My dining room table isn’t large enough accommodate the whole fam-bam. Someday when I grow up (I say this all the time..Ha) I’ll have a table that can seat an army! Until then, we shall set up the kids table.
Not just a boring kids table though. A fun + entertaining table is key. They stay busy = you get to enjoy your wine + pie with a little peace…HA! Love them to death, but let’s be real.
I’m also sharing my graham cracker crust pumpkin pie. Which I’m really sad to announce…I can’t take the credit for inventing. Bobby Flay patented it about 8 fucking years ago. What the hell. As soon as you think you’re onto something BOMB. Google it and it’s already been done!
Which isn’t always the worst thing. I honestly had NO idea how long to bake. So I followed Bobby’s baking directions, which gave me the perfectly set pies!
And how about this kids table. The activity table-cloth is so perfect. And the leaves. My Mom collected each one of them at Casini Ranch while camping last weekend. They have the most gorgeous trees that were dropping these giant leaves. Thanks Mom!
I kept it simple using everything I had on-hand. Including the used to be white mini pumpkins that are now yellow-ish. I did buy them in September, so I should stop bitching. Coloring crayons…we’ve all got some lying around. Poured some Trader Joe’s chocolate covered sunflower seeds…mainly for the color factor. But, for snacking too!
This color on activity tablecloth is from the one, the only….Target. There is a word search for the older kids. A pumpkin + turkey maze. Even a spot to write what they are Thankful for! Love it so much. It completed the kids table.
Color In Thanksgiving Tablecloth $3.50 at Target
Just bring on the turkey…we’re all set over here!
Here are some of the recipes we will be enjoying for Turkey day tomorrow:
Cory has our Branigan’s Turkey in brine as I type. He’s on turkey duty and will be cooking it in an air fryer. I’ll be sure to snap some pictures tomorrow.
Pioneer Women Creamy Mashed Potatoes the main attraction, if you ask me!
I’ve been making these Stuffing Balls for years. I found the recipe in one of the old Kraft Magazines that used to come out monthly. Do they still do that? I sub the ground pork for good ol Jimmy Dean sausage.
My Mom will always be in charge of the gravy. It’s the one thing that I just can’t get down with on the Thanksgiving menu. Honestly I can’t even make it without wanting to gag. Bay’s the same.
Her Pretzel Jello Salad (similar to this one) is probably our “weirdest” side. Poop-A-Doop, my late Grandfather LOVED this salad. Really, it’s not even a salad. It’s a layer of pretzels + sugar + butter. With a cream cheese center and strawberries + jello on top. So random, so good!
Kissey will forever bring her favorite side, Campbell’s Classic Green Bean Casserole. She makes it the BEST!!!
Along with canned cranberry (the only way to serve it). With lots of cans of whole olives to stick on our fingers.
Mom makes homemade rolls that are to die for too!
And for dessert, my Mom is trying a new recipe for mini pecan pies and I’ll be serving my, I mean Bobby Flay’s Graham Cracker Crust Pumpkin Pie (recipe below) with homemade whipped cream (made by Bay)
What’s on your menu? I love hearing about families one random, kinda weird, side dish they can’t have Thanksgiving without.
Graham Cracker Crust Pumpkin Pie
Graham Cracker Crust Pumpkin Pie //
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 eggs
- 1 can (29 oz) can Libby’s Pure Pumpkin
- 2 cans (12 oz each) evaporated milk
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup butter, melted
Here’s what you’ll do:
To make crust:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Combine Graham Cracker Crust ingredients in a large bowl. Divide the mixture between two 9-inch pie dishes. Using your hands, press mixture firmly on the bottom and sides of the dishes.
Place in the middle rack of the oven. Bake till lightly browned. About 12 minutes.
Remove and allow to cool.
To make pie:
Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
Mix sugar + salt + cinnamon + ginger + cloves in a small bowl.
In a large bowl beat eggs and stir in pumpkin + sugar mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.
Divide pie mixture between the two graham cracker crusts.
Bake for 1 1/2 hours. Center will be almost set when done.
Allow to cool. Pop in the fridge till ready to serve. Or serve at room temp if you prefer.
We will be topping our pie with homemade whipped cream. It’s Bay’s jam and so easy to make!
Gobble Till You Wobble and have a great Thanksgiving!
xoxo stacyb
