American Thanksgiving

[shadowchaser]

I celebrate the holiday in the native style. Yeah I know palest Native American you ever saw. It comes from my great grandfather. Any how. It's celebrated to show thanks for the end of the year harvest. Traditionally at this time of year you have gathered your crops and foraging. Some of this didn't last well once the freeze came so everyone would get together to help one another out. This meant big meals and lots of talking. Finding out from your family and friends how their warm season went and getting ready for the cold season to come. There was trading of items for food that would last better in the cold and just a good old pow wow (party or celebration) with singing to the spirits to thank them for all they have given and remembering those who passed.

Current day I celebrate by swallowing my fear of the public and forcing myself to go out to a big feast in my area. I make it a point to talk to at least one person I don't know about how their year went and wish them the best for the seasons to come. I even got the nerve up this year to get my picture taken with my son and Santa. My boy told me he is very proud of me for not shaking till after we were walking away lol.

 

[Powder]

If you have any holiday traditions with what to do with leftovers or to recycle or re-purpose items, please PM me. Thanks in advance those who have ideas to share! I'm starting a blog to share good ideas of how to make the holidays more festive and creative in a sustainable way.

For example, I'm looking for recipes that use turkey that is great and something to look forward to on its own. Crafts and food gifts, such as soup mixes and such would be great, too!

Menus and decorating tips welcome. :) All holidays welcome, not just Christian holidays.

 

[shadowchaser]

Day after Turkey Stew

Demeat the remainder of the turkey. Put the meat in one bowl and the bones in the other. Take a piece of cheese cloth and tie up the bones. This will keep them from getting lost in the stew after everything is done.

In a large soup pot (I use a 10 quart) place meat and wrapped bones
Add leftover cranberrie sauce (trust me)
Add 2 cut up raw sweet potatoes
Add 1 cup wild rice
Add 1 table spoon celery salt
Add 1 table spoon crushed black pepper
Fill pot 3/4 with water and set to medium low heat.

In a side pan heat 2 table spoons butter till melted
Thinly slice one onion and add to butter with 4 table spoons pomegranate vinegar.
Saute onions till they become clear and slightly browned and add to pot.

After the turkey starts to fall apart in the water add in your left over potatoes (or 2 cups instant dry if you are out) And 2 cloves minced fresh garlic as well as rosemary to taste. This will thicken the soup into a stew consistency.

Turn off the heat

Serve this in a bowl that has been filled half way with stuffing (pressed to one side) or as is.

Thought I would share the recipe here instead of in private as it could be useful to everyone.

I also like to serve this with buttermilk frybread.

Buttermilk Frybread

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cup self rising flour

Mix milks first and slowly add flour. Beat continually with dough hooks till dough is firm enough to no longer stick to fingers but still tacky. Heat oil on stove as if frying fries. I prefer to use sunflower oil for this but any oil will work. Oil should be medium heat. Once oil is ready with floured hands take 2 table spoons of dough and flatten like a pancake. You can roll or just use your hands. Fry in oil turning as needed till golden in color. Take out and place on paper towel gently patting to remove excess oil.

These are great for tacos also.

 

[Powder]

Thanks, Shadowchaser! This sounds delicious!! I can't wait to try this, maybe after Xmas if we do a turkey.

Have you tried it with a large rotisserie chicken?

 

[shadowchaser]

Yep works great. Also good to just boil the meat till it breaks down and throw some gravy with it and serve it with the frybread.