Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers!! What a wonderful day to be surrounded by family, friends, and FOOD!

Even on those years when my parents don’t host Thanksgiving dinner at their house (our families alternate years), they still roast a whole turkey.  Why go to all the trouble?  Well, for the leftovers, of course!

I think there are two really unique things that my family does when we roast a turkey.  The first is the stuffing.  My grandmother, Nanny, makes the stuffing every year.  She will tell you that it’s very simple – just some breadcrumbs (made from plain white hamburger buns!), melted butter, chicken broth, and some poultry seasoning.  But I’m telling you . . . . it’s simply magical.  I can’t even look at recipes for stuffing that include a lot of *stuff* – the simple classic has spoiled me.  I don’t want cranberries, mushrooms, lentils, oysters, carrots, celery, onion, raisins, or even cornbread in my stuffing!  Give me Nanny’s, or I’ll just pass on this dish altogether!!!

The second unique touch in our family turkey recipe is the sausage.  (And NO, the sausage does NOT go in the dressing!)  About mid-way through the roasting process, we place traditional link sausages (usually Bob Evans or Jimmy Dean brand) all around the base of the turkey.  They roast to perfection, all the while basting the turkey with their wonderfully flavorful juices!  Everyone takes a link to have on their plate next to all the delicious veggies.

We have a few other turkey-day tricks up our sleeve in my family, but I have to save some of those for the years to come!

In the meantime, best wishes to all of my dear readers for a wonderful holiday season for you and your precious families!