what is elevenses?
(originally posted 24 November 2014, updated 16 October 2021)
I love to read. It is no secret. I like thought provoking and “heavy” reading and I like the entertaining escape reading of cosy mysteries. One mystery series heroine, Daisy who is always ready for a snack, is the curious sort “who falls over bodies” She struggles with the fashion for skinny flappers and wishes she had that sort of figure but likes food. She’s actually a healthy woman. Set in post WW1 Britain, the characters often have “elevenses”, midmorning break which also helps the plot move along.
Strictly speaking, it is a midmorning refreshment primarily consisting of biscuits or cookies as we Americans call them. When we lived in Germany years ago, many people stopped mid morning for a refreshment usually of a brotchen and cold cuts with cheese.
Our traditional thanksgiving morning
My family loves Thanksgiving! Coming together regardless of who host or whose house it is, we do enjoy the day.
Our Thanksgiving Day usually starts rather early. There is always coffee. Breakfast may or may not be cooked. By midmorning after making pies and cutting up veggies, and watching the parade, it is time for “elevenses” .
Pies and sweets are for later in the day. I usually have several appetizers set out for light refreshments in anticipation of THE meal. We did have a revolt against pies later in the day once so now, no one cares when a pie slice is served Read aboutthat here: https://bushelandapickle.com/pie-tyranny/
The refreshments were ham & swiss cheese on rolls arrangesd on my mom’s vintage tray.. I set out the condiments, plates and forks.
Appetizers for Elevenses
The girls had fun making the veggie turkey with Kathy, our friend! Do you remember it making the rounds last year? A “sure to make you smile” offering. Dips were Ranch and Linda dip. The special ingredient for that is Wishbone Russian Salad Dressing. You can substitute Catalina Dressing.
I used our dedsert Thanksgiving plates and gave you the Amazon link below. I also included one for a paper goods party set in the same pattern. nice paper goods can save you or someone a lot of dish washing!
Here is the very simple recipe! It’s the one in the pretty white bowl that is orange.
Linda’s Vegetable Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 small bottle Wishbone Russian dressing
- Substitution: Though Wishbone Russian more flavorful for this dip it can be hard to find. Use Catalina Dressing as a substitute.
Instructions
- Mix the 2 ingredients until blended throughly.
- Chill until serving.
- Serve with fresh raw veggies especially cauliflower! Great for any large gathering.
Okay, just in case anyone is wondering, there is a lot of grazing that goes on!
How does your Thanksgiving Day begin? Have you started planning yet?
Your awesome post has been featured on Full Plate Thursday,560 this week! Thanks so much for sharing with us and hope you come back soon!
Miz Helen
This sounds like the perfect way to kick off Thanksgiving! I can’t wait to try your dip recipe. We’re always looking for fun stuff to go with little nobbles. Hope your week has been a fun one, CoCo
Thanks CoCo. It’s been busy. You have a great week yourself.
Wow these all sound great for the holidays. I am looking for a dip and this one sounds delicious.
Your Turkey veggie platter is so cute and the dip sounds wonderful!
Thank you for visiting my blog, Linda!
Your elevenses turkey platter looks amazing!
Unfortunately, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving over here in our corner of the world.
Sadly we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here in South Africa and we all have so much to be thankful for, but that’s not going to stop me from trying your dip. I love easy recipes
This is one of my favorite words, as I am always hungry by eleven. xo Laura
It’s tough to wait for the ‘lunch’ hour!
Your elevenses turkey platter is a hoot; love it! Our Thanksgiving here in Canada is already passed; hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving Linda.
Thanks Sara! Maybe a snowman?
That dip sounds delicious. That’s a cute word. My bunch gets here too late for that, then they eat and we catch up on what everyone is doing, although some of them take naps, I don’t care it’s just good to spend time together.
Being together is wonderful. We play games, nap,watch games and talk. Often we have spent the night depending on whose house we go too. And of course eat.
Your easy dip recipe sounds really good!
easy and packed with a totally different flavor!
I’ve never heard of this word before but will have to start using it.