Meatless Thanksgiving Monday #4 Sweet Potato Casserole

I missed writing on Monday. I'm not one of those uber organized bloggers, who have their posts written weeks ahead of time. I didn't even know that is how things worked until recently, my oldest daughter Alyssa, who knows these things, informed me that most professional bloggers do all their writing on one day and then set their blog to publish their posts on subsequent days.

Wow!

 sadly,

that's not me.

Nope!


At least not yet. I've been too busy raising children, working in my garden, caring for our chickens and creating the life I want to live, to be THAT organized.

I'm living in the moment and blogging that way too. I hope you are cool with that. For now, that works for me as I try to keep things real.

Our Thanksgiving weekend flew by but I'm still glowing happily with the memories we made and how this year the emphasis was less on Turkey time and more on family, friends and enjoying these early fall days.

There is something magical about fall. How the leaves on the trees, turn from varying shades of green to jeweled tones of yellow, gold and oranges, then in their final glory, dry upon the branches and swirl to the ground, covering the earth in a blanket of warmth, finally fading away to create a layer of rich, organic soil for new growth to thrive in spring.

I've said this before but nature gives us clues on how to live our own life. How to let go and surrender to the changing seasons, knowing everything is connected and created for the greater good of all.

We are busy right now in our urban homestead; harvesting the last of our winter squash, picking and processing tomatoes, digging up sweet, crunchy carrots and making our last batches of kale chips. Our compost bins are bursting and leaves are dropping faster than I can rake them. Since my compost bins are overflowing, I'm gathering leaves and storing them in a galvanized garbage can to be used in next year's compost, but I'm also trench composting in the garden with the leaves and kitchen scraps.

I've noticed our chickens, Sadie, Cocoa, Clara and Annie, are all getting big and fluffy. When I picked them up the other day though, I realized they are not any heavier, it's only their feathers that are growing and their bottoms are full of downy, soft fluff. This weekend, David is winterizing their larger run, in preparation for the winter season ahead, when we are likely to get lots of snow. They will need a cozy place to hang out together on those coldest days. As I write this, I'm making them a late morning gruel of oatmeal, cooked grated carrots, broccoli, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Yes, our chickens are spoiled but gee, it was really cold outside this morning so I think they need a little something. We had our second day of silvery frost on the ground and when I took the kids to school, we could see our breath in the air.

Cocoa is one of our chickens who lays beautiful greenish eggs...she loves the camera too!

So life is busy around here. But not too busy, that when the alarm went off early this morning at a still dark hour, I didn't jump straight up, but snuggled deeper under our down comforter, listening to the voice from within.

"Rest more,

be gentle,.

slow down,

be thankful for everything in my life."

There is always, ALWAYS, something to be thankful for.
 
This last Thanksgiving weekend was different from others in the past. I had fully intended to cook a complete vegetarian meal but our older sons protested, LOUDLY, when they heard those were my plans. And then, when I learned our oldest daughter would be taking care of our neighbour's children, as their parents left on a MUCH needed vacation, I thought, maybe they would appreciate a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, and so, we bought a turkey, and a ham too.

But this year, the emphasis was not on a "turkey day." The focus was on family, friends, on slowing down and being grateful. I cooked the turkey on Saturday and David carved it while watching Saturday Night live, and stored it in the fridge over night. That freed me to sleep in a bit on Sunday (normally I'm up early, making my cranberry stuffing and putting the bird in the oven) and it was easy as I relaxed listening to music, sipping tea, peeling and cutting vegetables, savoring the diverse colours of the veggies, the fragrant spices and the textures of the different nuts I used for the various dishes. Everything was so alive, fresh, and I was giving thanks to the produce from our garden and other farmer's bounty.

I'd love to share the meatless dishes we prepared this year, and hey, if you are living in the States, even though I'm too late posting to inspire my Canadian reader's for their Thanksgiving dinner, it's not too late for you down south to think about how you may want to celebrate your Thanksgiving this year.

Before I get to the dishes though, I wanted to just chat about our other focus this Thanksgiving. I hesitated on whether I wanted to blog about this topic a few times, going back and forth, but finally I decided that if my blog is truly about H.O.P.E. which is my blog acronym for, "Helping Our Planet Earth," then I want to speak up and share my thoughts with you. If you do not agree, let my words go, but if you are on the fence regarding what you think, maybe my words will resonate and for that I will be thankful.

I want to talk about what is occurring in the country south of us, after all we are cousins to the United States and what happens in their country affects us greatly, with regards to trade, travel, our economy to a degree, but with the bigger picture in mind, it affects world peace and the health of our shared planet. Also, since my mom was born in California and was originally an American, I do feel a bit like a cousin from the north. (and really aren't we all related and connected on earth?)

Of course, you would have to be living off grid, in a yurt, without cell or internet service, and never leave your property (and probably not even then) to not know what I'm about to talk about....can you guess? Well, I'm wanting to chat about the Trump/Clinton run for the Presidency in the States.

I wonder if they know the world is watching as much as we are and making HUGE judgements which will have a lasting effect for years to come.

