Wednesday is the big cooking day, where I put most dishes together to go into the oven on Thursday morning.
Here's what I did:
1. Brined the turkey.
2. Picked up the pies. I got a pumpkin pie and a chess pie, which is the closest thing to pecan pie that the bakeries around here make. If I ever break down and make my own pies, it'll be because I can't get pecan any other way. Anyhoo...
3. Froze the vanilla ice cream. Too bad I didn't think to take pictures. It always looks so cool when it's churning.
4. Finished the gravy.
Altogether, it took me the better part of a day - spread out over yesterday and today - to finish off the gravy. On the plus side, that's my pretty orange Le Creuset dutch oven, absolutely brimming with gravy. There'll be no shortage of gravy in my house, people.5. Made the stuffing.
I made two pans: one with sausage and one without. I'll pop them in the oven when the turkey comes out. I take several shortcuts with my stuffing, including using packaged breadcrumbs, and this cool package of fresh onions, celery and herbs, already chopped. Sure, I've made my own from scratch before, but it's a lot of trouble, and it really isn't all that much better than this way. So, I save myself some trouble and people still love it.
I made two pans: one with sausage and one without. I'll pop them in the oven when the turkey comes out. I take several shortcuts with my stuffing, including using packaged breadcrumbs, and this cool package of fresh onions, celery and herbs, already chopped. Sure, I've made my own from scratch before, but it's a lot of trouble, and it really isn't all that much better than this way. So, I save myself some trouble and people still love it. 6. Assembled the casseroles.
First, there's my mom's famous candied yams (or sweet potato casserole, take your pick of names - it's all delicious).
First, there's my mom's famous candied yams (or sweet potato casserole, take your pick of names - it's all delicious).
Then, good ole green bean casserole, complete with french fried onions. 7. Made dough for sausage balls.
These will be the only appetizer tomorrow. I don't usually do apps with such a big meal, but a while back I had a party where I served these. One of the guests, D, was on a restricted diet at the time, and couldn't eat them. She told me she's thought of them ever since. So, they're on the menu for her tomorrow.
These will be the only appetizer tomorrow. I don't usually do apps with such a big meal, but a while back I had a party where I served these. One of the guests, D, was on a restricted diet at the time, and couldn't eat them. She told me she's thought of them ever since. So, they're on the menu for her tomorrow.I made the dough and will pop them in the oven when the guests arrive. Fortunately, the recipe (which I'll post soon) makes a ton, so I made some for Bailey and I tonight.
8. Set the table.
More specifically, watched Bailey set the table. It's her one job every year, and as you can see, she tackles it with artistic flair.
More specifically, watched Bailey set the table. It's her one job every year, and as you can see, she tackles it with artistic flair.9. Took a walk along the seawall at sunset.
If I needed a reminder of everything I have to be thankful for, this was it...
If I needed a reminder of everything I have to be thankful for, this was it...Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Happy Thanksgiving to you Jenna, to Bailey (beautiful table setting!) and to your loved ones! Enjoy the wonderful meal you so lovingly put together. I'm thankful to have you as part of our CX team.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you too, Marisa! I feel the same way about being part of the team. :)
ReplyDelete