Thanksgiving Is *Almost* Here!
Thanksgiving week is upon us & we wanted to give a little look into Thanksgiving at Shannon's house. One of her favorite Thanksgiving traditions is playing a game that her mother created where you simply go around the table and ask, "What did you try first?". It's a very simple question but allows everyone to chime in with what their favorite Thanksgiving food is and why!
Shannon's Thanksgiving table is a very stylish mix of classic china & earthy elements. One her most favorite pieces on her Thanksgiving table are her flower vases that are actually chickens! She loves to arrange in these vases as the flowers can take on a feathered look. In addition, these tall candle sticks add a modern flair to the table and were found at one of her favorite decor & gift shops in Lexington, Adelé. Shannon also collects pine cones from around the farm & even styles a few pheasant feathers in around the candles.
Shannon's china is the Red Aves pattern by Royal Crown Derby (discontinued in 1997) which has huntsy appeal as well with birds & flowers within it's design. This was a wedding gift and she loves the color it adds to the table. Her silver flatware is the classic Francis 1st pattern which includes 15 different fruit-and-flower clusters. You may also notice how Shannon incorporates two different kinds of wine glasses throughout the table, a colorful handblown glass one from Santa Fe and a gold rimmed one. "I like for my table to be dressy, but artsy & relaxed. By mixing different pieces together, it not only makes for a beautiful table, but also puts guests at ease," Shannon says.
In Shannon's house, she and her husband have a playful "competition" for best turkey every year. Shannon prepares a very traditional, oven-baked turkey while her husband, Davant Latham, makes a trashcan turkey. Yes, you heard that correctly, a trashcan turkey. He uses a brine that is his take on a John Currence recipe and then cooks the turkey with hot coals inside an aluminum trashcan.
Even though his turkey may steal the show, her recipe for Summer Trees Cheese Grits the morning after Thanksgiving take the prize every single year. When asked about the recipe Shannon laughingly replied, "I must give this recipe out once a week! Happy to share it again."
*Fun fact: Summer Trees is the name of Shannon's childhood home*
Summer Trees Cheese Grits
(serves 8-10)
Ingredients:
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups instant grits
1 stick of butter
2 eggs whisked together
1/4 cup milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
2-3 garlic cloves pressed
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
1. Boil chicken broth and chicken bouillon powder
2. Add grits, stir with whisk while cooking so as not to clump or stick to bottom of pan - about 4-5 minutes until broth is absorbed
3. Turn heat off and immediately add butter, milk, eggs, cheddar cheese, garlic & stir together
4. Transfer to greased over proof dish & sprinkle with paprika
5. Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes to heat through
*this can be made ahead & are excellent for brunch or breakfast, but she loves them with wild game, steaks, or even chicken.*
Wishing you & yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!
What Thanksgiving traditions does your family have? Comment below- we'd love to know!