After our Sunday night Thanksgiving dinner, our family and friends headed to the family room where we watched their 2nd political debate. Every time I see how polished and poised Hillary Clinton is, how reserved she is able to conduct herself, with calm eloquence, and then I see Trump looking red faced and a bit slovenly,(despite his expensive suits) his hair frizzed around his head, and his contorted mouth spewing hatred and negativity, I'm at a loss to understand how he got so far in this race. Sadly, pathetically, he represents a good portion of citizens and they actually agree with his rude behavior, over the top racist remarks and disregard for common decency. I feel really sorry for those conservatives who do not share his views and even sorrier for the Clinton supporters who have to contemplate how their country would change if he were elected president.

Last night, I watched a clip of a speech President Obama gave recently referring to Trump's words and behavior as, "not okay." After the most recent scandal over released footage of him bragging about how he can do anything with beautiful women because he was a star, I thought, how can anyone support him now. But sadly, he still has supporters. What are they thinking, or are they in so deep that they don't want to say that he is wrong. that they are wrong.

For some reason, many people in the world have lost their filter regarding what is an acceptable and respectful way to conduct themselves. They have also lost the basic sense of decency toward how to treat other human beings.

Why this is, I don't know, but we need to have this discussion for the sake of our children. Would we like it if our children acted like bullies threatening others, throwing racist remarks loosely around and talking about how they touch others in personal and inappropriate ways? I don't know about you, but I would be having a SERIOUS, face to face discussion with my children, if I thought they were even, THINKING in this kind of fashion. I'm perplexed as to how "some" Americans still think this type of person, would be the BEST candidate to represent them in their highest political office in their land???

I just can't fathom it and I would be remiss, if I didn't speak my mind, for the greater good.

The interesting thing is I believe the energy is shifting in the world right now and we are at a pivotal point for people to really look from within and ask a few poignant questions.

"Is this the world our fore fathers fought so hard for in the first and second world wars?

"Would they be proud of our behavior and conduct"

"Are we kind and living in a society where we think about our neighbour with love, kindness and acceptance?"

My belief is that when we lose a piece of ourselves, the part of us that has common decency, respect and kindness towards others, it creates an unbalance in the world. It's up to each of us as part of our society to speak up when we see or hear in appropriate actions or words and say, "This is not okay," and call instead for some basic kind, decent, respectful, behavior. We CAN return to working together for a better world.

The turning point is upon us and thankfully people like the current President of the United States is sharing his wisdom, and his wife Michele Obama is inspiring us to rise up saying such things as, "When they go low, we go high," Also, prominent actors like Robert De Niro with his intense brown eyes and resonating voice, shares his feelings about Trump.

 And while I winced at a few of his harsh words, I thought, well, someone had to say it and although I'm sure the Trump supporters didn't blink an eye, as they seem to be conditioned to this kind of talk, it was needed to be said.

Those of you who are living in the States and can make a difference in the world, please get out and vote for Hillary Clinton. Make sure Donald Trump is not elected, for if he is, we will have turned in the wrong direction and world's peace, kindness, and the health of our planet will be at stake. You have it in your hands to shift the balance to the greater good. I believe my cousins to the south are strong, brave and free and will rise to be their best selves. America already is great....but in your actions on November 8th you will be greater by ensuring Clinton is elected.

Personally, as I watched Trump move through the ranks to be the Republican candidate, I could only shake my head, but I was also listening from within, trying to figure out why I was so angry and bothered by words. I realized, even the most annoying and difficult people on this earth are here to teach me. He has shown me EXACTLY how I don't want to be and is a guidepost to offer my children as a person not to admire or follow.

I'm sure, even he has some redeemable qualities, however I have never observed them over my lifetime of watching him in the news, on his reality T.V. show or at this time in history. Every time I see him, he shows me who is he with his words and his actions. And you know what Maya Angelou said, "When someone shows you who they are, BELIEVE THEM." Sadly, somewhere along his journey, he lost a piece of his soul. Maybe that happens to some people who live with great wealth, property and notoriety. Their EGO (earth guide only) gets so big that they lose touch with who they REALLY are.....love.

When we were talking about his negative qualities after eating a lovely Thanksgiving dinner on Monday, I apologized to my family for speaking poorly of him and my brother in law D turned to me and said, "don't apologize, 'cause he's an ass." But still, this is a hard thing to talk about on my blog as I want to  lift people up, and inspire, always moving with light filled energy. But maybe, we need to gently guide others and remind them to listen from within. Each person we come in contact with on earth are gifts.....and some give more than others.

Okay, I have to take a second here and breathe, maybe I will go outside and feed my chickens.

I'm back! It's glorious outside. The air is crisp but the sun is warm. I'm going to wrap up my blog sharing my Thanksgiving recipes and get out and work in the garden. There's still a lot to do in the garden; dig more carrots, and I see parsley is still looking great so I'm going to cut it along with some sage, lemon balm, and peppermint, before the cold nights kill them for the season. In the winter, it's so nice having homegrown herbs drying in my laundry room.

Well, let's move onto happier topics...FOOD and get talking about Meatless Thanksgiving Monday.

