thanksgiving 2016 menu + a favorite family recipe
Y'all. Thanksgiving is almost here. I'm in full swing meal prep and planning already.
For many years, my family has hosted what we lovingly call "The Stragglers' Thanksgiving." All are welcome, whether you're new to town, you don't have any family here, or you simply don't want to cook. My mom and I have mastered the art of cooking for a crowd. Granted it takes 2-3 days, but we've got it down.
nom nom nom...i can't wait!
My mother has a set of old cookbooks that I've leafed through for years. Some of them are old church fundraisers, but the two I've wanted forever are from Eagle Brand Condensed Milk. Some of my very favorite childhood dessert recipes came out of those cookbooks. However, the one that has branded itself into our hearts is called Sweetheart Salad, undoubtedly because of its pink color. My mom has had to make double batches over the years to make sure everyone (mostly my siblings) gets some. Needless to say, it just ain't the holidays without this fruit-filled goodness. It's not super healthy and definitely isn't "clean eating," but...Thanksgiving usually isn't.
sweetheart salad
prep time: 10 minutes | cook time: none (though it does need 1-2 hours to chill)
experience level: easy-peasy | specialty: dessert
- 1 20-ounce can cherry pie filling*
- 1 20-ounce can pineapple tidbits*, drained
- 1 can fat free Eagle Brand condensed milk
- 16 ounce tub reduced fat frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip, for all you Southerners)
- 1 15-ounce can mandarin orange wedges*
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Dump the cherry pie filling and drained pineapple into a large bowl. Drizzle the condensed milk over the fruit and stir gently to mix. Fold in the container of Cool Whip, followed by the mandarin orange wedges. Lastly, stir in the pecans (preferably right before serving).
I recommend that you refrigerate this salad at least 1-2 hours before serving. It helps it firm up and give it a more cloud-like texture. Secondly, this is a great recipe to have kids help with, as there's no heat to worry about.
*Recommendation: Use canned fruit that is packed in water and either reduced sugar or no sugar added. I try to avoid the ones packed in syrup.
