Tomorrow I'll have both of my brothers here to visit! This is a rare occasion and one that I'm looking forward to with great anticipation. I only wish my sister could be here as well, but she's currently working out of state. That would be such a treat for my mom to have all four of her children together. I hope we can make that happen very soon.
As for the day's feast; of course I cooked like I was feeding an army! Only seven people for dinner (the least number of people to feed at a holiday gatherng ever in my history), but I had enough food for at least twice that! I just don't know how to scale back for a holiday meal. Here's the menu:
Herb Roasted Turkey (nearly 19 lbs. and rubbed with a compound butter with roesmary, thyme, and sage with the butter also gently placed underneath the breast skin)
Spiral-Cut Ham with a Mango Chutney/Spiced Cranberry Glaze (10 1/2 lbs.)
Broccoli-Cheese Casserole
Creamy Fried Confetti Corn
Brulee'd Sweet Potato Gratin
Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Cornbread Dressing (courtesy of my sis-in-law)
Mashed Potatoes (courtesy of my sis-in-law)
Mashed Turnips (courtesy of my sis-in-law)
The Best Gravy Ever!
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake
Mincemeat pie
Caramel Apple Cake
Lastly, I am so thankful for my extended family, many of which I am so late in getting to know but am enjoying every minute of it - I see our interests and humor resonating throughout our every communication. We just can't deny our DNA!
To my friends: I have known many of you for most of my life and I am so grateful for the technogically that has made it possible for us to catch up with one another. To my more recent friends...thank you! I've not known you that long but you have been put in my life for a reason and I am grateful and so very blessed to call you all "friend."
May God bless you during this time of thanks and beyond!
~Trish
