Home Keeping: Preparing For Thanksgiving

 We host Thanksgiving every year.  It is such a joy to do so.  I love having family and friends join us for this day that we set aside to focus on Thankfulness.

I always slow roast my turkey so that it is perfect every time.  This will not give you a picture perfect bird, but it will give you super moist meat that is falling off the bones and the moistest breast meat you've ever tasted.

This holiday is all about the meal for us, so we love to have a real feast!  Turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry salad, rolls.  And pies.  Pumpkin, Apple, Chocolate Surprise, my Mom's pumpkin roll.

 I learned to make stuffing as a girl.  My grandma taught me.  We would use bread that had been dried out for a few days, and add sautéed onions and celery, sage, poultry seasoning, salt, some broth, and a few eggs.  Delicious.  I still make it the same way.

 I love to set a beautiful table.   Candles in silver candelabras, cloth napkins, beautiful dishes, and flatware.  Crystal glassware.

We usually do it buffet style, so that the people at the table are not crowded with the food.  I have a 9 foot counter that works perfectly for this.  

For drinks we will do sparkling grape juice, and cider.  And of course coffee and tea.

I am cooking the turkeys, and Emma likes to do the mashed potatoes.  We'll roast the sweet potatoes too.  My Mama always brings turkey too, the cranberry salad, pumpkin roll and pumpkin pie.  My in laws are bringing  green bean casserole and apple pie.  Nate and Kay will provide drinks and cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls.  We all do some and then no one is overwhelmed.

We will feast and laugh and be thankful.

I'm looking forward to it.