Happy Thanksgiving!
I would like to wish each and every one of you my very best for a Happy Thanksgiving. Facing unprecedented challenges as a nation,  we all have to do our best to thrive and succeed in a difficult environment. All of you have such potential and for that I am eternally grateful  and thankful.
If you make something especially outstanding, or have a new, better way to cook a turkey, let me know - I will post it on my blog!
By the way, Emeril’s turkey breast as cooked on my show was the BEST!
Also, my vet Dr. Marty Goldstein sent me THIS today, give it a click!
Hi Martha!
Wishing you & your family a most blessed Thanksgiving!
Best Regards,
Chris Klingler
Web: http://www.designsbyck.net
Blog: http://www.designsbyck.blogspot.com
Posted by: Chris Klingler | November 27th, 2008 at 4:27 am
.
Laughter all over the place!!!
We, who know Dr. Marty from our referrals from NEVOG and Angell Memorial in Boston, would like to send it right back at ya! Here is a similar surprise sent to me from my past President of National Cancer Society for Animals!
Martha's Farm?!
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1594164924243&source=jl999
Today, our Founder 'Professor' on her birthday sends you both the highest of hails for your love of animals, turkeys and all others alike!
With Usual Love,
Andrea, Professor Zimbabweeps and her Weimaraner Family
.
Posted by: andrea and the weimaraners | November 27th, 2008 at 5:15 am
hi martha:
i happened onto your website because i was looking for ways how i could build the most beautiful christmas wreath. hopefully you will show some examples on your site soon.
thanks
bruce
Posted by: bruce johnson | November 27th, 2008 at 5:26 am
Happy Thanksgiving to you too! I'll be thinking about all those pies you planned to make. I haven't done anything special except to make chutney for my pork loin. I decided not to have turkey this year. Enjoy the day with your family and you too Laura and Eliad! Trish
Posted by: Trish | November 27th, 2008 at 6:14 am
Happy Thanksgiving. I *love* the clever e-card!
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | November 27th, 2008 at 6:18 am
Martha, All the best for a great Thanksgiving and holiday season. You are an amazing woman and an inspiration with your passion, and hard work. You conduct yourself with dignity and grace. You deserve all that you have accomplished, may today find you surrounded by loved ones and continued good health!
Posted by: Susan | November 27th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Happy Thanksgiving:-)
Posted by: susieshomemade | November 27th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Dear Martha,
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
May you be blessed with good health, happiness success and prosperity.
Sincerely,
Rowaida Flayhan
Stuffed Turkey
Authentic Lebanese Recipe
1 12-lb. turkey
4 cups ground meat
2 cups rice
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup blanched almonds
1/2 cup pistachio nuts
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup water
1 cup samneh (or other shortening)
Lebanese stuffed turkey is stewed until tender instead of baked in the oven. This method of cooking produces a very tender, moist turkey which is highly flavored with the seasonings of the stuffing.
Fry meat in fat until brown, then mix with rest of ingredients and simmer in one cup of water for 15 minutes. Stuff body cavity of turkey with mixture. Remove neck bone and stuff the neck skin also. Sew openings tightly closed with heavy thread. Place bird in a large kettle. Add water to barely cover, two teaspoons salt (or to taste) and bring to boil. Skim. Cover and simmer gently until meat is tender. Lift the turkey carefully from the kettle and place in shallow roasting pan. Coat with yogurt, ghee, butter or other shortening. Place in hot oven to brown the outside. Slice meat onto a serving platter and heap the rice stuffing in the center of the platter.
Bon Apetit!
Rowaida Flayhan
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | November 27th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Hi Martha,
Just saw a Frenchie on the dog show that's airing today and thought of you. Hope you're having a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Norine | November 27th, 2008 at 8:38 am
I love you Martha, and wish you a Happy Day! I love making the Cranberry-pear chutney from your recipes. It's so delicious!
I might read my Home-Keeping Handbook tomorrow while I'm off work and do some Good Things around my apartment!
Love,
Julie in NYC
Posted by: Julie | November 27th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Happy Thanksgiving to you Martha & the MSLO family! Thanksgiving at my house is quiet but humorous none the less!
My Thanksgiving holiday card!
Posted by: Kari | November 27th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Thank You for the nice post Martha!
I spent days making everything homemade for today and now I have time to blog! LoL!
And many blessings to you and your family this Thanksgiving!
