For those of us in the US, Thanksgiving is fast approaching. Less than two weeks away! I fully admit that this is my super favorite time of year.
The last four months of the year are an amazing time! September is full of embracing the fact that Fall is kicking off.
October is about taking joy in the leaves changing and the air getting cool.
November is all about Thanksgiving!
December is all about the holidays and enjoying loved ones.
My heart grows big during this time and I’m pretty much happy all of the time.
Thanksgiving I love because I love cooking. I get to cook a huge meal and prep and prepare for it all week long. For someone like me, where cooking is therapy, this is the best time of year!
I’m making my list and will go grocery shopping this week to pick up supplies. Next week I’ll pick up my turkey!
For those of you that are in Columbus, check out my friend Rachel’s post on where you can find local turkeys.
I have been cooking Thanksgiving dinners for Scott and I now over 10 years. That’s a lot of birds!
And stuffing!
What I’ve learned is that to cook and make all the traditional stuff that we grew up with, makes a lot of food. And for two people, it’s just too much and we would end up tossing leftovers. Not something I want! And really that’s not what the holiday is meant to be about, so over the years we’ve changed and evolved with the way we approach Thanksgiving.
Now both of us explore more and I try to bring new dishes or new ideas to the table.
Of course there will always be staples that we won’t go without:
- Mashed potatoes
- Gravy
- Stuffing
- Turkey
We will always have those but the variations might get tweaked a bit. I might bring different side dishes to the table and dessert is a little different as well.
This year I’m doing a Thanksgiving dinner with a nod to the South. I’m working on a different spicy brine for the turkey and I’ll be making a HUGE pot of collards for a side dish. I’m really excited about this meal!
We’ve learned over the years that less is more. Less components means more of a chance to enjoy the food and enjoy the moment. Along with enjoying leftovers!
We’ve also learned that it’s okay to let go of some traditions to be able to experience new things.
What’s Thanksgiving like for you?
Mom usually tends to make more food than is necessary, plus she likes making “fancy” things because she enjoys cooking. I think she’s planning on cornish game hens instead of one big turkey. Since I can take or leave meat, I’m opting out of the main course and focusing on the side dishes and bringing a warm dish of spelt berries, roasted sweet potato, and kale. I’m looking forward to the year when WE get to host the big meal.
Spicy brine sounds interesting! I’ve never had collards but have been wanting to try them.
Nicole, nice side dish addition!
You know that you can freeze the cooked turkey meat, stuffing and gravy right?
Heather, Yes I know that. I tried that before but found we never went back to it and the leftovers got freezer burnt and had to be tossed.
Cracker Barrel for us!! Keep us from going to MIL house.
Monica, Ha! Have you guys ever considered seeing if you could pre-order Thanksgiving dinner from Cracker Barrel? Then you could eat it at home and stay in your jammies!
I’m thinking of making my sweet n sour sweet potatoes to take to my sister’s place this T-day
Mike, oooh how do you make the sweet and sour sweet potatoes?!