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Thanksgiving: Party of ONE.

Posted on November 13, 2018November 8, 2018 by Jennifer

Turkey. Gravy. Mashed Potatoes. Fresh bread baking in the oven. Family recipes coming into fruition as everyone gathers around a table to enjoy a meal while being thankful for various things in their lives. Sounds picture perfect to me. However, I live too far from my family to be able to go home and visit and have often spent this holiday alone. I know that I am not alone on this either. I don’t let celebrating a holiday alone deter me from having a turkey dinner – and one with very little clean up. You see, I’ve kind of become a pro at the whole making a holiday dinner for one without having to go out and buy too many things, having a big mess to clean up after and cooking a meal that has more leftovers than I know what to do with.

Although it is not ideal or convenient – lets be real being alone on any holiday isn’t the easiest – I try to make myself a holiday dinner that would still resemble one if I went to a family gathering – just without the over abundance of food. Plus, I’m a picky eater so the easier/simple the better for me. You shouldn’t have to miss out on traditions or a traditional meal just because you’re by yourself.

Side note: I used to pick up a turkey sandwich lunchable for myself every year because it was still turkey, it was still a meal and there was no clean up required. Over the last couple years, I’ve decided to treat myself to something a little bit more…substantial and traditional. I have made a list of items I typically pick up each November.

Shopping List:

  • Deli Turkey Meat
  • Easy Mac / Shells N Cheese (Single serve or boxed)
  • Individual Microwaveable Green Beans/Corn
  • Single Serve Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes (The family size also works well if you put them in a nice bowl and take them to a group dinner – they’re so good no one will know you microwaved them).
  • Rolls from the bakery – there are some great smaller take and bake if you really like to bake.
  • Single slice of your favorite cake or pie from the bakery.

The key to it all is to plate it nicely on a dish rather than a paper plate. It helps you forget that a majority of your meal was not home-made by yourself. Sit down at a dinner table and enjoy your meal.

Don’t worry, Checotah (my corgi), gets in on the holiday festivities as well. Every year I pick her up a little treat, this year it will be from Three Dog Bakery in Mt Juliet and get her a doggy soft food turkey dinner.

After our bellies are full we turn on a good movie (usually Christmas) or put on a Christmas vinyl and begin our decorating for the next holiday!

I hope that no matter what you traditions are, if you are alone or surrounded by friends and family that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. May your bellies be full and your hearts be grateful, thankful and blessed.

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