~Tam
Posted by: Tam | November 27th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Since I moved to Connecticut in 1979, every person I have met says
that I look like you, Martha. At times, people even thought I was
you, and I have had some funny and interesting experiences with this.
A waiter and a Chef at Union Square thought I was you, and gave me
very special treatment. I just thought I would share---- have a
wonderful Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Sharon Robertson | November 27th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Speaking of vets, I live right down the street from Angell Memorial in Boston, which has a state-of-the-art emergency room for animals now. Luckily my Lhasa apso has never had a need to go there!
Posted by: Rhea | November 27th, 2008 at 10:07 am
"If you . . .have a new, better way to cook a turkey, let me know - I will post it on my blog!" - MS
Dear Martha,
Would one of us attempt to reinvent the wheel? I don't even TRY anything new for TG, as one of your turkey recipes (with brine) is the Gold Standard around here. And to show off what holds us up from having a truly peaceful meal, but adds to the great spirit of it all, see the "thing" to which my name is linked! He sends his blessings, too!
Katherine
Posted by: Kate Meade | November 27th, 2008 at 11:31 am
APPLE CARAMEL PIE RECIPE WITH FLAVORED CRUST
Looking for a caramel apple pie recipe featured
on the Martha Stewart show. I believe it was
made by a male guest chef. ( I could be wrong)
It had cinnamon and sugar and perhaps
(brandy flavoring)in the crust. It was the best crust ever and apple pie ever. If anyone knows
where I can find that recipe I would appreciate it. I have searched recipes on the Matha Stewart
site to no avail. Thanks Sharon in Virginia.
Posted by: sharon | November 27th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
We aren't great fans of the Turkey in this house, but I will take a turkey breast using a sharp thin knife cut down the length of the turkey breast, cutting it parallet to the board,stopping short of the outside edge. It opens like a book but you essentially create a large piece of breast that is even.
Then I place around 2 cups of stuffing on top and roll the breast up. I tie it up in 3 to 4 place and place in a roasting pan with 2 T of olive oil and 2 T of butter. I sear all sides to a nice golden brown and then place the rolled breast in a 400 degree oven for around 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temp. reads 160 to 165 degrees.
This is so moist and tasty. We especially like dressing made with dried cranberries, dried apricots, pecans, and onions. But I have also made it with a mild bread stuffing and then topped the rolled breast with citrus salsa (grapefruit, oranges, lime juice, purple onion, jalepeno pepper and cilantro).
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Posted by: Angie D from Ohio | November 27th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Thank you, Martha. For over ten years I have been making your Roast Turkey 101 and this year I tried the Roasted Brined Turkey. It turned out perfectly! I must admit that over the years my guest have questioned the whole cheesecloth thing - that is until they taste the finished bird.
And one little hint for a super delicious raw cranberry relish - raw cranberries, tangerine, kumquats, sugar, and half a jalapeno. It's a great twist on the traditional cranberry/orange. Perfect on the "day after" sandwiches.
Anyway, you have brought much delicious feasting to our home. Today I am thankful for many things, among them your terrific turkey recipe!
Oh, and as we say around here - Happy Barack Obama!
Thanks for all you do!
Posted by: CatherineAtlana | November 27th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Martha, and your family too!
I'm anxious to hear how Alexis' Sweet Potato Cake with White Chocolate Frosting tasted. It looked wonderful.
I really like Jacquie Lawson cards, they are so creative and they get better all the time. Check out her new Thanksgiving card.
Look forward to reading your new postings.
Posted by: Jon | November 27th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
very cool. Thank you and thanksgiving to you.
Posted by: IowaCowgirl | November 27th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Mar tha,
Thank you so very much for EVERYTHING you do!May your Thanksgiving be safe and happy! I loved the card :O)
I sooooo hope you will soon be back on TV crafting on your noon show! I miss you there...
Also...EVERYONE loved my turkey this year thank to you!!!!
Posted by: Carla Martin | November 27th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Martha don't faint but today I made my first Thanksgiving supper alone, yup all by myself no help. Only took me 47 years to do it!
In years past we always have so many family members * I come from a super huge family) and guests cooking that one is never alone to make the entire supper. This year my Mother had knee replacement surgery and due to high costs of travel no family came. I was left alone in the kitchen and I made it through lol!
I did fine and you would be so proud of me, I guess all these years of watching you on television the teaching sunk in and I was a whiz lol!