First, if I were NOT doing a turkey, I would have cut up a large squash, like a Hubbard, and dig out the seeds and stuff it with wild rice, quinoa, nuts, herbs, salt and pepper and roasted it. That would be my main dish. Sadly we didn't do that.......NEXT year! Maybe you can do it though.

And to compliment that main dish here are a few of the vegetable dishes we made this past Monday.

The biggest hit with EVERYONE was the  Sweet Potato Casserole, then the Green beans and Mushrooms, the Butternut Squash with Maple syrup and rum was my fav and everyone loved the Roasted Brussels Sprouts (Thanks B for giving them to me) Even the little kids enjoyed them. Finally, what would be complete without our family's Marshmallow Ambrosia. (My mom would consider this the ONLY thing she wanted for Thanksgiving...miss you mom!)

Clark was in charge of making the mashed potatoes and he does a brilliant job....yummy, garlic, dill and sour cream! Yum! Thanks Clark!

So, without any further ado, here are the recipes. Grateful Blessings for sure!

Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients

4 to 5 cups of sweet potatoes cubed (I used 4 large sweet potatoes)
1/2 cup of white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
4 tbsp real butter
1/2 cup milk...I used almond milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup flour...I used whole wheat
3 tbsp butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven for 350 degrees. Place cubes of sweet potatoes into a saucepan, cover with water and cook on medium high heat until they are tender and soft.

2. Drain the pot and mash the potatoes.

3. Add white sugar, eggs, salt, butter and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Pour potato mixture into a 9x13 baking dish.

4. Mix the brown sugar and flour. Cut in the butter with pastry cutter until the mixture is coarse. Add chopped pecans and mix well. 

5. Add this brown sugar, flour, butter and pecan mixture over the top of the sweet potato mixture.

6. Bake in oven on middle rack for 30 minutes until the topping is lightly brown.

Green Beans and Mushrooms

Ingredients

6 tbsp of butter
1 cup mushrooms
1 onion
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups of long green beans
2/3 cup of vegetable broth

Directions

1. Saute mushrooms in melted 3 tbsps of butter in a skillet for 5 minutes. Transfer mushrooms to a medium size bowl.

2. Melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter in same skillet. Add onions and garlic and sauté until they are  tender, about 2 minutes. Add the green beans and toss to coat them well with the butter. Pour veggie broth over green bean mixture. Cover and simmer until liquid evaporates and green beans are crisp-tender, about 10 minutes.

3. At this point, add the mushrooms. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place on platter and cover with tinfoil until other veggies are ready to serve.

When I'm cooking in the kitchen, Ryuuki, likes to hang out, usually he's sleeping on our window seat but on Thanksgiving he wants to be OUTSIDE, so he's trying to get my attention by sitting on the stair railing outside the kitchen...I'm so thankful for our cat....something about having a cat in the house makes it homey in my opinion

Butternut Squash with Maple Syrup and Dark Rum

Ingredients

1 whole butternut squash~peeled, seeded, quartered and cut into 1/2 inch slices or cubes
2/3 cup water
1/4 maple syrup
1/4 cup dark rum (I still had a bit left from last Christmas...from our rum and eggnog days)
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped walnuts  or dried cranberries

Directions

1. Combine butternut squash, the water, maple syrup, rum and nutmeg into a saucepan and bring to a boil. 

2. Reduce heat and simmer on low, stirring until the squash is tender...about 15 minutes

3. Remove the squash and place into a casserole or glass pan. Allow the liquid to simmer until it is reduced and it thickens...about 5 to 10 minutes.

4. Pour over the butternut squash.

5. Sprinkle with cinnamon and walnuts or cranberries, if you wish

Cover until the rest of the veggies are ready to be served

Thanksgiving this year was also my husband's birthday so we had a lovely cake after dinner. HB David!

 Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients

3 to 4 cups of Brussels Sprouts
3 tbsp virgin olive oil
1 tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. Add the above to a resealable plastic bag. Seal tightly and shake to coat.

2 Pour Brussels sprouts mixture into a glass pan.

3. Roast in a preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring the sprouts every 5 to 7 minutes to ensure even browning

 And for the finale of dishes to accompany the veggies for Thanksgiving, our family's favourite Ambrosia dish.

Ambrosia Salad

Ingredients

1 package of coloured mini marshmallows
1 tub of sour cream
1 can of pineapple tidbits
1 can of fruit cocktail
Coconut to sprinkle on top

Directions

Mix marshmallows and sour cream into a large bowl. Add the pineapple and fruit cocktail. Mix well until all are combined. Sprinkle coconut on top and cover. Chill in fridge overnight at at least 8 hours.



The lovely part of cooking all these dishes is that they really were all done about the same time, so within a short amount of time, you can prepare and then eat. WOW! That's huge, from a woman who used to spend the WHOLE day in the kitchen on Thanksgiving day. That has to be another bonus for having a meatless thanksgiving.

Light the candles on the table and.....say Grace.

Thank you for coming today.  As the season of fall teaches us to gracefully let go and accept the changing season, may we all surrender to the greater good and allow it to prevail.

Until we meet again, may you be well, happy and peaceful.

Blessings from Hope