the tables are set.

even for the kids.

and embellished with a little crafty decor, which I informed my aunt that I MADE. She responded, “When?”. I reply, “two weeks ago”. She says, “Oh, I thought you were going to say grade school.” I would…make a rather “elementary” craft, and find it rather FUN! Yeap, all 30 of these darn little things I meticulously punched out and stuck together! Those googlie eyes had me sold at first sight!

Now back on track…the utensils are tied together with bows (the only plastic part of our Thanksgiving).

the grocery shopping is done.

and ready to be baked, chopped, sautéed, mixed, etc.

recipe #1: missisippi mud (my cousin John’s favorite…made just for him!)

layer 1: butter.

chopped pecans

mixed together with flour in a big bowl.

then spread with care in a 9×13 casserole

baked, and transformed into a lovely crust like this:

Layer 2: the goodness! cool whip + powder sugar + vanilla extract + cream cheese

Layer 3: a big size box of instant chocolate pudding, made according to package directions

NOW assemble Layer 1 + 2 + 3 and top with the rest of the CoolWhip

and made pretty with Hershey chocolate shavings on TOP!

recipe # 2 & #3: pumpkin pie & buttermilk pie

recipe #4: pumpkin cookies

with brown butter frosting, appropriately colored for the season! The frosting consists of evaporated milk, powder sugar, and MORE butter!! Imagine that!!

recipe #5: not really made for taste, but for FUN :::::: PILGRIM HATS!! I cannot claim this idea as a product of my own creativity, so I will appropriately direct all creative credit HERE.

Oh AND just FYI, we are NOT just having a Thanksgiving of sweets. Some healthy things too; like these potatoes made like this. And this just might be one of my all time favorite recipes.

and of course: turkey, dressing, squash casserole, green beans, sweet potatoes (ewww..not a fan!), and LOTS of homemade yeast courtesy of SAMs Club rolls!

What are your special plans, and what are you cooking for Thanksgiving???