Thanksgiving 2025

Wow, I did not know bacon-wrapped jalapenos existed – when you say “popper”, I automatically picture jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese. Now this is an upgrade! But the other ones are delicious too, so maybe that’s the wrong word.

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Are you pointing to the other end of the spectrum or conscientious family members? If so, that sounds nice…

I’ve read the research now about how medical advice has changed, and parents are encouraged to expose their very young infants, four months or older to all of the serious allergens, and that the effect, even if circumstantial, is that food allergies are substantially decreasing. I only wish that that had been the advice that I was given when my 23-year-old was a baby. We were advised not to introduce any food allergens until he was more than two years old. At this point, it’s too late to adopt a new strategy.

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Yes, that’s what I meant (for eg in the middle east and asia, there’s exposure to the same allergens during pregnancy and infancy).

There are a bunch of new treatments these days, so maybe there’s something new that could help your kid. A friend’s kid was on a peanut allergy treatment that replicates the microscopic exposure in a capsule, increasing slowly over time, to desensitize. There’s another one called SLIT, same idea but sublingual. And the FDA approved an injection last year that was for broader food allergies but quite effective for peanuts. Not for peanuts, but another friend’s kid with severe seasonal allergies was given a special toothpaste instead of allergy shots. All very interesting, and hopefully will help many people as they become more available and better known.

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Jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and chorizo, then wrapped in a third slice of bacon used to be a hit back in the 80’s along with any kind of bacon wrapped appetizer (shrimp, scallops, whole dates and mini sweet peppers). The jalepenos were just too hot for me to tolerate.

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I wish we could find a cure for my husband’s fish allergy!

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I’ve seen those poppers in the store for years but never bought any because the thick cut bacon is wrapped around 2-3 times. Figured the bacon wouldn’t crisp up properly. I gather you have good luck with the instructions shown. 20-35 mins at 425*?

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There’s an interesting article about Bloody Marys in yesterday’s NYT’s food section. I was going to attach a gift link, but I used up all mine for the month. Maybe someone else could link it?

I remember reading scientists thought the peanut allergy was worse in North America partly because peanuts tend to be roasted in North America , while they are boiled in Asia and Israel.

Here ya go.

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I’m not rushing out to trust anything that the federal government agencies like FDA are putting forth these days, if you know what I mean.

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Best bet is to smoke them.

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In keeping with the theme, we will be our four person, immediate family, and my mom and dad. Possibly my fil and his new wife. I’m sad that my sister and her family aren’t coming, but she can’t emotionally bear putting her dog in a kennel or finding a dog sitter that she trusts. Between us she also likes to save her travel pennies for a regular Caribbean beach vacation. .
I think I may be the only one who really wants a turkey but for me the turkey is a must have. I know that my dad wants a freshly baked loaf of bread. My mom is a dessert fiend, and I will be making an invisible apple gautea for that reason. Or a free form apple galette. My younger son has asked very nicely for a pumpkin pie, which only he really enjoys, but he’s my sunshine and so he’ll get one. I’ve also asked my husband and my older son to tell me the one thing that they must have on the table. I’ll get back to you on those. If no one mentions it, there’s always some version of cranberry sauce, some version of stuffing, and some kind of green whether it be cooked or salad. I love the cooking and I love having the family around. Afternoon walks in the woods pre or post meals. Sitting in the cozy house while it’s blustery out. Our version of hygge . That’s what it’s about.

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Can I suggest some homemade rolls, instead. Sunshine & I love these rolls. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebabGkKt-mo

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Medical research has been out for a while, unrelated to FDA (and FDA approval on the one injection isn’t recent). But ymmv.

Thanks!

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Bacon-wrapped most things – chicken liver, scallops, shrimp – I will eat with gusto. Dates, that interferes with my sweet+savory / fruit+meat no-go :laughing:.

We have bacon-wrapped sausage (!!!) as one of our grazing table apps, or with Thanksgiving dinner.

Now I have bacon wrapping on my mind.

Last year, it was just the two of us for TG, since the SIL’s family does their own annual reunion. I bought a Diestel Turkey Ranch boned and rolled turkey breast at Whole Foods and loved it - so easy and delicious. Perfect for small groups. So I was happy to see that they have them again this year, since our TG cast will be the same. I’m sure other chains will carry it as well. I tried to add a link but am having trouble getting it to work. :roll_eyes: It’s called a
Diestel Turkey Ranch Cook-In-Bag Holiday Turkey Breast Roast, 44 Oz

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Had bacon wrapped pork tenderloin last night. Some friends wanted to make a dinner from Les Halles. Smearing a tenderloin with garlic confit, wrapping it in bacon, and making a pan sauce of shallots, butter, white wine, and chicken broth was quite good. Tony’s tomato fennel soup may grace our Thanksgiving table, but the recipe really benefited from a splash of Champagne vinegar. A green bean, asparagus, and orange sections salad with a citronette was really nice, too. I could see working that into a Thanksgiving menu, probably between the main meal and dessert. The lightness and acidity would be a welcome respite from rich food.

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Ah, he wants an artisan loaf. Crusty outside and all. Not a problem I make these often…

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