Thanksgiving 2010

If you believe retailers, Thanksgiving is merely a speed bump on the way from Halloween to Christmas.  I find this sad.  This is the one day of the year to focus on the positive.  Wallow in it even.  Yes, I'm imaging myself in a bathtub sized gravy boat filled with gooey happiness.

I have plenty for which I'm thankful.  I could fill up this blog and totally bore you.  I'm not trying to be a braggart, just stating my case.  Top of my list is family and friends.  We've shared the laughs and tears, the bitching and beers.  My life would be less rich and not as interesting without them.

When I found out that Thanksgiving would just be with my parents, I decided to have them to my place.  I planned on ordering a cooked dinner from one of the many stores nearby.  Previous experience with this was very good.  But I changed my mind and decided to challenge myself with doing the cooking.  Yes, I do have fire extinguishers handy.

I got my recipes together and asked for some advice from others.  The menu was a 6 lb turkey breast, mashed potatoes, rolls and cranberry sauce.  Mom brought brussels sprouts, a salad and a pumpkin pie.  I outsourced an apple pie from a friend.  Realize that I've made it this far in life without ever making any of these items before.  Sure, I've helped in the kitchen but this time was all me.  I wonder why the cats are hiding?

Two days before Thanksgiving, I made the cranberry sauce and rolls.  I couldn't believe how easy real cranberry sauce is to make.  I was even feeling confident enough to add raisins to the mix.  It was a little sweet but good.  Making the rolls was more of a challenge.  I have fond memories of my bread maker.  The recipe detailed making shapes out of the dough so I gave those a try too.  In for a pound as they say.  Once done and cooled, I wrapped them and froze them.  I guess the fire blanket wasn't needed this time.

The confidence of my successes carried me through to Thanksgiving morning.  First, I had to put on my glasses to make sure the snow falling wasn't just my sleepy eyes.  It wasn't much and the temp kept it from laying.  I don't what type of omen this was but I didn't have time to think about it.  Bring on the bird!

Facing off against the turkey breast, I was prepared for a fight.  Rosemary, garlic, butter and paprika were to go between the skin and the meat.  The skin had to be pulled away to make that happen.  A very odd experience but I got the hang of it.  My mistake was not drying the bird.  Trying to apply a butter mix to a wet bird didn't fly.  (no wings)  My instructions were for slow roasting.  This means it cooks at 500 degrees for 30 mins and then 250 for about 2 hours.  It browns nicely and all the juices stay inside.

The mashed potatoes were easy as well.  I made a horseradish and parsley butter to go with it.  The butter tasted good on everything.  Now I own a ricer.  Yes, I had to look it up on the net.  I also checked out vids on chopping parsley and rosemary.  Laugh all you want but this geek knows his limitations.

I was so happy it all worked.  My folks showed up and we had a great time together.  I cancelled the reservation at the 'backup plan' and we stuffed ourselves silly.  My reward was a Victory Monkey on the Moon - half Golden Monkey and half Moonglow.  I sure am thankful.  -wallow-