Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic will look different for friends and families this year. Our traditional Thanksgiving may not be so traditional this year. Here are some ideas to brighten up the spirit of the holiday in your household:
- Cook, pack, and drop off a Thanksgiving care package-To those who host Thanksgiving meals in their home, consider preparing for a large gathering as you typically would and safely package meals to go for your loved ones. On Thanksgiving Day do a drive by drop off your pre-packaged meals to those you would have at your house. If there is any extra food, consider making a care package to your elderly neighbor who may be isolated during these times.
- Get creative with leftovers-We are all guilty of making the turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving. There is nothing wrong with this, but it can become boring after a while. Try using your Thanksgiving sides as leftovers. Make a turkey soup and add in your Thanksgiving green beans or use your stuffing to make a turkey casserole. Check out our Sweet Potato Muffins recipe to use your leftover sweet potatoes for a savory breakfast.
- Make enough for one meal-If you are not too thrilled on the idea of eating leftovers, trim down your recipes to feed those in your household. Plan for 1- 1 ½ pounds of turkey per person when purchasing your bird or 5-8 pounds for 4-6 people. Use this website or Android app to enter your side dish recipes so you can adjust them accordingly: www.mykitchencalculator.com
- Plan a virtual celebration-Many of us have utilized FaceTime and Zoom over the last several months to stay connected to family and friends. Try to incorporate a Thanksgiving tradition like watching a football game during a zoom call to catch up and partake in sports commentary with loved ones.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the Greater Philadelphia Area in many ways especially by increasing hunger in the community. If able, take the time to give back during the Thanksgiving and holiday seasons. One way is to participate in MANNA’s Pie in the Sky fundraiser. Each purchase or donation of a pie allows us to provide a Thanksgiving meal to our clients. This year we have the option for you to donate a pie to a partner non-profit organization to help with their Thanksgiving meal distributions. The deadline to order is Friday, November 20th and you can do so by going to www.mannapies.org
Another way to give back is by donating to your local food bank. Your donation will help keep their shelves stocked and able to meet the demand of the community. Some important items needed at food banks include:
- Canned Vegetables
- Nut butters
- Cereal
- Shelf-stable milk
- Pasta and rice
- Canned or dried beans
- Canned fish and meat
- Cooking oil
- Canned or pre-packaged fruit
- Broth or stock
Sweet Potato Muffins
Ingredients: (makes 12 muffins)
· 1 1/2 cups of leftover mashed candied yams
· 1 cup of flour
· 1 tsp cinnamon
· 1/2 tsp baking soda
· 1/8 tsp baking powder
· 1/4 tsp salt
· 1/2 cup sugar
· 6 tbsp vegetable oil
· 1 egg
Directions:
1. In a large bowl combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and then add the sweet potato.
3. Pour into greased muffin tins. Bake at 325°F for about 25-30 minutes.