Canadian Thanksgiving October 9th.....Second Monday in October

Well as a result of my last post, I had a request to share what we here in Canada do for Thanksgiving. I believe we tend to do the same things as our neighbours to the south of us. I will share with you some of my family traditions and maybe some of my Canadian bloggers can add their traditions.

I don't think I am that different than my friends down south. I love to decorate for thanksgiving and fall. Leaf garlands, pumpkins, cornucopia flowing with gourds, wheat and whatever catches my fancy decorates my dining table. Autumn coloured candles fill my house, I love spices so you will find most of my candles scented with apple and spice.

My meal would consist of the traditional turkey. Now how the turkey is prepared is what varies. I have Bar-b-qued it, baked it, soaked it in a vinegar,spice and garlic brine for two days and then cooked it. I have heard people doing Cornish game hen instead of the turkey. Stuffing I like a pecan and cranberry stuffing, but my mom used to do a pork and onion stuffing....now her turkey took all day....I think it had to do with the size. It was usually about 25 lbs or more. Guess that is what happens when you feed a dozen kids and their spouses. Brussels sprouts and again the preparation vary. A dish I was introduced to by my ex's mother was a squash puff, which I absolutely love and make it to this day. I love the veggies portion, so on my table there would be lots of veggie dishes. The potatoes always varied. When I grew up they were "horseshoe potatoes" whipped potatoes then mixed with egg and flour rolled shaped into horseshoe shapes and then deep fried. Oh they are yummy!!! Time consuming though. I know my sister still makes them. Now for desert. If you still have room, there is always pumpkin pie with whip cream, apple pie and , fruit plates with cheese. Now I have never been a pumpkin pie fan, I do make a pumpkin pecan pie which I am told I could sell. I of course make my own pastry. My brother who was a cook for many years even compliments me on my pastry. After dinner we would sit around let dinner digest and then play a rousing game of charades.

Now my fellow Canadian bloggers, I would love you to share with our friends down south your traditions and fond memories of Thanksgiving.