Thanksgiving And The Trimmings

During the time my Abuela lived in Tijuana,  the holidays were a for sure trip across La Frontera.  It was like an adventure for our little family of 5 when my dad would join us.  Most of the time it was just my mom, my sister, my brother and myself.  On many of those trips, my aunt Mela would join us.  We would wake up at the crack of dawn, pile up in the car and make our way down the 405 FRWY.  We always made a stop in San Clemente at the rest area.  There were food trucks with all the junk food I was never allowed to eat.  My sister Eloisa (AKA Eli), loved the nachos with jalapeños they sold.  The mornings were so cold and the hot, melted cheese would hit the spot. NACHOS FOR BREAKFAST!?!?!   My mom was and still is a health freak and to this day I wonder why on earth she would allow us to have nachos for breakfast.  But boy were they disgustingly good!

After the short pit stop, we were back on the road knowing we were half way to Tijuana.  Once I could see the huge Mexican Flag and the “MEXICO” sign from the distance, I would get so excited and anxious.  We would get the hand gesture to cross and my mom (usually the driver) would switch into a ferocious-agressive Tijuanera driver.  We held on to our chonis for dear life.  We managed to always get safely to our destination by the grace of God!

Most Thanksgivings, my mom would cook the turkey the night before and we would take it to Tijuana and take extra ingredients to make some side dishes.  As my aunt’s family grew, they would all make their way to Tijuana as well and each family would bring something to add to the feast.  They were great times.  My Abuelo was alive, my sister was alive, my uncle Jose was alive, my dad was still living at home and we all gathered to say a prayer of Thanksgiving and enjoy a delicious feast with an extensive variety of trimmings.  Even my Tio Jose and Abuelo would join in on the cooking.

This year not only will my Abuelo be missing but my sister and my Tio Jose will be added to that list.  We will always have those wonderful memories in our hearts and minds for years to come and will always be able to retell of our fun, adventurous and sometimes unbelievable stories because in the kitchen and on the dinner table we all made tons of personal memories.  May this Thanksgiving be filled with joy, laughter, blessings and family as you make your own memories.

Con mucho amor,
Silvia Salas-Sanchez

Mi Familia
(My sister missing and a few cousins)

*** I’ve compiled a list below of all of our Thanksgiving recipes for you to consider as you plan your meal.  Enjoy!

Green Beans With Chorizo:  https://youtu.be/C1fbLVM_WFQ

Chorizo Stuffing: https://youtu.be/wjztMwRhIFI

Candied Yams:  https://youtu.be/mmflJbA8z30

Pumpkin Empanadas: https://youtu.be/4tTocllSvKk

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole:  https://youtu.be/_xNHZa15oSc

Juicy Turkey:  https://youtu.be/_xNHZa15oSc

Pumpkin Bread Pudding:  https://youtu.be/4Z9thl1y2-g

Calabaza Enmielada:  https://youtu.be/RTnxseBMuR0

Pumpkin Tamales:  https://youtu.be/L5OJgWgTx5E

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds:  https://youtu.be/1zC5VemXF3Y

Turkey Tamal:  https://youtu.be/ifZ2qALNrEM

Pork Leg in Adobo: https://youtu.be/5QtyErsHMiw

Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Casserole:  https://youtu.be/PSED223gKlQ

White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Bread Pudding:  https://youtu.be/gBnmudEOfKI

Mashed Potatoes Con Longaniza Y Queso Oaxaca:  https://youtu.be/vXIiR-9ATFY

BBQ Meatballs:  https://youtu.be/GX316QK0MJY 

Pie De Camote:  https://youtu.be/DFpwdvwf728

Pavo En Adobo:  https://youtu.be/GCa9pb2f2FA

Pumpkin Cupcakes:  https://youtu.be/YEMG9tjipZk

Chicken and Apple Salad: https://youtu.be/ek7jc4na0TY

Turkey in Adobo Sauce:  https://youtu.be/GCa9pb2f2FA

Pumpkin Cake:  https://youtu.be/5IltbIp8Cd8

ChocoEnchiladas Popcorn:  https://youtu.be/lPC0I0mXqwM

Pineapple Upside Down Cake:  https://youtu.be/7CJ1Se501R0

Chicken Pibil:  https://youtu.be/4ZdCiktxjag