Thanksgiving

We decided to have Thanksgiving early this year. Because

1. We are going to be in SPAIN for Thanksgiving

2. I want to set up for Christmas NOW

3. We wanted to do it before one of our favorite missionaries left. 

Its kind of hard.  Growing up I always thought that Thanksgiving was so stupid because it would take ALL day to cook and all night doing dishes for about 20 minutes of eating.  I just didn't get it.  And even though I spent ALL day cooking and ALL night doing dishes, I loved every minute of it.  

Before moving to Sweden my idea of cooking dinner would be like hamburger helper or kraft mac n cheese.  So many things in the kitchen scared me and I just didn't even try.  However, in Sweden I have had to try because that is the only way we are going to get good food.  I've really had to stretch myself and get out of my comfort zone but I've uncovered a hidden talent.  I LOVE cooking.  And I'm surprisingly really good at it! Who knew?  

I LOVE food.  So that amazing meal was worth every minute of cooking and doing dishes.  When the missionaries would give me a compliment and tell me how good the food was, I couldn't help but say, "I know right?"  

Here's what I made in case your wondering. 

Spinach artichoke dip - This is an Olive Garden copycat and it is SOOOO GOOOOOD
Turkey

Stuffing - Eric's mom's recipe. 

Rolls  

Orange Rolls- my aunt's recipe

Sweet Potatoes

Green Beans

Maple Cinnamon Butter (this was by far the best thing I made).
Mashed potatoes and gravy

AMAZING pumpkin spice bars - Cha gave me this recipe. It was seriously AMAZING! My new favorite dessert BY FAR!

4 eggs

1 2/3 c. sugar

1 c. vegetable oil

1 (16 oz) can pumpkin 

2 c. flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 ts cloves

Beat eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until light and fluffy.  Stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, soda, and spices.  Add pumpkin mixture.   Spread in greased 15x10 pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Cool

Frosting:

6 oz. cream cheese

1 c. butter

2 tsp vanilla

4 c. powdered sugar

Cream together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla.  Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth and creamy

Of course it wasn't the same as being at home with our friends and family but we had a great dinner and were really proud of ourselves.  Although its hard being away from friends and family, we love being on our own and being able to set our own traditions.

We have 4 missionaries in our branch.
And our friend, Allan. 

I had every intention to do my hair and makeup and put on a cute outfit before dinner but I ran out of town. Oops. 

On a different note, one week from today we'll be on our way to the Canary Islands and one month from today we'll be at Disneyland Paris.  UH-MAZING!