GrowGirl

Thanksgiving Dinner: The More the Merrier

My ex-boyfriend was there and I didn't hit him or anything. At my end of the table, some crazy lady was ranting and raving about global warming (who could have predicted that?) I didn't say a word! In fact, I was feeling so Zen about life that I offered an olive branch to a Republican. (Turns out she likes horses, so I guess she can't be all bad.)

It's easy to have a wonderful time when you're in love. Truly, madly, deeply, can't be away from you for more than a moment, in love. It's with a horse. But, that's a start!

At dawn, Kelli and I tippied-toed out of our respective houses and met up at the stables. There we grabbed our 2 best friends, cantered to the top of the highest hill and celebrated a cold and crisp Thanksgiving morning.

We drank Mimosas while our noble steeds snacked on oats and molasses cookies. Then we ran the Kentucky Derby. (I lost.) When we couldn't make up any more excuses, we went home and started socializing with humans.

My beans were a big hit. I can't bring myself to open a can of Campbell's soup on a holiday so this is a much fresher, from scratch version of that best-loved...

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe
(Feeds an army)

• Snap 2 pounds of fresh green beans into bite-size pieces.
• Drop them into a pot of boiling salt water (use a generous amount of sea salt.)
• Cook for 5 or 6 minutes.
• Drain beans in a colander, then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. (They'll be bright green, crisp-crunchy and oh so delicious.)

Make Your Own Cream of Mushroom Soup

• Remove the stems and slice up 1 lb. of white button mushrooms (tip: if you'd like to be extra hip and cool, use mini portobellos.)
• Simmer shrooms in 3-4 tablespoons butter + 2 tablespoon fresh garlic.
• Stir in 3 tablespoons flour.
• Add 1.5 cups chicken broth + 1.5 cups cream
• Salt & pepper to taste. (I use extra spicy Mrs. Dash.)
• Once the sauce is thick and bubbly, stir in those precious beans.

Building the Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

1. Place a can of those yummy French fried onions in the bottom of a casserole.
2. Pour in the beans and 'shrooms.
3. Sprinkle another can of yummy French fried onions on top.
4. Up the fat content a bit more with dollops of butter.
5. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes.

* Talk about a crowd pleaser! Even the nutbag who might vote for Giuliani had to admit these beans were to die for.

More...