It’s been a few days since I sat down and visited with you guys….I had my hands full to say the least. I hope you all had a truly wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by good food, beloved family and great friends. We had a lovely Thanksgiving that went off almost problem free….
You see every year I order a fresh pastured turkey from Whole foods. I really don’t care for a frozen turkey and go out of my way to have a fresh bird. This year was no exception. I ordered my turkey almost a month in advance and paid $3.00 per pound for my fresh turkey. Many of you saw my prep list. No where on it did you see defrost a turkey.
I had so many errands to run I picked up the turkey, put it in the cooler and ran all over town as holidays require us to do. I was well into my food prep before I realized the expensive deluxe turkey I went out of my way for was frozen solid!!!!! It was too late to take it back or find a place for another turkey. I was stuck with this bird that was hard as a rock!!!!
I was furious! I knew I would go and deal with those Whole Foods folks after the holiday but I was still left with THIS bird. I really was upset. We prepared the turkey and roasted it but the truth is I found it a little tough. So much work to make all the trimmings and the star of the show the turkey was not as perfect as it should have been. Sigh. I’m whining. Please forgive me. Don’t worry…first thing Friday morning I was back at whole foods demanding a full refund. I had my refund in 5 minutes flat.
We made a few changes to the final menu….(that always happens). I made an apple cranberry tart instead of the dutch apple tart. I added a bacon bread crumb topping to the creamed pearl onions (and a splash of sherry). We roasted the brussels sprouts in the left over bacon fat (instead of brown butter). We added brown butter and capers to the white asparagus. I think that’s all we changed. We had yummy food and lots of laughs.
I really did try to clean up as we went but as usual…by the end of the event the place was a wreck. I sent everyone to bed and stayed up to restore order to my world. It took me until after 1am to get it all done. You ever have your feet hurt so much it raises your blood pressure? I’m telling you that by the time I went to bed my feet were aching so badly my heart was pounding. No matter….it was worth it. My family had a great time. That’s all I wanted.
Now we are getting ready for Christmas!!!!!! All the Fall decorations are down and in the morning they will be sent back up to the attic where they will wait for another year to pass. The Christmas stuff will be going up tomorrow!!!! I am truly excited. Tonight we have eggnog topped with whipped cream. The kids have hot chocolate topped with marshmallows. We watch the polar express together. My recipes are out and waiting to be put into the order they will be made in. I can’t wait!!!!!!! I live for this time of year. I’m preheating my oven. It may not be turned off until January. I am so excited!
By the way, Penelope the pig is adjusting very well. She may just be the sweetest animal in the world (please don’t tell Daisy the goat…she may never forgive me). That pig is so much fun….we are thrilled to have her. The feel of her nose on my cheek is my very favorite thing.
I went out to kiss Daisy a little extra just from the guilt. She may think I am being a little extra needy right now…she doesn’t need to know I’ve been seeing other farm animals…not yet.
With that I am off to organize my recipes so I can let you all know what recipes are coming. Oh what fun we will have….
Here are a few pictures that I remembered to take before things got so busy I forgot…
Pumpkin pie
Apple Pound Cake (before the Apple cider drizzle…I forgot to take an after shot)
Apple Cranberry Tart with Streusel Top…..YUM!!!!!
Spinach and Feta Cups….These are so good! I never seem to be able to make enough of them.
This years table setting…I was into pine cones this year….The candles are in mason jars…..
Have a wonderful holiday weekend!!!!! May your shopping be merry and bright and on sale!!!!!
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Sounds wonderful! Your table and all the food shown looks professional. I hope you’ve shared the recipes!
Thank you so much!!! I love pine cones…they look great and couldn’t be easier. I love our china and crystal…and silver. The china Hubby and I found at an antique store and fell in love with it. The crystal and silver belonged to my in-laws. We are thrilled to have it. Happy start to the Christmas season
I thought about you yesterday. I wondered if you had collapsed. I was thinking you were taking down all your fall stuff and getting ready for your CHRISTMas stuff. Yeppers, I was right!!!
Your food and table look beautiful!!
I kind of did collapse. I was just played out flat. I am back on my feet and already lighting my christmas candles and getting geared up. I cannot tell you how much I love this time of year. It’s impossible for me to be in a bad mood…ok maybe not impossible but it’s much harder to get me there.
I love that pig, poop and all!!! Thank yu for sharing that amazing little creature:)
She already misses you!!!! Each day she gets more comfortable here. We are having a ball with her. I will make sure you see her soon. I promise!!
P.S. You were an amazing sport when it came to that pig poop!!!
I love your table it looked lovely. Of course no thanksgiving dinner to cook here in the UK (phew)but I did sacrifice a pumpkin for a pie! Lol. It was very nice but maybe I put abit too much rum in it..hiccup. The perils of using a new untried recipe!
LOL Thats so true!!! Sometimes I take a risk and it does’t quite cut it but hey…it’s only food. Wait until you see how much booze I put into my liquor cakes!!! I give them as gifts and they are very VERY popular. They are adults only cakes
I wish you a wonderful start to the holiday season 
We had a wonderful time and great dinner. You pulled it off beautifully, I had no idea that you had to scramble to get the bird ready. It turned out great.
Thanks Mom