My favorite part of Thanksgiving is, what else…. the food. However, I still want to have time to do the other family activities, like watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the dog show. My solution – shop for items my family will love, but I don’t have to make.

Country Cottage, in Darien Center, NY makes some of the yummiest pies you’ll ever taste. If you haven’t been there before, it’s at 10448 Harper Road, off of Route 20 (near 77). It’s one of the “hidden gems” in Genesee County! The charming cottages are filled with unique gifts, and then there are Bruce’s baked goods. The only thing that MIGHT beat his caramel/apple pie would be his Portabella Mushroom Soup. But, if you want a pie, you have to order early.
(585-547-9591)

Of course, I could really treat myself, and order my whole meal from the D & R Depot Restaurant, on Rt. 19, in LeRoy, NY. Sean tells me they have the ovens going, non-stop, for 72 hours, and cook from 55 to 70 turkeys. You can get your turkey whole, with all the trimmings, or buffet style. (585-768-6270) But if you choose to eat there, you needn’t lament the lack of leftovers, D & R has come up with a solution. You can get a bag of “leftovers” to take with you for around $2, so you can have that turkey sandwich in the middle of the night.

Let’s be thankful for friends, family, and the abundance we have in this country. We’re so blessed. My celebration is going to include something new this year, a Pumpkin Pie - without the work of a finicky crust. It’s by Kathy Hartwig of Batavia, and was published in the “Genesee County Bicentennial Recipe Collection:
Easy Pumpkin Pie Without Crust
Combine:
1 box yellow cake mix (remove 1C. from mix)
1 stick melted margarine
1 beaten egg
Beat with fork until blended; pour into 9 X 13-inch greased pan.
Combine in a separate bowl:
1 large can pumpkin
½ C. light brown sugar
3 eggs
2/3 C. milk
1 & ½ tsp. cinnamon
Pour over cake mixture.
TOPPING:
1 C. reserved cake mix
½ C. sugar
½ stick cold margarine
Mix and spread over mixture in pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 min.; serve warm with Cool Whip.