Traditionally, my first annual taste of eggnog is at a gas station on the way to Thanksgiving dinner. We stop for gas [it’s usually cheaper in that county than closer to home] and the clerks are offering samples. This year I have ruined my tradition…I’ve had eggnog at least three times already. Sigh. Well, if you get too locked into tradition it can become meaningless-I’ll just congratulate myself for being flexible and trying something new.
There are plenty of other traditions I will uphold this year-I am always very careful not to eat too much dinner, for instance. Don’t mistake this as a righteous and healthy choice. I’m saving myself for pecan pie and strawberry shortcake-served on angel food cake for this occasion. I think my dear sister-in-law may even make a homemade angel food cake for this purpose. [hint hint] The trick to putting together a serving of this delicacy is to get lots of juice-it soaks into the cake so nicely! The pecan pie is traditionally brought by my Aunt, the family Matriarch. I have to make room in my tummy for this one. I am so thankful there are nuts on the tables at dessert time, to eat between sweet bites-I’d never be able to get through the day otherwise. Sometimes we have potato fudge, too. My Aunt, Uncles, and Mother remember this fondly as a Sunday night staple back at the “old homestead”. It certainly is delicious.