{thanksgiving favorites} scalloped oysters

Thanksgiving for our family has always been a time for games. Board games, cards, charades, basketball, touch football ... good family friendly games. As a kid I remember playing basketball with my brothers before and after the big meal. Then once I was married my husband and I took on my brothers in a friendly - yet slightly competitive game of 2 on 2. Now that our kids are old enough all are welcome. The best is when my mother joins in. Even at my age I love when my mom joins in the games. And charades couldn't be more funny ... we found that the youngest of the bunch are usually the best at this game. I hope your weekend of memories include some fun family games!

scalloped oysters by kitty (my mom)

We have always served scallop oysters at Thanksgiving. I am not sure who brought this dish to the family traditions but it is a must for me. I think my mother's recipe was adapted from the New York Times Cookbook. It is just the right amount of everything. I guess some people add oysters to their stuffing. If you make this dish you please the oyster-lovers and don't disappoint those who like a more traditional stuffing. Darn it is all so good! So if you like oysters - try this one - it is lovely!

2/3 cup soft bread - white

1 cup cracker crumbs - saltines

1/2 cup butter melted

1 1/2 pt. small oysters drained - reserve the liquor (or the liquid they cam in)

3/4 tsp salt and pepper

2 tsp chopped fresh parsley

1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce

3 tbls heavy whipping cream

Preheat oven to 350 degree. In a food processor blend the bread and the cracker crumbs and add the melted butter and whir. In a cup mix 1 or 2 tbls of the oyster liquor, the cream and the worcestershire sauce together and set aside. In the bottom of a greased baking dish spread 1/2 of the bread mixture. Lay the oysters on top and sprinkle with salt, pepper and parsley. If you have enough make a second layer of oysters. Pour the cream mixture over the oysters and top with the remaining bread/cracker mixture. Bake for 40 - 45 minutes.