Thanksgiving is fast approaching and with that begins the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The smell of turkey and dressing permeate the house reminding us of holidays of the past. The sound of children giggling, the warmth of the fireplace and the feeling of love can be felt in every corner of the home. The chill is in the air causing the windows to frost ever so slightly. Family is snuggled on the couch watching the beautiful floats sail down the streets of New York in the Macy’s Day Parade. Hot chocolate is brewing as dad sits in his favorite chair perusing the newspaper while mom reminds him that she needs the coupons to prepare for Black Friday. The dog keeps watch of the kitchen walking back and forth. It is evident that she has begun to devise her plan to gather the holiday scraps. The clang of pots and pans begin to become louder and the smell of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry sauce begin to tickle the noses of all who are about to partake. The dog has become restless and with widened eyes takes to the living room to alert those who remain on the couch. Santa has wished all a Merry Christmas from the streets of NY, the coupons have been clipped and dad has not moved. The table is set with the finest of china. Candles dance from the center giving off a warmness that fills the room. The dog has taken to her post directly beneath the feet of the family. She knows that this position will surely yield some turkey from the fingers of the youngest member of the family. As the family sits and begin to look on this beautifully cooked meal they pause. They pause to stop and reflect on the current year. Each person shares with the others what they are thankful for and what the Lord has brought. They pra
y and ask God to continue to bless them in the coming weeks, months and years. They pray for others, for their country and for the world. In that moment they are grateful beyond words. It is Thanksgiving. Sadly not everyone has the picture perfect holiday season. For some it is a time filled with sadness and loneliness. Many people spend their holiday alone and hungry, missing a loved one. Some people think back on holidays past with regret or would give just about anything to have those days back. Let us remember others as we prepare for our Thanksgiving Day. Let us extend not only grace to others but also invitations to join us. Let us look for ways to bless others first and we too shall be blessed.
Thanksgiving Day Cauliflower Stuffing
Ingredients
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup button mushrooms, chopped
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
½ cup butter
1/8 cup fresh rosemary
1/8 cup fresh sage
½ cup fresh parsley
½ cup chicken broth
Sea salt to taste
Fresh black pepper to taste
Method
In a skillet melt the butter and add onions, carrots and celery. Cook until softened, roughly 7 minutes. On a cookie sheet roast the cauliflower for roughly 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add to skillet with mushrooms, salt and pepper. Cook for roughly 10 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Add spices then broth and continue to cook for another 10 minutes