Chai Tea and Preparations for Thanksgiving

When I was shopping at Merlin's the other day, I was given a small cup of Chai tea decaf. I was delighted, because they seldom give samples of decaf teas. I've had Chai before, but I've never really enjoyed it, but this little cup was so tasty. I had some Celestial Seasonings Chai at home, so I didn't purchase anymore. It came in a tin and already had the milk and sugar added..all you had to do was pour in boiling water. I thought maybe I could duplicate it at home. This morning I made myself a big mug of Chai and added a tsp of brown sugar and some half and half. It's just about the same as the cup I had last week :)

I have a couple of butternut squashes in the oven....baking. I think that I might make some squash soup later today for the freezer. We were standing in line at the cash register just last week when I was telling my friends how I make squash soup. A group of younger women were behind us and one of them broke into the conversation saying, "Too much work, I don't cook." Her friends nodded in agreement... and one said, "My husband cooks"...and a couple of the others said that their's did too. One of the girls said, "I wonder why more men are doing this today?" I couldn't help myself....I said ,with a chuckle, "Because they're hungry." We then got into a conversation about how they worked all day and didn't have time. One said, "We're of a different generation."My friends and I looked at each other in amusement....we had all worked outside the home and still found time to cook. There are some in my family who don't cook and there are men who do. I just enjoy it and always have. Now, that isn't to say that I don't like to go out to eat once in a while. It's always nice to taste something that you haven't prepared. Cooking takes a big portion of my time each week. I have to admit....I do enjoy it. Love seeing the faces of people after I have prepared a wonderful meal.

This leads me to Thanksgiving. We invited all of our blended family for Thanksgiving. That would be about 24 people....16 are coming. I love having family for holidays. A few years ago, I wouldn't have given preparing that meal a second thought. This time I thought about it and thought about it.... after I invited them.  I'm feeling my age and I admit, I do get stressed about things. I like everything to be perfect and orderly.I don't want to give up my holiday traditions just yet. We have a very small kitchen....need I say more? I thought about taking everyone to a favorite restaurant in town and back here for dessert. The restaurant no longer has their buffet on Thanksgiving. They do, however, cater a complete Thanksgiving meal. Sooooo.....I made the call and planned for a catered meal. Everything is furnished...and homemade. Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, their speciality cranberry sauce,homemade rolls, pumpkin pie. Having Thanksgiving like this gives me the time to do a few special things for the table. I'll be making an appetizer, squash casserole, a potato dish (in case we need more potatoes) a pumpkin cheese cake, relishes, my cranberry sauce, and maybe some mulled cider. As I made the call to the restaurant, I felt my shoulders drop and a calm came over me. No stress for me this Thanksgiving...and I'll enjoy the day too.

Balisha