Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We missed those of you far from us; you were in our thoughts! We had around 40 people at our house (it helps to not have furniture, you can fill it with people!!) I can't believe how much food we had. Everyone brought delicious dishes. I made 17 pies. I know, I'm crazy. I tried that pumpkin eggnog pie; pretty good. The chocolate pie was really rich. Chocolate lovers seemed to really like it. I think I'd make it again, but use Mexican chocolate with the bittersweet chocolate. I'd get more of the taste I was looking for. The best new recipe I used was the mashed potatoes. HUGE hit! My family is begging for me to make it again.

Mashed Potatoes with Prosciutto and Parmesan Cheese
Bon Appétit November 1998
Yield: Serves 8
3 1/4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 large garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
3 1/2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
3/4 cup (or more) whole milk
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)
Additional fresh rosemary

Cook potatoes and garlic in large pot of boiling salted water until potatoes are very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain; return potatoes and garlic to same pot.

Meanwhile, melt 1/2 cup butter in heavy small saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped prosciutto and 3/4 teaspoon minced rosemary and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Add prosciutto mixture and 3/4 cup milk to potatoes and garlic. Mash well, adding more milk by tablespoonfuls if potatoes are dry. Mix in 3/4 cup cheese. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 6 hours ahead. Cover and chill. Stir over low heat to rewarm, adding more milk by tablespoonfuls, if desired.) Transfer potatoes to bowl. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese; garnish with fresh rosemary and serve.

* I added more garlic, used cream and whole milk together, didn't use the Parmesan cheese (it didn't need it). I don't measure when I cook like this, I just wing it, but if you follow this you won't be disappointed!! Soooo good!!

I also used Aunt Renae's stuffing recipe. The only stuffing I have ever eaten. I could eat it for days!!

For my berry pie (I always make this just for me!) I added lemon zest to the crust, and orange zest to the berries. Really good.

Anyway, it was a wonderful day, filled with wonderful people, and mountains of food. Glad everyone was able to take home lots of leftovers.

I have been kind of an introvert lately, trying to figure out some stuff for myself. I really feel grateful for having living apostles who listen to the whisperings of the Spirit and teach us so many needful things. I am grateful for the scriptures. I was really struggling with some gospel principles and prayed that as I opened the scriptures I'd receive an answer. A big breathe and then there it was. Mormon 9:19-33. I'll be pondering this section of scripture for a while, so I can really understand it and embrace it into my heart. But I know this, I know that God is a God of miracles. I know He hasn't changed, ever. I know He loves me because I am His daughter, not because of what I do. I am loved just because I am me. That is profound to me. I don't have to earn His love. I know that faith is a choice, not a feeling. I choose faith. I know we need hope in our lives so we can see all the tender mercies, small and large miracles and the joy of being alive, no matter the circumstances. I know I will be a different person coming through this experience. I know I choose the Lord. I'm so glad I know that. I am so glad despair hasn't won. It sure likes to sneak up on me and then grip like a vise. My new litany, "I choose Faith". I thank God for all my blessings. Most especially my Savior. Because and through him, I can be lifted up, forgiven, comforted, strengthened, loved, taught, inspired, resurrected, and perfected.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, with gratitude in your hearts. I know we all have so much to be grateful for.

President Monson stated "Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed. Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude."