guests leave we take the picture and then the kids all go to a movie. Grandma gets to clean up the dishes and watch the grandkids....I'm not sure how I like that tradition...Ha ha.
Hope you have a great day and a wonderful meal....Happy Thanksgiving.- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 5:54:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
How nice that even from afar you continue the chocolate turkey tradition!
I hope you and Sweetie have a nice Thanksgiving!- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 7:19:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I am hoping for a new tradition as this is the first time I am hosting Thanksgiving. my parents are in from Va this week. :)
Naomi, I hope you have a lovely holiday!- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 8:44:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Creamed spinach? Eeew, take that back! Lol. I hope you have a great day!
- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 11:27:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
A Very Happy Thanksgiving Day to you, my dear Naomi!
What a lovely tradition with the chocolate Turkeys. They look delicious!
Many hugs!- Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 2:01:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Happy Thanksgiving, Naomi!
Mike- Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 8:24:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Happy Thanksgiving Naomi! As you know we don't have it here. Chocolate turkeys are not good news here on the day I have decided I must stop my evening four squares of chocolate - for obvious reasons - especially as we have a wedding anniversary tomorrow. Oi vay!
- Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 8:43:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Happy Thanksgiving, Naomi. Michele sent me to say that I love your tradition of the Chocolate turkeys!
BTW, I discover See's candy recently - and their Peanut Brittle is to die for!!!- Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 11:41:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Huggles and Love,
Raggedy- Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 12:51:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi, I am glad you like the link on my blog! Very funny what you said about your view to LA. Lol! Many hugs!
- Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 3:41:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Hi - I've popped over from Raggedy's blog. I've been here once before, and was glad to find you again. Just in time for Thanksgiving wishes - have a wonderful day.
- Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 7:22:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Sweetie!
My husband and I loved to entertain, and no one in our circle was without a home away from home on Thanksgiving.
Usually, there was a squabble over the drumsticks. I solved the problem by serving a 4-legged turkey! It took a little surgery, a little stitching, and two extra drumsticks. It actually looked quite natural (lol) For several years it was a tradition, until I revived an Edwardian recipe for boning the body, leaving wings and legs on. Imagine the surprise when I "chainsawed" right thru the bird directly under the wings to reveal a spiral stuffing extravaganza.
But our best tradition was the Friday after--when "Patti & Earl's Formica Inn grill" (we even had a neon sign!) materialized for the one day a year when it turned our kitchen bar into a re-creation of a dime-store soda fountain, just like in Kress or Woolworth's.
We had it all--Hamilton Beach malt maker, Richardson hot fudge (mmm!) warmer, soda pumps for syrup, tulip glassware, a pedestal cake plate, even the heavenly blue- glass and chrome bromo-seltzer dispenser-- and of course the graceful seltzer spigots attached to the soda fountain.
Our black velvet menu board listed
turkey soup
turkey pie
turkey hash
turkey croquettes
hot turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy
cold turkey club on toast
turkey salad
That kept me pretty busy. Everyone was welcome. We had tons of people drop by. To this day, someone will say "you remember me! I was at your turkey party!"-- but all I remember is juggling the croquettes in the fryer, while pouring out the thick choclate shakes!- Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 8:19:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
we are doubly blessed in Canada ... we celebrate our thanksgiving in October ... then in November, there is still so much to be thankful for - we celebrate alongside you guys ... :o) ...
- Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 8:43:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
No chocolate turkeys on our table today but for sure my family would have loved it if there had been. I think the tradidition says primal things about a table to be sweetened with the thankful blessings of family and good friends sharing togetherness. Traditionally, each person around our table tells what they are most thankful for and when it's my turn, my heart is so full it's hard to speak without a few tears of gratitude falling on my cheeks. It is indeed a time to harvest warm memories.
- Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 9:19:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Oh my. All those piccies of food have made me so very, very HUNGRY!!!! *gobble gobble*
Not being an Aussie tradition but I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Naomi. I think it is a truly fab idea, Thanksgiving. Too many people take things for granted.- Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 11:16:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
What a wonderful and fun tradition!
We had no real traditions, other than types of foods. If I had a family, I'd borrow this one.
~S :)- Friday, November 23, 2007 at 3:10:00 PM PST
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