The problem with being a control freak/traditionalist/wannabe-foodie is that Thanksgiving is a whole lot of work. Of course it's a whole lot of fun too.
Page 3 out of my Thanksgiving "bible." It includes all my recipes, a shopping list and a weeklong countdown. They're mostly my Mom's recipes, but I've added the turkey brining and the to-die for pearl onion casserole. The French-style green beans with bacon sauteed in olive oil, butter and garlic are Grownup Girls own recipe and are heavenly.
The only thing I have to do on Thanksgiving Day is put the turkey in. My work is almost all done on Wednesday. GuG does the potatoes and green beans and Mr. Fix-it is the kitchen cleaning wizard.
Fruit and sausage stuffing may sound odd, but it sure does work.
Apple pies are even better when you peel the apples with the apple peeler/corer slicer.
A little something sweet to snack on.
Music Man's parents and sister have joined us for the last couple of years. My BIL and nephew will be here this year. Having gone through the stressful years of to-ing and fro-ing between my Mom's house and Mr. Fix-it's parents' house, I won't ever do that to my kids. Everyone is welcome here. As long as they let me (and my kids) do all the cooking. You just have to bring the Sparkling Cider and Champagne.
The Menu
Hor d'ourves
Mock Rhumaki (marinated water chestnuts wrapped in bacon)
Summer sausage, Vermont cheddar and crackers
Hot artichoke dip
Crudites with Dill Dip
Dinner
Turkey
Fruit and sausage stuffing
Fresh cranberry sauce
Waldorf salad
Pearl Onion Casserole
French-style green beans
Corn (the only thing that comes out of a can)
Mashed potatoes
Giblet Gravy
Olives
Rolls
The Desserts
Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Pie
Fresh whipped cream
After dinner game of choice
Scattergories
Happy Thanksgiving--may all your turkeys be moist!
I'm always happier doing everything myself. I'm not good at delegating.
This year it's just us, which makes it easier. Nothing's cooked yet, except the cranberry sauce.
But we're not eating till 5-6 so I have all day tomorrow.
Posted by: Smalltown Mom | November 27, 2008 at 01:15 AM
uh, slinking away into the depths of self-loathing, here. you rock. I am seriously jealous of your planning skills. I felt damn proud of myself making my pie crust one day ahead. Not kidding either.
I bet you won't ever have to worry about your kids going to "the other mom & dad's house"!
Posted by: phd in yogurtry | November 27, 2008 at 01:17 AM
You're a lot cheery than I am at this point, but maybe I've got all that angst. Ha!
Your menu sounds great! I'm making a cornbread stuffing this year. A new recipe with my own personal touches. I'm hoping for it to be scrumptious...
Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: JCK | November 27, 2008 at 01:22 AM
Can I come to your house instead of my sister's? The menu looks FABO!!
Happy Day, lovely lady!! :)
Posted by: Grandy | November 27, 2008 at 01:27 AM
Hot damn, lady. That is a SPREAD.
Happy Thanksgiving, Jenn!
Posted by: Melanie | November 27, 2008 at 01:36 AM
Your menu sounds perfect, I wish I could have some of your pearl onion casserole, that sounds delish!
Have a happy turkey day with your family!
Posted by: Carrie | November 27, 2008 at 01:38 AM
At times like this, I prefer to remind myself that everyone has different strengths. However, you seem to have ALL the strengths - parenting, teaching, organizing, cleaning, cooking...I think you absorbed my share of the last two :D
Enjoy the beautiful day you've designed!
Posted by: stephanie (bad mom) | November 27, 2008 at 04:43 AM
Wow! That is quite the spread. The idea of making more than one of those things would send me into a panic.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: jenrantsraves | November 27, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Oh my, do you ever invite bloggy friends from around the country?
Posted by: Jen on the Edge | November 27, 2008 at 08:37 AM
I am so you! Only this year we headed to friends and I am only in charge of the pies. It feels strange.
Enjoy all that good food and family. Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Mary Alice | November 27, 2008 at 08:51 AM
You know...if I move real fast I can get a bag packed and get to an airport and actually be there for a late dinner...or Friday for leftovers while everyone is out shopping. Leave a key where I can find it.
Thanks!
You and yours have an incredibly wonderful day!! I'm going now to find a towel to wipe up the drool from reading your post!!
Posted by: debbie | November 27, 2008 at 09:13 AM
:)
Posted by: gary | November 27, 2008 at 10:32 AM
I'll show up for the leftovers - those are always best, anyway.
Posted by: suburbancorrespondent | November 27, 2008 at 12:13 PM
With that spred you should have leftovers right up til Christmas. Can I get an invite fro around the 17th of December ;-D
Posted by: allmycke | November 27, 2008 at 12:25 PM
*spread*
Posted by: allmycke | November 27, 2008 at 12:25 PM
am i too late?? DId i miss the meal? Okay then, just mix me up a martini....
Posted by: vodkamom | November 27, 2008 at 07:34 PM
yum. leftovers?
Posted by: Just Jamie | November 27, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Recipe for Pearl Onion Casserole, please!
Hope everything tasted as good as it sounded. Ours was lovely!
Posted by: Manic Mommy | November 27, 2008 at 10:28 PM
We went simple here -- which is good, because I did all the food prep and cooking. Also? I don't have your planning and cooking skillz. Everything looks and sounds delicious!
I'm saving my T-day post for the WWC on Tuesday (words are ABUNDANCE and THANKS).
Posted by: kcinnova | November 28, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Wow! Seriously, I ate Koo Koo Roos! What's your address? Next year, I'm coming to YOUR HOUSE! Yummy!
Posted by: Shelia | November 28, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Holy cow, this looks amazing!
Posted by: Jason | November 28, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Sounds very yummy
Posted by: Angela | November 28, 2008 at 09:48 PM
The pearl onion casserole sounds great - would you like to post (or email) the recipe???
Posted by: magpie | November 28, 2008 at 09:49 PM