Cary Spotlight | Issue #402

Top 7 Dishes Gracing Thanksgiving Tables, Stella the Hero, Don’t Let Bacteria Ruin Your Thanksgiving

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

📰 The Top 7 Dishes Gracing Thanksgiving Tables

📰 Stella the Hero: Dog’s Quick Action Saves Family From Blaze

📰 Don’t Let Bacteria Ruin Your Thanksgiving—Essential Food Safety Tips

📷 Favorite Things: Autumn in Cary, NC

🎁13 Amazon Black Friday Deals: Just added - Premium Gifts Category

🏈 College Football Clash: UNC vs NC State

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses: Cary Spotlight Directory

📅 Lots Of Events This Week (The Week at a Glance)

Question: What mountain range separates Europe from Asia?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Discover Bee Banhmi, a local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store. Great food made with quality ingredients.

“Dined with you today and had forgotten how fresh your ingredients are and how tasty the food is! Thanks for making me feel like I am visiting Family when I come in to eat. Friendly staff welcomes you in and eagerly share their knowledge about the choices to ensure you get exactly what you want/need! Love Bee BanhMi!” ~Lorraine Cross

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The Top 7 Dishes Gracing
Thanksgiving Tables

Over the past five decades, Thanksgiving menus have gracefully evolved, intertwining cherished traditions with contemporary culinary trends. While the centerpiece—a succulent roasted turkey—remains a constant, side dishes have seen notable transformations, reflecting both regional preferences and modern tastes.

Top 7 Thanksgiving Dishes Over the Last 50 Years:

  1. Roasted Turkey: The quintessential main course, often prepared with various techniques such as brining or deep-frying to enhance flavor and juiciness.

  2. Stuffing (or Dressing): A savory blend of bread, herbs, and aromatics like celery and onions, this dish is indispensable for complementing the turkey.

  3. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, mashed potatoes serve as a comforting staple, often enriched with garlic or cheese variations.

  4. Cranberry Sauce: This sweet-tart condiment, made from fresh cranberries, provides a refreshing contrast to the savory elements of the meal.

  5. Green Bean Casserole: A harmonious mix of green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, this dish has become a beloved classic since its inception in the 1950s.

  6. Sweet Potato Casserole: Featuring mashed sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows or a pecan streusel, this dish offers a delightful sweet note to the feast.

  7. Pumpkin Pie: A spiced, creamy filling encased in a flaky crust, pumpkin pie remains the definitive dessert of Thanksgiving celebrations.

These dishes not only highlight the enduring favorites of Thanksgiving but also showcase the adaptability of the holiday menu, embracing new flavors while honoring time-honored recipes.

Just curious…

Thanksgiving Side Dish Showdown! 🍽️

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Stella the Hero: Dog’s Quick Action
Saves Family From Blaze

In the quiet community of Browns Summit, North Carolina, a normal morning took a life-altering turn for Kevin Klee. On November 15, Klee was working in the basement of his home when his dog, Stella, a King Shepherd, began barking. But this wasn’t her usual warning bark—it was tentative and urgent, enough to make Klee stop what he was doing and investigate.

Moments later, he discovered thick, black smoke billowing from his garage, a sight that sent him rushing to secure Stella’s safety. As he grabbed her leash and exited the house, an explosion erupted behind them, signaling the fire’s intensity. By the time first responders arrived, the flames had consumed much of the home, leaving behind only devastation.

Despite the loss of property, Klee counts his blessings. Thanks to Stella’s quick actions, everyone—his wife, his beloved dog, and himself—escaped unharmed. While they’ve temporarily relocated to their daughter’s home, the family is finding solace in what matters most: their safety and the irreplaceable memories they managed to save.

With Thanksgiving approaching, Klee reflects on how close he came to losing everything. His gratitude for Stella, a true guardian angel, is unwavering.
Read Full Report 

Don’t Let Bacteria Ruin Your Thanksgiving—Essential Food Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is a time to savor delicious meals and enjoy the company of loved ones, but without proper food safety practices, it could also bring an unwelcome guest: foodborne illness. Experts stress the importance of proper food storage, preparation, and cleanliness to ensure your holiday is both joyful and safe.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, foodborne illnesses affect millions each year, with common culprits like salmonella posing heightened risks during the holidays. Simple precautions, such as managing refrigerator space and preventing cross-contamination, can help keep harmful bacteria at bay.

Top Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving Feast:

  • Refrigerator Organization:

    • Use the top shelf for cold dishes, such as salads, desserts, and appetizers.

    • Store make-ahead casseroles and sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing on the middle shelf, ready to reheat.

    • Keep raw meats like turkey or ham on the bottom shelf, still in their original packaging and placed on a tray to catch drippings.

  • Avoid Cross-Contamination:

    • Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry or meat.

    • Use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw and ready-to-eat foods.

    • Clean and sanitize countertops and cooking tools after prepping raw ingredients.

  • Time and Temperature Management:

    • Plan your cooking schedule to ensure all dishes are cooked to safe temperatures.

    • A turkey is safe to eat when its internal temperature, measured at the thickest part of the breast and stuffing, reaches 165°F.

  • Clean as You Go:

    • Start the day with a clean kitchen, and sanitize surfaces and utensils between tasks to reduce bacterial growth.

By following these practical tips, you can enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving without the worry of foodborne illness. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping the holiday both delicious and safe. Read Full Report

Autumn in Cary, NC

Favorite Things Entry by Gus Zimmerman (Cary Spotlight Subscriber)

13 Amazon Black Friday Deals:
Updated List

Looking for the best Black Friday deals without the hassle? Cary Spotlight has done the hard work for you, curating a list of 13 must-have Amazon deals that deliver big savings. From KitchenAid mixers to YETI drinkware and Ninja air fryers, these picks combine unbeatable discounts with rave reviews that are on sale now. Don’t miss your chance to snag these top-rated products before they sell out!

The University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels and the North Carolina State (NC State) Wolfpack are scheduled to play their final regular-season game against each other on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 3:30 PM Eastern Time at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

🏈 College Football Clash: UNC v NC State

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Support Local Businesses

Cary, NC! Know local business that would love a free listing on our new Cary Spotlight Directory? It's a community resource website for newcomers and long-time residents. Let them know they they must apply to join our directory. We are adding local businesses, charities and Veterans Organizations. Learn more are our Cary Spotlight Directory

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Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

November 28th (Thursday) 🦃 HAPPY THANKSGIVING

November 29th (Friday)

November 30th (Saturday)

December 1st (Sunday)

December 2nd (Monday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

The Ural Mountains form a natural boundary between Europe and Asia, stretching approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the steppes of Kazakhstan in the south.

These ancient mountains are rich in natural resources, including minerals and forests, and have played a significant role in the geography and history of the region. The Urals are also known for their diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged peaks to rolling hills.

For more information, visit Britannica's entry on the Ural Mountains.