Simple Foods at Thanksgiving

The weather was unseasonably warm at Bethany Beach, DE, this time of year, and we were able to walk on the sand every day under a clear blue sky.  The sight and sound of the waves and birds, strangers greeting one another, and children biking filled in the spaces generally reserved for howling wind or rustling leaves in November.  

We enjoyed the fresh salt smell of the ocean mixed in with ham and butter from the kitchen in a way that was unique to this holiday – reminding us that nature has a way of reordering our expectations about gratitude and thanksgiving.  

As we cooked the leftover mashed potatoes into breakfast potato patties and integrated what was left of the ham into a celebrated family meal, I marveled at the comfort we take in the simpler recipes versus those that take special ingredients and extra time. How many of us look forward to buttered toast, a cup of coffee, or a banana for breakfast?  Simple meals that consist of grilled cheese sandwiches, PBJ, and soup can make a miserable day bright again.  

For us – the best part of thanksgiving came when the leftovers were used to make ham, string beans, and potatoes – a one-skillet meal that has triumphed in its simplicity for all six children when they were younger and living under one roof.  

At this season of Advent, I wish you all joy and the gift of thanksgiving along with this simple family recipe that we quadruple to have leftovers:

Ham, String Beans, and Potatoes Recipe for 4 people

5 lbs of skinned diced potatoes

In large iron skillet – melt 1 stick of butter and fry potatoes on medium heat, turning every 5 minutes until about a third has been browned.  

Pull potatoes (place in a bowl) and add other stick of butter to the warm pan. Brown ham lightly and return potatoes – mixing gently. Add green beans to the top (do not mix!) and turn heat down to low.

Cover and simmer about 15 minutes.

Creative Commons Image by Jou Zeni from Pixabay