I didn't make turkey , my Mom and I are not into turkey but my Dad is. We had a pork roast and all the side dishes and everything came out just fine. I was so surprised I didn't botch the supper, maybe I did to well as now they are talking about what they want me to make for Christmas - oh boy~ Stress ,stress! I timed everything just right and nobody has complained of any stomach pain as of yet!( well the night is young here on the west coast)
Thank you Martha for teaching me how to cook. I was a professional baker for many years but cooking has never been my passion. I made it through the day because you were there in the back of my mind telling me, now do this and do that.( well so to speak)
My Mom is one of those people that only allows you to help in certain areas of her kitchen and to do only basic things like setting the table, clean up, serving and hosting, side dishes, she likes to be the main cook.
Happy Turkey Day- gobble gobble!
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam from California | November 27th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Hi Martha, How thoughtful of you to take time out of your "day-off" to post a wonderful Thanksgiving message to all of us. You are so generous with everything, including your time. You are, and always will be, my favorite person in the world. I really enjoyed watching the rerun of the first show of his season. Oh, how I wish I could visit your beautiful farm. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | November 27th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Marthaand company ~ Thank you for working on caregiver challenges. I am a caregiver to my mom (73 years old) who had a stroke 2 1/2 years ago.
Posted by: MaureenJ | November 27th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Martha, we smoked a turkey for the first time this year. It was delectible!
Following your suggestion many years ago, we brined a fresh 13 lb turkey for a little over 24 hours. Then, at 1 AM on Thanksgiving, we wrapped it in cheesecloth (your suggestion this year) soaked with butter and apple cider and put it in our smoker with some apple wood at about 210 degrees. The cheesecloth was removed at about 9 AM.
At 5 PM, the most delicious turkey we ever had was ready! Even my Pennsylvania farm-raised 80 year old mom who hates turkey had seconds, and for the first time ever, took home leftovers! A complete success. Just as I could never cook a turkey without first brining, smoking will be our method from now on!
Posted by: Linda Reinhard | November 28th, 2008 at 2:22 am
Jan hasn't made her daily comment. Should someone check to see if she is alright? What is a Martha Blog without Jan Erickson and Cindy's comments???
Posted by: Mark | November 28th, 2008 at 2:55 am
We all have fond memories of your mother, Martha. She was an inspiration to us on How to Grow Old Gracefully.
I would love to learn more about being a caregiver to those who love and depend on us.
Betsy
Posted by: Betsy Mech | November 28th, 2008 at 6:49 am
I loved the flash card from your wonderful vet. Thank you for your encouraging words to strive under all circumstances. Have a great weekend. I am Christmas workshopping!
Posted by: Teresa Touey | November 28th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Martha, I enjoyed reading your blog about you and your mom. I had my mom and family for a thanksgiving feast yesterday. My mom is ill, with arthritis and an extreme heart ailment as well as deafness. Eventhough she can be difficult, your blog reminded me that I will miss her terribly. I deal with many of the things you have dealt with. It is good to hear others have the same experiences. On another subject, I wanted to mention to you that I am known as the "most creative person ever known" to many people that know me. Not bragging, but we also have this in common. I am an illustrator, photographer, crafts person and mom. My girlfriend used to call me "Martha" after you. If you ever need ideas, contact me! They are ever flowing.
Claudia Wolf
Posted by: Claudia Wolf | November 28th, 2008 at 9:43 am
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I can't believe it's been one year since your Mum's passing, I so enjoyed it when she was on your show !!
Great idea for the caregiving, time marches on and the more we know the better.
All the best,
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy :) | November 28th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
(...okay, I wasn't gonna' comment, but I have to, now...)
For my fellow-blogger Mark (hi!), yes, I'm here - just a little late, that's all... I'm out of the "work" atmosphere, so my posting schedule's all discombobulated (PLUS I'm on "dial-up, and no DSL") [NO grin]...but I'm taking time tonite (Friday after Thanksgiving) to "catch-up" [grin] You're right!...without my "epistles" and my trusty friends' (Jan Erickson and Trish) comments, what would our dear Martha's blog become?!!! (I sure hope she can abide MY short stories, at least!!!) Hey, it's fun, and I get to know others as well. See?...I've made a new friend! Mark!
(As I switch gears...) Jacquie Lawson's cards are the best, aren't they?!! I'm a recent subscriber...I'm glad I found "her".
...okay, I'm finished, for the time being.. See today's other blog (11/27) for comments preceding these... (Bye, Mark...)
