Traditional Turkey Day

Well, the menu was predictable but I still think it's appropriate to discuss what is arguably the most important meal of the year- Thanksgiving Dinner!



A couple of weeks prior to the feast, we had an informal meeting to discuss the menu. Last year it was just my parents and I, and we went against tradition by making boeuf bourguignon, Julia Child's recipe (and when I say "we", I mean my mother). It was amazing and deserving of its own post. That dish was suggested again this year, but since the nephew was with us this year, we opted for traditional fare. Turkey, mashed potatoes, squash, stuffing, cranberry sauce. My dad had other suggestions, but since we knew he was going to sit on his ass all day and not contribute anything to the meal, he was denied some of his more elaborate and work intensive requests.

I was actually allowed to contribute some elements this year, which is unusual. My ideas are often frowned upon or dismissed so that my mother can make the whole meal and then play the martyr because she did all the work...one of those covert family traditions. I arrived at the parents' house around 9:30am to watch the Macy's parade. Around 10:30am, I started making mimosas- my idea, and a huge hit. Later we enjoyed the appetizers I was allowed to provide. Ruffles and dip- a slacker classic and crowd pleaser. I also brought a cheese tray. The three cheeses I selected where a dill havarti, smoked gouda, and a champagne cheddar (yay giant Wegmans cheese department). Again, pretty pleased with myself, I got good feedback on my contributions. Maybe next year I'll be allowed to heat somthing in the oven, but I'm not holding my breath.

The main meal was the best I can remember. The turkey was perfectly juicy. My mother's mashed potatoes still remain my favorite (and the only ones I would eat for the first 25 years of my life). We had enough delicious gravy for a family of 15. The stuffing was made from scratch and the best I've ever had. I avoid the squash because I don't like it, and I don't eat cranberry sauce because I don't like fruit mixed with things, but Thanksgiving dinner is not complete without the can shaped jelly burped out into a formal serving vessel.

Although every bite was delicious, I have never in my life been compelled to stuff my face on Thanksgiving and did not do so this year. One moderately sized helping was enough for me. The other tradition in our family is that my father will keep eating until my mother rolls her eyes so hard at him that it looks like they'll never be able to focus properly again. I think he finally stopped after about 3 plates, and probably only because he knew dessert was still on the way (and I saw him eat some of my nephew's neglected turkey and stuffing when he was clearing the table).

Dessert, compliments of yours truly, was a pumkin cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory. I may not actually cook any of the things I bring, but I know how to shop for stuff other people make. I dare say the dessert was the perfect finish. Nephew, who did not finish his dinner, was still allowed to eat dessert in the spirit of the holiday. I'm pretty sure it was the best Thanksgiving dinner I've had, and the most tolerable 10 hours I've spent with my family. I'm very thankful for that. And for mimosas.