Too Early for Sleigh Bells!

November 21, 2008

On the day after the presidential election what do you think I saw on the billboard at the mall near my house? I quote: “Hey kids, Santa arrives this Saturday, Nov 8!”

Most of America is reeling from an historic election, half-eaten Halloween candy is still on the kitchen counter, plenty of people are still getting around to ordering their Thanksgiving turkey, the nation is in tough economic times, and now Santa arrives much too early. (Which is creating a great deal of stress for the elves this year!)

This is what really slays me (pardon the pun). When are we going to become more like the Italians and just enjoy and appreciate the here and now instead of rushing into the next thing?

Poor Thanksgiving never gets the respect it deserves. Here is a beautiful holiday meant to be spent with family and friends and yet it tends to get passed over faster than snow melting in Florida.

“Piano, piano” as they say in Italian (slow down) and savor our national Thanksgiving Day. To help you do this, here is my favorite cranberry sauce recipe. You’ll never eat it from a can again! This can be made now and refrigerated and the recipe can easily be doubled. It makes a great filling for cookies as well. Happy Thanksgiving!

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

One 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries, rinsed
1/4 cup apple cider
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Place cranberries in a one quart saucepan with the cider, sugar and salt. Bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and the berries begin to pop. Remove the pot from the stove top and allow to cool. Transfer to a container and refrigerate.

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