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | November 28th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I made your Perfect Roast Turkey again this year, and it turned out amazing! Everyone raved about it! Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful recipes and ideas with us. You have a very special gift!
Posted by: Vanessa | November 28th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Hi Martha,Happy Thanksgiving! I miss my Mother also. there are always reminders everyday. I certainly hope you had agood holiday. I love your show and never miss it unless something pressing comes up that i need to attend to.Keep up the wonderful work and just know your in our hearts.Love all your animals! Looking forward to allyour Xmas shows.Have a great holiday season Martha!! Loretta
Posted by: loretta seifert | November 28th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Hi Martha!
I found you through my buddy, Eddie. The post about your mom was beautifully told. My husband's mother passed away 8 years ago at the same time as your mother...so I send you warmth and love from a stranger during the holiday season (which does make things a bit sad every now and then).
Keep up the great work and if you are ever in Houston...I'll take you to lunch! (See neither one of us will have to cook....hehee)
deb (the junkin' yaya)
Posted by: Debi | November 28th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Last year was the first time we tried brining a turkey and loved the result! I found a new brine recipe this year with vegetable broth, sea salt and Herbes de Provence - turned out moist and yummy!
Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates | November 28th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Hey
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! Ours was great, I've finally have a few minutes to sit and write and tell you how wonderful it is to see you were honored in Country Living Magazine just about for the same thing we were this year in the Nov. 2006 issue . When your buisness was still new, this was a wonderful surprise. ( the name and everything has changed over the years)
My mother who is the founder of Appleseed Farm has always loved you. She would always joke and say you two were tight, she never misses a show and reads everything she can about you. (our product is Pour A Pie pie filling in an ols fashioned canning jar done the old fashioned way where very bit of fruit is done by hand and canned by our four generations of family)I just wanted to say thank you for paving the way for the rest of us to follow.
Posted by: Jennifer | November 29th, 2008 at 6:59 am
Hi Martha,
I just read your blog today honoring your mother. It was absolutely wonderful. I wanted you to know that I made Big Martha's mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving (the ones with the cream cheese...) and served them to all of my Thanksgiving guests. Everyone loved them, they were so creamy and rich and when they asked me, I told them I couldnt take the credit for the recipe...it was Big Martha's. Thank you very much! You inspire me everyday to be the best mother and homemaker I can be!
All the best!!
Ally Watson- Seattle, WA
Posted by: Ally Watson from Seattle | November 29th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Thank you Martha for everything you share and give out. I never paid attention to my mom's cooking and homemaking directions as much as I should've when I was younger and so now that she lives far away, it is with you I learn.
Thanks for being such a great teacher, and so giving in what you know.
Jan - Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Posted by: Jan | November 29th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Happy Belated Thanksgiving Martha!
I am so happy to learn you are going to address the issue of care giving. My sister and I, in business with our mother, took care of her for the last year and a half of her life while building our business. It was hugely stressful, difficult and painful. This was 15 years ago and there was little guidance or help available.
My mother passed away when I was 39 - I turn 52 tommorrow. I still miss her deeply. She was my best friend.
Cherish all the gifts she has given you (non-material) - she is still with you - in your heart.
Posted by: Cynthia | November 30th, 2008 at 4:25 am
Martha, Thank you for sharing the photos of your mom. I miss my mom every day, but, I miss her especially during holidays. She always made them so special.
Posted by: Tricia | November 30th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Martha' My mother passed away 2 years ago this coming January 10th. I took care of her the last 3 years of her life. It's not an easy passage. Have wonderful holidays Martha and God bless.
Posted by: Alysha | November 30th, 2008 at 11:28 am
I have been a fan for many years and own several gardening and entertaining books that you've written. I wanted to thank you for your Parker House rolls demonstration on HBO. I made the rolls for Thanksgiving dinner and they were a huge hit. They were not perfect, not as light as yours probably were, but they were so tasty. Anyway, I found your blog and was surprised to see that you were interested in the world of caregiving. I have had my mother with me for 16 years. She is now 99 and under the care of Hospice which I highly recommend. Mom has rebounded from a tough few days in the hospital (hiatal hernia, stomach pushed up into her chest and twisted, on top of congestive heart failure she now adds respiratory failure). She can move about the house with a walker and she listens to the radio really loud and the news on TV and she writes letters to family and friends daily. I have professionals helping now, but I have had to learn about lifting, soft diets, oxygen machines, etc. I also work outside the home as a caregiver so that I can be home for her when she needs me. A full-time job is just too much time away. (I have a husband and an 11 year old daughter, too.) Caregiving is a way of life, restrictive necessarily but also extremely rewarding. I'm glad to hear that you are putting your considerable intellect into writing a book for caregivers. We all must take care of each other.
