Thanksgiving Review

Thanksgiving is behind us, though not completely; there are still some leftovers hanging about--7 desserts is about five too many (my in-laws got a little carried away, though we all appreciated what they brought.)  But we already looking forward to the next holiday.

Yep, my birthday!

Oh, and that other December holiday.

But I want to take a few minutes to look back over Thanksgiving, specifically the meal, though not exclusively (see recipes here and here):

• the brie was too strong and it's still not the ideal appetizer for this group--keep working on this (should've gone with the popcorn idea);
• but the pecans were a great success--I liked the candied ones with the balsamic better than the glazed with the sour cream; the Mashuga Nuts that Mama brought were good, too;
• deboning that turkey really is the fastest and, for us, best way to go;
• extra gravy is required (1/2 cup oil + 1/2 cup flour + 8 cups stock);
• we LOVED the sorta-homemade green bean casserole--the portabello mushrooms were so good;
• there was too much vanilla in the sweet potato crunch casserole--cut that in half, add orange juice and cinnamon (we already added about a teaspoon)--it works well with both the crunch and the marshmallows--even Bud liked them;  and the real baked yams made it extra special;
• dressing--more cornbread; McCormick's poultry seasoning is stronger than Penzey's; 
• LIME JELLO SALAD!!!
• rolls are really only good the day of;
• extra horseradish in the NPR cranberry sauce--I added about an extra teaspoon or so, accidentally, and Mama loved it;
• we all liked the apple butter pumpkin pie--the apple butter gave it a zesty tang;
• and, finally, I think my favorite dish of the day was the whole stuffed and baked pumpkin with custard--it was subtle and delicious (Goo thought it needed more sugar).
• We are always eat an hour, almost exactly, from when I thought we would, and that's ok.

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving, especially with all of Goo's help in the kitchen day of, and all of the kids' help leading up to the day.  We relaxed, played inside and out (in both places with new remote-control cars--this kept the kiddos out from under foot, except when the cars veered into the kitchen), and were thankful for family, health, and happiness.  What more could we possibly want?