Eats
Panic in the Scullery: Thanksgiving Edition
This coming Thursday will be Thanksgiving here, my favorite national holiday.
For my family of origin in Omaha, the cliché of a fractious gathering where people get each other riled up over everything from politics to other people’s business—has never been true. Although we are as fractious as the next Dust Bowl dynasty, we have the sense not to spoil a feast with a fight. The worst that ever happened was my dad annoying my mom by leaving the table early to conk out in the recliner, absenting himself from bonhomie with his in-laws. The maternal feathers were well ruffled.
The best that ever happened was the year that Peter and I had just gotten engaged. Inspired by a scene in the movie Diner, he pretended to make me pass a quiz about Nebraska football to merit the privilege of being his wife.
My mother’s three younger brothers knew their nerdy niece had never paid attention to the Cornhuskers, and they were more than a little concerned about my chances. They paced around, whisper-cussing when I missed one, fist-pumping when I came out with a “Bob Devaney!” or “Johnny Rodgers!” They’re all gone now, husband and uncles, and I can hardly stand the beauty of that memory.
Rare photo of Frampton uncles together (at another, earlier wedding). P.S. I Passed the test. Gosh!
Recipe File
And now: the annual recitation of solid-gold Midwestern recipes I’ve been bragging on all these years. These are the versions we make today:
Dilly Casserole Bread (1960 Pillsbury Bake-Off winner! Super early adopter of 2024’s fashionable protein booster, secret cottage cheese! Make an extra loaf for toast on Friday.)
Smitten Kitchen’s Green Bean Casserole (Loosely interpreted according to my energy level; this year the frizzled onions came in a big bag from Costco—and they’re delicious.)
Scalloped Corn aka Corn Soufflé (A particular favorite of the little kid contingent.)
Basic Bread Stuffing (For vegetarians, use vegetable Better Than Bouillon to make the broth, and bake it in a separate dish. Make enough to ensure leftovers to reheat in a waffle iron—that is a must.)
I hope something wonderful happens at all our Thanksgiving tables this year, even if it’s just that the old man hangs out for a few minutes longer. If somebody gets engaged: glory in that moment with everything you’ve got.
Happy almost-Thanksgiving to all who are starting to gear up their preparations. Remember that you can peel the potatoes in advance if you keep them covered in cold water in the fridge!
Thank you for this. It’s beautiful. Such fun memories. Having them makes me realize this is another thing to be thankful for. Enjoy the day!
Reminds me of when we used to play Trivial Pursuit with my then in-laws. My now ex-husband would insist I be given a sports question if I reached the center of the game board. For years afterwards I was able to rile him up simply by saying “Sandy Koufax.”
Hello from Omaha! I’m a transplanted Californian – but I’ve been in Omaha for in excess of 40 years. You have something to cheer about this year – a bowl game for those Huskers after going on 8 years now (which if you living in Nebraska has been an eternity!). Happy Thanksgiving from Omaha!