Cranberry Upside-Down Cakes

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It is that time again!

Mini Cranberry Upside Down Cakes

The holiday season has begun and we start out the season by celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday this week. Many people out there say that Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday. I find it easy to believe that it is a favorite because it is one of my favorites. Thanksgiving focuses on family and food. It focuses on coming together and giving thanks for what gifts we have been given and what joys we have experienced in the past year.

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I have always loved this holiday! The food is always amazing, everything made from scratch. This is the holiday where I really get to appreciate the talent my parents posses in the kitchen. My dad always handles the turkey and he does so as any true professional would do. The turkey is stuffed with care with aromatics and citrus, filled to capacity so that the bird will absorb all of the great flavors held in its cavity. As a kid I would leap at the opportunity to baste the bird throughout the cooking process. I think it made me feel like I actually had a part in making the centerpiece of our Thanksgiving meal. My mom cooked everything else and by everything I mean the sausage dressing, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, veggies and soup. The cooking would begin days before we even arrived for the day. My mom makes it look so easy but I know she puts a lot of effort and energy in to making sure the meal lives up to our expectations. The meal is always epic!

Cranberry Upside Down Cake

I have begun to bring my own cooking skills to the day, I dare not attempt to take on the bird or mom’s famous dressing but I think my mac and cheese is well received among the family. This year I will also contribute the dessert which is a first since we typically finish the meal with an assortment of pies from Soergel Orchards. While these delicious cranberry cakes would be perfect I know that my brother will be very disappointed if pumpkin does not find its way to the table.

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The production value that goes in to this holiday is something to admire. I am always curious how others celebrate this holiday and what delicious dishes are being served around the country. The hubby is from California where they cook their turkey on the grill. My mom’s family from Louisiana place their bird in a deep fryer. I am curious to hear how you celebrate Thanksgiving in your home, share below!

 

 

10 Comments

  1. These look great – I love the photography!

     
  2. Hi “Haute Pepper Bites,”

    I work for Twin Pines Landscaping, and we are putting together a bunch of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes featuring fruits and veggies to share on our social media accounts! With your permission, we’d love to share your picture and link to the recipe here on your blog! Let us know what you think!

    Thanks, and Happy Almost Thanksgiving!
    Ashley DiFranza and The Twin Pines Landscaping Team

     
  3. Looks great! Beautiful photos!

     
  4. Sam – this is an outstanding blog entry. You are still the best baster in the family (and the most dedicated) because as you know by about 3 in the afternoon your father is passed out on the sofa after getting up way too early on Thanksgiving so without you – well the bird wouldn’t look nearly as good as it does each year. Now on to Christmas and another fabulous time in the kitchen! Dad

     
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