Mama's Turkey Trot

My late beloved mother had four daughters (no sons). Even after we were married and had families, she invited us to her home for the traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Mama insisted on doing everything herself. (And nobody was allowed to bring anything for the dinner either.)

I telephoned Mama around 9:30 Thanksgiving morning. "Hello, Mama," I said. "What are you doing?"

In that sweet sarcastic tone so typical of Jewish mothers, she replied, "What am I doing?"....I'm dencing!" (She said it like that with her dialect.)

"Are you alone, Mama?" I asked solicitously.

"No.....," she replied. "I've got en orchestra!"

Somehow, between numbers, she managed to get those Thanksgiving feasts and thousands of other meals on our table.

Cucumber Vichyssoise

INGREDIENTS

3 medium-sized cucumbers (do not peel)
1 quart heavy sour cream
Cold water to thin to desired consistency (about 3/4 cup)
2 tablespoons Spice Island dill weed or finely chopped fresh dill weed
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons finely minced green onions, optional

Grate cucumbers, skin and all, by hand (do not put in a blender!), using coarsest side of old-fashioned side type of four-sided grater. (Watch your knuckles!) Stir in sour cream. Stir in cold water to desired consistency. Add salt, pepper, onions and dill weed. Chill for several hours. Serve in chilled bowls. To garnish, a sprig of fresh parsley or an additional touch of dill weed can be added to each cup before serving.

Serves 6 to 8