Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Not so Frequently Asked Questions about Thanksgiving

This isn't the Jennie-O Turkey helpline. This is for all those questions they CAN'T answer.

Q: If April showers bring May flowers what do May flowers bring?
A: Pilgrims!

Q: What can be included in a relish tray?
A: Approximately anything. So far we have:

• broccoli
• green beans (shh, I thought they were sugar peas when I bought them)
• baby carrots
• cucumber slices
• radishes
• bell peppers
• olives
• onion dip
  
• bread and spinach dip
• cheese ball and crackers (4 kinds, obviously)
• apples and caramel dip (you don't think kids are going to touch dip with spinach or onions in it do you?)

Q: What is a "cheese ball"? How does one make such a festive object?
A: "Cheese ball" is the technical name for those funny lumps of Cheez whiz-looking stuff covered in nuts, seeds or what-have-you that are often served with crackers and apples at holiday get-togethers. Most people simply buy them from the deli. But not this crazy holiday momma!~

Cheese balls are surprisingly easy to make. Ok, maybe not so surprising. But they are, and fun if you like getting messy in the kitchen. Here are two recipes from our friend Martha:
Chutney Cheese Ball
Cheddar Cheese Ball

Basically, you take some soft cheese, like cream cheese, and mix it with shredded other cheese (feta, cheddar, jack, etc.) and other savory things (mango chutney, onions, etc.) and make it all into a mushy ball. Then you roll it in something interesting--nuts are popular, but seeds, more cheese--you can go crazy with it. Then you refrigerate it and eat it on crackers. It's lots of fun.

Q: How long does mango chutney take to go south in the fridge?
A: Less than one year, apparently. Maybe I should find another use for chutney besides holiday cheese balls.

Q: Spinach Dip? What's that?
A: Spinach Dip Recipe

Q: Can you use another kind of bread besides pumpernickel?
A: Ya, use whatever you want--just as long as you can hollow it out and fill it with dip.

Q: How do goldfish celebrate Thanksgiving?
A: Their owners get to search through the can of goldfish flakes looking for one that is appropriately feast-sized and shaped like a turkey.

Q: What is a jello dream?
A: A fruity, multi-layered dessert. Surprisingly, it is the most difficult item I'm making this year, mostly because of the jello layering. Weep for me.

Q: Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?
A: The outside

Posted by Sarah Jean :: 2:07 PM :: 0 Comments:

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