I can’t believe it’s Thanksgiving week already!
I’m wondering if you’ve gotten your shopping done and your cooking schedule all planned out?
The Husband has been in charge of dressing and gravy for our family for nearly 10 years, it’s one my favorite things that he cooks. So this year, which is my first holiday season since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I was kinda bummed not to get to eat it.
He makes our family-favorite: Cornbread Dressing. Not stuffing. I know there is a great divide between dressing and stuffing lovers, but this family grew up on Cornbread Dressing.
A few weeks ago he practiced making some gluten-free dressing and gravy to see if he could get it just right. That man is so good to me.
It was perfection people!
I asked him to write down the recipe so I could share it but he swears it’s different every time. He says you have to be there to see and feel the texture as you mix it. He adds more or less liquid according to the texture.
But…here is the thing, after researching gluten-free dressing the biggest complaint was the texture. He found several sources that said using Tapioca Bread (as the white bread in the recipe) worked best.
He found tapioca bread at Whole Foods.
(The Husband also uses sausage in the dressing which gives an amazing depth of flavor.)
So he’s making regular gluten-filled dressing and gravy for all the other 30 people coming to my sister’s on Thanksgiving and for me, I get my own pan of yummy gluten-free dressing. (I’m going to share some with my BFF and fellow Celiac, Julie)
In addition to the dressing and gravy we’re also taking a turkey and I’m making several gluten-free dishes. I’ve been eating gluten free for nearly 7 months and I’m finding my body is super sensitive to any amount, however small, of gluten. I’ve been sick so often that I just don’t want to take any chances on cross contamination, so this year The Husband and I are taking all my food, from spiced cider (from Trader Joes!) and appetizers to all the main dishes and desserts. Maybe next year will be different, but this year I’m weary of getting sick.
While I’m at it, I’m making double for my daughter Stephie and her hubby Jon who will be staying home with new-baby Finley, per doctor’s orders to keep her away from crowds until she’s 6 weeks old…
So I’ve got a lot to cook this week!
Here’s my menu:
Pineapple Cheese Ball
Spiced Cider
Turkey
Dressing and Gravy
Canadian Bacon, Potato, Swiss Chard Gratin
And a new pie …
Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake with Ginger Snap Pecan Crust
(recipe coming!)
What are you making for Thanksgiving? And if you’re one of my Canadian friends…what did you make last month for Thanksgiving!?
~Happy cooking my friends~
wow! reading that menu makes me tired! what fun you’ll have, although you will have to keep the forks of others who are curious out of your food, or you’ll be contaminated that way. ugh.
with it just being the three of us, i’m not sure what we’ll do. we’re delivering meals to shut-ins from a local church late morning, but the rest of the day is free. i like sweet potatoes and granny smith apples baked together with some butter, so i know that’ll get made. other than that, it may be boxed stuffing (don’t gasp–we like it!) and a simple turkey breast. going to try to get the boy to chime in while he’s home this week. Bob’s out of town til wednesday.
Jenn…I think you guys are wonderful for delivering meals. What a blessing you’ll be to everyone. Do something fun to keep your mind off of Bob being out of town…maybe start your Christmas decorating??? xo
Yummy…a wedding, shopping, decorating, cooking, wow lady!! You are ahmazing!!
Holy mackerel Robin. It is 5 am and I am drooling. i can tell this is going to be a tough day of watching what I eat with the taste buds and the drool already starting. Glad you have the Husband you do. You would be starving or cooking for yourself if you were married to someone like me. Per Jo’s “like” I make myself scarce in the kitchen. Why do you think that is? 🙂 Praying you have a healthy and happy Thxgiving day.
Bill – God knew what He was doing when He put Mike and I together that’s for sure! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving yourself my friend…
I’m so thankful for Mike Gay and is GF dressing this year!! Bought the corn and bacon yesterday to make your fried corn recipe. I’ve seen the tapioca bread in Publix–have never bought it. Good to know it’s the secret to good GF dressing. 🙂
How wonderful that your hubby is so willing to make dressing just for you! You are blessed!!! How nice to that Stephie and her family will still get to share a your Thanksgiving meal too. I did my shopping and menu planning 2 weeks ago, so I am set to go. We are having turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potato and carrots. I am also trying a new macaroni and cheese recipe that I found on a blog. For dessert, it is apple pie and pumpkin pie. Have a Happy Thanksgiving day!!! :0)
Eileen that sounds wonderful, you love pie as much as I do! xo
Yummy, your recipes sound delisious! What a gem the husband is! 😉 We had a Thanksgiving dinner at church yesterday inviting the small community where the church is located. I made dressing for it. I have my great grandmother’s recipe and used half cornbread, half other. So, does cornmeal have gluten? I am guessing so since you’re not using it. Anyway…I am blessed to still have grandparents so we’ll be eating at their house…as I have my entire life 🙂 and I’ll be making seven layer salad and broccoli casserole. We know our days are numbered with my grandparents. I think we all feel it this year more than ever. You know, all of our days are numbered and we should approach every day like that and be thankful, then we would enjoy our lives so much more. 🙂 May God bless you and your family with the best Thanksgiving ever…even if it is a GF one. 😉 🙂
That would be delicious…grrr, didn’t read over it. =P
Gina~ 🙂
Bless you too my friend…xo
Your husband is sweet! I understand about food at potlucks and gatherings. Out of the things I can’t have, orange juice is the one that gets me, people put it in all kinds of recipes where I don’t expect it.