Tater tots are one of those foods I loved as a kid. Then I went about a decade after moving out of the house never eating them so I finally specifically bought some for nostalgia.

They proved to me yet again that my childhood tastes were pretty stupid. That one time remains the only tater tot experience as an adult.

Same thing with Gordon's fish sticks.

Though I'd consider giving that casserole a try.

I don't care for Tater Tots by themselves, but that casserole is Godhead.

Given that we just moved into the new house (well, less than 2 months ago) I could not even dream of doing what Heidi is doing. Damn girl! I am floored by your efforts! That sounds amazing-

Anywho-

Turkey- what in the world do you put under the skin? I have cooked exactly ONE in my life and it was more than a decade ago. Help?

Cranberry sauce in my family must also be shaped like a can- I personally hate chunky cranberry sauce. Uck (yes Lisa, I'm a troglodyte picky eater ;) )

Greenbean casserole- is a must have- but the beans come out of a can (couple of them- must make alot of it)

Rolls-from a bag :)

Pies- pumpkin, apple, cherry with whipped cream (from a plastic tub) Mom and Dad are eating out and then coming by for dessert- so I have a selection.

Stuffing- comes from a box

Gravy- comes from a mix

Mashed potatoes- here we get real- real potatoes, butter, milk, salt/pepper.....how I am going to mash them is beyond me yet...I wonder if my little mixer is up to it.

I do not own a single casserole dish. I do not own any attractive serving bowls or utensils.

So- my Thanksgiving is downright ghetto by comparison BUT- I have a new house and a family I love......anything else is just gravy.

(but I would love to know what the hell to do with my turkey) :eek:

After one Holiday dinner (either Passover or Rosh Hoshanna, which are my parents' holiday territory), one of my cousins came up to my mom and said that she must know her chicken soup recipe.

Her recipe? A handful of vegetables boiled in good old Swanson's chicken broth with matzoh balls from a mix.

Sometimes, there's no good reason to avoid boxes, mixes and cans.

No good reason to avoid-but someday I would love to make it all like some of you are doing.

:) Need more kitchen stuff!

OK you guys - I'm making a Sweet Potato Pie this year... So... I have a lot to figure out.

I'm looking for any tips from southerners, or those who have had it as a traditional Thanksgiving dessert. This is the recipe I'm going off of:

a. 3 lbs. Yams.
b. 1 1/2 cups sugar.
c. 1 can evaporated milk.
d. 2 eggs.
e. 1 1/2 tsp nutmeg.
f. 1 tsp vanilla.
g. 1 stick of butter.
h. Dash of cinnamon.

Does that seem reasonable, or is there anything else you can suggest?

Wait a second: Here's another...

2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup cream
2 tablespoons brandy (optional)
1 unbaked pie shell

Hmmm... I like the use of brandy.... /licks lips

My mom bastes it with orange juice, butter and chicken broth. I think she injects some into the turkey too. Once the turkey juices start running clear she uses that to baste it too. We also put the stuffing in a bag (stuffing bags are a godsend) and put the bag in the turkey. Or actually I think the bag goes in the turkey and then the stuffing in the bag. We have yet to get sick.

I don't like turkey (any turkey) but people tell my mom her's is amazing.

GD - similar story with a cousin and my mom except her wonderful matzo ball soup is from the Manachevitz box. Same with her spilt pea (from the tube).

Stuffing bags?! :eek: Then how does it get the gooey turkey goodness?

They are made of cheesecloth or something like that. Holds in the stuffing, lets in the juices and flavor.