Merciful God, You are great in compassion and Your tenderness for us is without measure. We ask You to give us today our daily bread, and also provide for the needs of all of Your hungry children around the world. Through Christ Your Son and Our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Thanksgiving Day Menu

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For the past week I have chosen to be in denial that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Not only is Thanksgiving an awful lot of work, and I am marginally feeling up to it, but then comes Advent and then...you know.

People have always said, "if you have your health, you have everything." But, I always had my health, and so I ignored them. Lately, with a few health issues, not serious, but annoying, I am realizing how true those words are. It is hard to get "up" for gargantuan tasks like Thanksgiving dinner when all you want to do it sleep, or at very the least, sit with your feet up.

I am making an attempt to put one foot in front of the other (and nothing more) by posting my Thanksgiving menu today. I am excited about the dishes I have planned, and I know that next week my energy level will be improved by a cooking and cleaning schedule and the knowledge that family is on their way from out of town.

Last year I decided to roast my turkey breast-side down (a la Simply Recipes) and it was really fabulous. I smooshed rosemary butter under the skin on the back, thighs and leg and I plan to use more rosemary this year and put it under the side breast skin as well. Yum! (The basic roasted turkey recipe is here -- except for the Rosemary butter part.) I am really glad I did a Turkey Postmortem last year and now I know how many potatoes to make and which sides we liked, and not to make a big Chocolate Pumpkin Cake with all those pies my mom bakes. I would like to use some rosemary infused butter in my mashed potatoes, but I'm afraid there would be a revolt. These folks that I cook for pretty much like it the same way every year.



Thanksgiving Dinner

Autumn Sangria
Cheese and fruit platter
Spicy Nuts

Rosemary Buttered Turkey and Giblet Gravy
Sausage Stuffing
Mom's Stuffing
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potato Souffle
Plantation Green Beans
Bacon Corn
Cranberry Relish
Cranberry Sauce
Poppy Seed rolls
Pumpkin Corn Bread
St. Francis Chardonnay

Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie
Apple Crumble Pie
Chocolate pilgrim hats


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2 comments:

Anne said...

Boy, do I ever understand what you're saying about having your health! I usually have my health, too, so I didn't mind the saying much either. But first trimester sickness always makes me grateful all over again for my health.
Good for you for putting together such a delicious holiday menu in spite of it all. I'm going to someone else's house. ;o)

Barbara said...

You're a smart girl, Anne! If I could just get all my family to go somewhere else... ;-)