Saturday, November 26, 2011

Texas RV Trip - Thanksgiving Dinner

We were originally planning to start home from Texas on Wednesday morning but after all of our trials to get here I wanted a few more days to get mentally prepared so we were able to extend our stay in the campground until Monday.  This meant we would be here, rather than on the road, on Thanksgiving Day and we decided to participate in the campgrounds dinner, where they provide the meat and everyone brings a side dish or dessert. 

To match up previous resertvations, in order for us to extend our stay, we had to move three doors down to new digs - still close to the bathhouse and laundry, but right beside the main entrance.

This is the campground office where the pool is on the bottom and upstairs devoted to the office and activities room, which was set up for the dinner.

As is often the case, the day we decided to do this and bring a side dish up pops a recipe from my favorite recipe book - your blogs.  We are fans of brussel sprouts and when I showed Bev the recipe she was quick to remind me we were in the land of meat and potatoes, but I offered that many of the folks here were likely from somewhere else.  We decided to go with the sprouts, realizing that we would enjoy the leftovers if no one else ate them, so we used Ashley's recipe for Brussels Sprouts with White Beans and Pecorino from over at Big Flavors From A Tiny Kitchen.  We made one modification to suit our taste, with the addition of bacon, but I basically cut and pasted Ashley's recipe below:

About 1/2 pounds of crisp fried bacon - our addition
8 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 pounds brussels sprouts, trimmed, cut in half lengthwise
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup low-salt chicken broth
1 15-ounce can cannellini (white kidney beans), drained
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 cup (about 4 ounces) coarsely grated young pecorino (such as a young
Pecorino Toscano)

Fry the bacon to a crispiness to allow it to be crumbled - I did it the day before on the campgrounds grill using a pan made from foil.
Heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. When just about to smoke, add half of brussels sprouts. Cook until brown, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Transfer to large bowl. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in same skillet. Add remaining brussels sprouts, reduce heat to medium-high, and cook until brown, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Transfer brussels sprouts to same bowl.
Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet; increase heat to high. Add garlic; sauté until brown, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Add broth and brussels sprouts. Cook until brussels sprouts are crisp-tender, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes. Add beans and butter; stir until butter melts and broth is reduced to glaze, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in cheese.

We failed to get a shot, so please visit Ashley's site and imagine crumbled bacon in it.

Most of the dishes brought by the campers were pretty much what you'd expect for a thanksgiving meal with a couple of unique ones.

In addition to the meat, the campground furnished some dressing and gravy and this is them serving it up - didn't realize I had Bev in the shot until I downloaded them - definitely the hottest chick there.

Let's get down to some serious eating - that vacant chair is mine.

We sat across from a young couple and their two small children from Austin, except as soon as they spoke, it was obvious they weren't native Texans unless it was Texas, England - they had come here 11 years ago for a short term work contract and loved it.

We did had a few sprouts left but the mashed potato bowl looked like it had been licked clean, so I guess Bev was right and in walking around the campground most have Texas plates and most may be permanent residents. 

As is typical with pot lucks, the food was all delicious and I enjoyed finishing up the sprouts for a bedtime snack - thanks Ashley for posting the recipe.

Friend Kathy posted these on her Facebook page and I couldn't pass them up.

"The Supreme Court has ruled that there cannot be a Nativity Scene in the United States' Capital this Christmas season. This isn't for any religious reason. They simply have not been able to find Three Wise Men in the Nation's Capitol. A search for a Virgin continues. There was no problem, however, finding enough asses to fill the stable."

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by Almost Heaven South.
Larry
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16 comments:

  1. That sounds like a cool way to spend a Thanksgiving, sharing it with a whole group of strangers, yet strangers with a common purpose.

    Never heard of Texas, England before, that was too funny.

    Have safe travels home you two.

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  2. This whole post made me grin. I made some similar brussels sprouts the other day. Bacon really does make everything 10x better! Wishing you the safest possible travels home.

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  3. Great post Larry! Looks like y'all had a pretty nice Thanksgiving despite all the trials. Have a safe trip home my friend!!

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  4. I luv your blog, luv that you refer to your wife as the hottest chick there..We absolutely are crazy for brussel sprouts, will try the recipe. Your thanksgiving meal looked great meeting fellow citizens from all over the world and USA too, Texas to me seems like a very warm state their people kind and considerate..Enjoy your trip home & safely. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and a wonderful, peaceful, loving, joyful year in 2012~~~~~!!!!!

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  5. What a fun post! We love Brussels sprouts...believe it or not we made them with bacon last year!
    It sounds as though you are having a fun trip...sans the mechanical difficulties!

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  6. Hope you had a great, Thanksgiving, Larry! I had a smile at your header. This sounds like a great Brussels sprouts dish too.

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  7. Thanks for the blog love! I'm gonna have to try your version now! Bacon makes everything better! Yummmm :)

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  8. Well Happy Thanksgiving to you Larry and Bev. I think the brussel sprouts were a fabulous idea.

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  9. Well now I've just learned an excellent pot luck strategy from you two!!!! Prepare something that you love that others may not love and bring home the left overs to enjoy! What a hoot and I love it!

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  10. PS: Larry and Bev, I hope that your Thanksgiving was filled with happiness, laughter, and delicious memories to savor! I've loved every post of your trip and appreciate both of you in blog-land, more than you know! Happiness to both of you, Roz

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  11. I am smiling...

    Brussels sprouts rock. Bev made a good choice. I think it is awesome that you shared your Thanksgiving meal at the campground in Texas.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

    Velva

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  12. Looks like you had a great Thanksgiving. Love Kathy's comment about the Nativity scene in Washington, and your button is hilarious!

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  13. Larry, Your Thanksgiving experience is what RV'ers I have known tell me that it's all about. A camaraderie...a gathering of travelers... Your Thanksgiving feast sounds like a great time! Travel Carefully and Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

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  14. Looks like a great way to spend Thanksgiving and an awesome spread and sprouts recipe, too. Kathy's comment was hilarious. Have fun on the way home and hope you get to eat some good Cajun food at your next destination! Looking forward to hearing about it!

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  15. It sounds like you ended up having a good holiday. Your post really made me smile. I hope the remainder of your trip is uneventful. Blessings...Mary

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  16. Larry, I'm still living vicariously through you and Bev. If you want to adopt me and take me with you on all your travels I'm okay with that because i know you guys eat well too! :) The brussel sprouts sound tasty!

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