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Are you looking for an easy alternative to an all night and day date with a turkey? Read on! While my parents were in good health, they always did the Thanksgiving meal. But as they got older, it became such a burden, since they suffered from many medical conditions. Every holiday, we would all rush in, devour the feast in 15 minutes flat, and not long after, say our goodbyes. They were left exhausted and shell shocked. For several years, we tried going out for Thanksgiving. Our small Panhandle Florida town hosted several Thanksgiving Buffets. Our favorite was the Ramada Inn. It featured beautifully decorated tables, and a large array of food. However, it just wasn't home cooking. My dad died about 2 years ago, and my mom has been deteriorating steadily health-wise, and that left me to take care of all of the holiday fare. I have always hosted a family Christmas party at my house, complete with food, games, door prizes, presents, etc. But has anyone noticed how quickly Christmas follows on the heels of Thanksgiving? Trying to host a large family get together for both is overwhelming! Not to mention, that Thanksgiving is quickly followed by all the necessary decorating, gift buying, and activities of the Christmas season.

My solution? Create an easy alternative for the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, while still having some of the family favorites. This is my secret, and it went over so well last year, that I plan to do it again. In place of the marathon turkey bake, I purchased precooked Tyson chicken breasts. I made dressing from the Pepperidge Farm traditional cornbread dressing mix. (I also added some cornbread that I had made.) Lots of butter, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup provided the poultry flavor needed in the dressing. I then deboned the Tyson chicken breasts (lots of them) and mixed them in with the dressing, saving a generous amount for the top. For those who prefer dark meat, you can also purchase the Tyson precooked roasted whole chicken. I arranged some dark meat to one side of the dressing pan. This allowed me to have the main dish-chicken and dressing without hours of preparation. I also prepared some casseroles that are equally easy. Our family favorite is the good old green bean casserole. In addition, I made a squash casserole, and some mashed potatoes. These were prepared ahead of time, and reheated on the day of the feast. (You might want to add sweet potatoes to your menu.) Purchase some delicious crescent rolls from the bakery section of WalMart, and a couple of desserts, and you've made it through Thanksgiving!

How did the family react to the absence of a turkey carcass? The poor bird was not mourned in the slightest, and I saved untold hours of baking and basting. When the family came up to the kitchen to fill their plates, I made the mistake of saying,"The chicken is mixed in with the dressing." My brother responded surprised, "Chicken?" I laughed and said, "Yes, it was easier." After we all enjoyed what they perceived as our traditional Thanksgiving meal, he commented, "If you hadn't said anything, I never would have known the difference-a bird is a bird." (I like his attitude!)

So, if you are just too worn out to face lifting another huge bird in and out of the oven, and you don't have the time or energy to bake and baste all day (but you don't want to go out for dinner) try my solution. There is no reason for the cook to be exhausted and grumpy every Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving from a smiling chef!

Learn more about this author, Lonnette Harrell.
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