CAPSULE COMMENTS

November 1, 2007

Thanksgiving Books

The month of November brings preparations and thoughts of Thanksgiving. The following books will give a history of how this celebration originated and help with dinner plans and recipes.

COMPLETE THANKSGIVING COOKBOOK: ALL YOU NEED TO COOK A FOOLPROOF DINNER by Betty Crocker

Betty Crocker once again helps out in the kitchen with this comprehensive Thanksgiving cookbook. There are question and answer sections about different parts of the meal and what to expect.

In addition to the delicious recipes, there are timelines for supply buying and food preparations and tips on how to cook for different sized crowds. All of the advice and color photographs will have beginner and experienced cooks planning a Thanksgiving dinner that will be as stress free as possible.

GIVING THANKS: THANKSGIVING RECIPES AND HISTORY, FROM PILGRIMS TO PUMPKIN PIE by Kathleen Curtin, Sandra L. Oliver, and Plimoth Plantation

In this book you will find many recipes, but what makes it so interesting is the history of Thanksgiving and how the holiday has evolved from the first known celebration in 1621 to the feast it is today.

The interesting photos, drawings and historical advertisements are helpful in describing the traditions from around the country and explaining why and how certain ways to celebrate came into existence.

THANKSGIVING ENTERTAINING by Williams-Sonoma and Lou Seibert Pappas

This beautifully photographed volume begins with suggestions on how to start planning a Thanksgiving celebration. There are tips on how to pick themes, menus, seating arrangements, table place settings and centerpieces.

All of the menus and style suggestions are divided into different themes such as New England, California, or Southern Thanksgivings. One nice touch is the section on how to plan a casual day-after lunch to use up leftovers while visiting with family and friends.

THE TURKEY COOKBOOK: 138 NEW WAYS TO COOK AMERICA’S FAVORITE BIRD by Rick Rodgers

This book will come in handy when trying to pick out a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. There is advice on the different types of birds, recipes, how to store leftovers, and the best ways to cook white meat and dark meat. The recipes here do not have to be saved for special occasions; they would make great dinner ideas for anytime of the year.