Afternoon everyone….

And

Happy Thanksgiving…..

Yesterday’s hard work paid off today. All of the preparation that I was able to accomplish has made for a much easier day today. So far that is, but I’m pretty much over the hump on the harder stuff.

I’ve been up since 5:00am, which is actually much later than normal for me. I’m usually in the shop or loading up by 5:00am each day. But it gave me the chance to get a few things done.

Currently my cornbread stuffing is in the oven, along with a fresh green bean casserole (which I don’t like, but my mother and uncle love it). I don’t make it the way most do though. I don’t use frozen green beans and I don’t use canned cream of mushroom soup either. I sauté my fresh string beans first, then I let them steam in the pan with a lid on, while I sauté up a variety of mushrooms in shallots and garlic. I then make a roux and then add a mixture of butter, milk and cream. Put it all together in casserole dish, top it with the frizzled onions and freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese and bake.

The Turkey is seasoned and ready to go as well. I fry up fresh sage leaves and thyme then insert it inside the Turkey cavity. I also slide a few pats of butter and some fried sage leaves under the skin of the Turkey breast.

The only thing left once the Turkey goes in the oven will be the mashed potatoes and the pan drippings gravy to be done.

While the Turkey is cooking, I will be watching some football. There are three games on the slate today. The Lions (who always play on Thanksgiving) are playing a division rival Chicago Bears first. Then the Dallas Cowboys (Who also always play on Thanksgiving) are playing an arch rival New York Giants. I’m a Cowboy fan, but both these teams suck this year. I believe the Cowboys will win but they aren’t any good this year. The night cap is the Miami Dolphins playing in the frozen tundra of Lambo Field against the Green Bay Packers.

Dinner will be around 3:00pm our time.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving….