Over the river and through the woods

[image via bon appetit]

does anyone's turkey ever really look like this?

Thanksgiving. I have a vague recollection of what it tasted like, felt like before I moved away. My mom's mashed potatoes and savory gravy, stuffing with apples and dried fruit, steamed fresh veggies, her wedding china on a tablecloth made by my great grandmother, the jell-o salad I don't like, my brother's jokes, watching the parade on TV while preparing the food and listening to Christmas music while cleaning up together. All part of the foggy memories. It's the kind of holiday associated with family, and I haven't enjoyed it with my own family since senior year of High School. In college, it was too near Christmas break to justify a plane ticket. After college, work and budget limitations prevented me. Now my schedule is more flexible, but a 3rd plane ticket is required and Thanksgiving travel headaches would surely be compounded by a toddler. At least by my toddler.

Since our engagement many years ago we've spent all but one Thanksgiving with B's kind family in Cache Valley. Last year we ended up eating out--which we thoroughly enjoyed--because B caught a nasty cold the day before. This year, it looks like I might be hosting the in-laws at our own house. I'm rather looking forward to it, actually. Low key with plenty of simple food, a little football and maybe, just maybe, a nap!

The jello-free menu:

Roast Turkey (courtesy of Grandma Krissy)

Stuffing with sausage, apples, and dried cherries

Mashed potatoes with savory giblet gravy

Sweet potatoes, baked, with cinnamon honey butter

Fresh spinach salad with vinaigrette

Homemade dinner rolls (courtesy of Grandma Krissy)

Cinnamon-orange cranberries

Sparkling Beverage

And for dessert consideration:

Lion House Cranberry Crunch

Steamed Carrot Pudding (new to me, but apparently a very old fashioned, very beloved dessert probably deserving of a post all it's own.)

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

If both of these desserts fail, after all, I'll be baking them, Grandma Krissy will be getting a Pumpkin Pie from Costco on her way. Let us give thanks for such blessings ;)