‘Cranberries’ Articles at Sweetnicks

Thanksgiving Planning {2014}

November 19, 2014 · Narrative

Every once in awhile, the planets align and I am organized enough ahead of schedule to share holiday ideas before the actual holiday.

This is that.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Beyond loving the reminder to be thankful, I love it for two more reasons.

One, I can fill up the table with tons of delicious dishes and not feel guilty about having gone overboard.

Because going overboard is key. A week’s worth of leftovers as we tiptoe full blast into the crazy holiday season is not a bad thing.

The second reason? Because our gratitude tree comes out.

It’s one of my favorite traditions, and every year, it’s fun to look back and see what people wrote on their leaves from previous years.

And who was at our table.

Exes. In-laws. Friends. Family.

A reminder of what was important then.

And what is important now.

Although I haven’t hosted our family Thanksgiving in a few years, I have instead had a Bloggers Thanksgiving Feast.

Which allowed me to satisfy my inner hostess just the same. (You can see those write-ups here > 2013, 2012, 2011).

But this year, because one of the bloggers is getting married, and one moved to far-flung regions (also known as Maine), that isn’t happening.

So I’m doing something else.

Changing it up.

And cannot wait.

And in the meantime?

A little round-up of Thanksgiving suggestions for you as I share some of our favorite go-tos for the holiday. You just might find YOUR newest tradition here too.

Decor
Cute little place cards I made a few years ago using scraps of paper.
The Give Thanks banner that Nick made one afternoon.

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What to Do with Leftover Cranberries?

November 21, 2012 · Narrative

Is it too soon to talk about leftover cranberries?

We can just fast forward to Friday, when you see that extra bag and a half of fresh cranberries in your kitchen … and you’re wondering what on earth to do with it.

I can help!

I’ll assume you’ve already made a Cranberry Conserve, or something similar. If you haven’t, well, you should. It’s awesome as an accompaniment to all your other Thanksgiving leftovers, or smeared on a turkey sandwich with turkey and all the fixins.

So now that we’ve got that out of the way, how about some Cranberry Almond Bars? I just baked up a batch of them tonight. Mainly because I can never remember how many bags of cranberries I need for the conserve and always overbuy, and also because the bars are way too good not to make. Super simple and so packed with flavor, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

If you’re feeling a bit guilty about a little overindulgence during the holidays, perhaps some Cranberry Broccoli Salad will appease the guilt? Love the stuff. The sweet, the tart, the crunch. And well, hello, broccoli!

This Nantucket Cranberry Pie is another excellent way to use up your leftover cranberries, and a favorite of my mom’s.

And lastly, this Thanksgiving Stromboli is the perfect to smush all your Thanksgiving leftovers into a tasty, hand-held, filling meal.

And with that, my dear Sweetnicks’ readers, I’m off to crash with a tall glass of ginger ale on the rocks, and a DVR filled with my favorite shows. From my little family to your, we are wishing you the most wonderful Thanksgiving ever, and if you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, Happy Thursday to you!

PS – If you’re reading this on Wednesday night, you have just a little bit of time left to enter this Shutterfly giveaway.
PPS – And now $800 and four months later, I am very happy that this finally came out (don’t click on the link if dental stuff grosses you out). Oddly enough, he was pretty ambivalent about it coming out today. I, for one, was quite ready.
PPSS – Still need a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table? This is my very favorite.

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Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Conserve

November 19, 2008 · Holidays and More, Narrative

A very simple, very delicious recipe for Cranberry Conserve that will make a fan out of everyone who tastes it.

Jellied, whole berry, from a can or not, for a good 30+ years I avoided cranberry sauce like the plague. Like black-eyed peas on New Years’ Day, I felt it was one of those obligatory things that I’d stick the tip of my spoon in, have a little speck and call it a day. Blech. But all that changed a few years ago when I discovered this recipe for Cranberry Conserve. Given my complete and utter disdain for cranberry sauce, I’m not even sure why I made the recipe. Probably for my mom, who likes the stuff. But to think that I almost missed out on this one? :::Shudder::::

I got it from a caterer a good five years ago, and it could not be easier to make. The Neighbor Wife can attest to this, since she’s been making it ever since I first turned her onto it. It needs just a few simple ingredients and barely any intervention from you, and you are rewarded with the absolute best cranberry sauce that will ever touch your lips. I guarantee it. It hit our menu in 2005, 2006 and 2007 …and a few years before Sweetnicks was born too. It’s a tradition in our family, and maybe yours next.

Miss our first day of Thanksgiving recipes? You can find the Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes right here. Next up? Stuffing. Or dressing. Whichever you call it, but the hands-down best-ever version here. Tomorrow.

Until then…

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