Snacks (brought by the guests) during the Packers-Lions game. (We are Wisconsinites originally, so go figure the odds.) Then, Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans almondine, califlower/broccoki mix with parm cheese sauce, fruit salad, home made cranberry relish, at least 5 kinds of pie and coffee. We take a couple of hours to rest and visit between dinner and dessert. During that time my BIL also strips the turkey carcass and assembles the soup pot (Which is a huge lobster pot) to make the basis for future turkey noodle soup. That's a big family tradition that is one of many that has helped inspire the young men of the family to see cooking as something that real men do. So too is the one about the young men peeling 10 lbs of potatoes during halftime of the football game, lol. Even the single male guests have been inspired and bring home made appetizers!
We "cook big" so that guests can all take home the makings of a "turkey lurky" dinner, complete with pie, gravy, etc. My sister and I have been co-cooking Thanksgiving dinner for nearly 30 years now. Lots of work, but also lots of satisfaction.
I hope that all of you have happy rituals for the holiday. If you are alone, please go out into the world, to a senior center or a shelter, to share with others.
Based in MD, near DC
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