Happy Thanksgiving!

Here we go, wheeeee! The turkey is herb-buttered and officially in the oven, I repeat, officially in the oven (we're eating at 4:00 so I just put it in, at noon). Salad is a go (nice thing about cabbage salad - improves by tossing with dressing a couple of hours ahead). Brownie "pie" is a go (just need to whip cream). Cranberries are a go. Gravy base is a go (to be finished with pan juices). Challah is just completing its first rise, should be ready for the oven in about 40 minutes. Stuffing will go in when turkey comes out. I'll start roasting the potatoes at around 3:00. Pretty relaxing, so far, I can't complain. Next step is set the table. Achieve some form of exercise - absolutely outside, it's a gorgeous day. Shower and pretty myself up a bit. Watch a movie (and enjoy a little popcorn) with the fam. And otherwise cruise until serving time when things always get a bit, uh, hectic.

How's it going for you? Are you relaxed or stressing a bit? I'm thinking of you all and hoping you're having FUN (it's supposed to be fun, remember?) and enjoying the day! I'll check back in with serving photos later this evening. Until then...

Oy. I'm full. Whew. But I really enjoyed it, all of it. The turkey was crisp and juicy. The gravy was particularly delicious this year. I have quite a bit left and am going to freeze it - it will make a gorgeous sauce in the future. I froze half of the challah too - nice breakfast treat in a couple of weeks. I may end up freezing stuffing too... I hardly needed the brownie for dessert, but of course had a (small) slice anyhow. Definitely put me over, oh well! Worth it!

Nathan and I just had a very nice post-dinner walk around the neighborhood, that should help with the ol' digestion. I asked him what he would make for Thanksgiving if he were cooking dinner and he said...pizza. I definitely go through the motions mostly for myself, because I enjoy the planning and cooking as much as - or more than - actually eating the meal! I could take it or leave it when I was a kid too. Until I went to college and then, oh man, I was craving a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, fantasizing about it, in fact. That's what dorm food will do to a girl!

In the end, a great day. Loved the prep, loved the meal, loved the day with the kids and John. Totally relaxed, ahhh, and now I'm heading for bed! Sleep well, my fellow Thankful Tryptophan Trippers. Zzzzzzz...