Thanksgiving

I came across some interesting statistics about Thanksgiving while browsing the Librarians' Internet Index this week. The US Census Bureau publishes "Facts for Features," a collection of statistics intended to commemorate anniversaries or observances.

Here is a sample:

272 million - The preliminary estimate of turkeys raised in the United States in 2007. That’s up 4 percent from 2006. The turkeys produced in 2005 together weighed 7.2 billion pounds and were valued at $3.2 billion.Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov/

Find out which state grows the most sweet potatoes, and a lot more about Thanksgiving at Facts for Features.

Are you interested in holiday cooking as our ancestors did it? At Thanksgiving Recipes From America's Past (Pilgrim Hall Museum (Plymouth, Massachusetts) you will find "recipes for mince pie (1832), chestnut stuffing (1891), roast turkey with truffle gravy (1905), and a variety of pies and other holiday dishes. Recipes are accompanied by vintage illustrations."

Turkey for the Holidays , the University of Illinois Extension, is more information than I could imaging "including information on turkey cooking techniques, selection, carving, side dishes, nutrition, food safety, and using leftovers. Also features interesting trivia and facts about turkey and Thanksgiving, ideas for family activities and craft projects, and related links. "

You might want to check out the library cookbook section. We just might have that recipe you are looking for!

Or try some children's craft ideas at Best-Ever Thanksgiving.