Posted by: Laura Coston | November 30th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I just love Jackie's e-cards - the verse your vet posted with the card is great!
Many thoughts and prayers are with you this month as you remember your wonderful Mom. Thanks for sharing your personal life and helping us with ours.
Fondly,
D. Spero
Posted by: Didi | November 30th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Hi Martha,
Just wanted to wish you a "belated" Happy Thanksgiving. I was at your studio on Nov. 25th (my first trip to New York, from New Brunswick, Canada). I really enjoyed seeing your beautiful studio, meeting Joey, who really knows how to get the audience excited, and actually seeing you in person. Wish you had been able to talk with us after the show, but realize your busy schedule.
I recently lost my darling dog, Holly, in June of this year. I had her for 16 years, and now I know what it feels like to have a broken heart. I miss her so much. I've always dreamed about going to New York City, not only to see a Broadway musical, but also to attend your show at your studio, but would never leave Holly to do stuff like that. However, once she passed away, I needed to get away for a change. That's when I decided to take a bus tour to New York. I went on line to see if I could get tickets to your show, and thankfully, I received confirmation from your staff for Nov. 25th. I couldn't believe it.
Everyone at your studio was so nice, and so efficient and professional. I really enjoyed my afternoon. Hopefully I will be able to visit your studio again in the near future, and perhaps I'll get lucky and be able to see you up close. (Aren't fans crazy?????)
Thanks for waving to me as you exited your studio and got into your vehicle. You're the greatest, and I watch your show daily.
Posted by: Nancy Hughey | November 30th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
ms. martha, i lost both my parent's i was 5 when i lost my mother and i was 19 when i lost my father....my father will be gone 30 years jan. 19, 09 and i still miss him so much.i really didn't know my mother that much..but my oldest son looke like my dad..so i guess his spirit is still with me after all these years..he died in my lap when i was with child..my oldest his name is jason..and yougest looks just like me..and every one say i look just like my mother...so they are both here with me in spirit and iam very thankful for that..i love your farm pic's wish i could live in such a beautiful surrounding.. like i said the last time your farm is breath taking..just remember your mother is always with u lady martha and you are such a beautiful person too.if you every need some one to talk to are just to vent out on..iam here as a friend [i hope] or just a fan
Posted by: linda bland | November 30th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Hi Martha,
I just wanted to email to tell you that we watch all of your pod casts. I have a three year old that LOVES watching you. When asked if she'd rather watch a cartoon or movie, she says, "I want to watch Martha Stewart on Demand."
Lately, we've been watching all of the Thanksgiving pod casts over and over again. We've watched all the different ways to make turkey, to rolls, to setting the table, to making centerpieces, you name it!
She repeatedly watches your Thanksgiving turkey cupcakes. She also prefers watching your pod casts where, "Martha Stewart is by herself." We think it is so cute that she loves your work and talents. I just bought on-line a couple DVD's that we'll give her for Christmas of yours. It's adorable. She's only three, but already a big fan!
~Modesty Ausserer
Posted by: modesty | November 30th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Happy belated Thanksgiving Martha!
I made the apple pie from your new book and it turned out beautifully if I do say so myself! It was my first attempt at a fruit pie and I am thrilled with the results. You can see it for yourself here on my blog: http://imalonerdottiearebel.blogspot.com/2008/11/apple-pie-and-ornaments.html
All the best,
Amanda Medley
Posted by: Amanda Medley | December 2nd, 2008 at 8:02 am
I made your mushroom stuffing recipe this year and it was superb. My husband loved it since it was a healthy no-meat version. It will definitely make it to our family recipe list. I am still fairly new to this country and to cooking Thanksgiving meals but as always, you are a great source of inspiration for every celebratory event in my American life. Thank you, Martha.
Posted by: Akiko Clifford | December 3rd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Hi Martha!
Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family! I hope you enjoyed the hula hoops that I sent your way. I am thankful to have discovered this wonderful fitness tool & dance form. Let me know if you need any pointers!
All the Best,
Marria
Boston Hoop Troop
Posted by: Marria | December 5th, 2008 at 5:55 am