We were going to be alone for Thanksgiving....and I was sad because it's my favorite meal of the year to cook.
So, I quietly inquired around the neighborhood and found three people, Ana (from Brazil) and Bill & Sharon (from Indianapolis) who didn't have plans and asked if they would like to join us since I was planning to cook. Not surprisingly, all accepted without hesitation...LOL Ana has been here for other meals and really enjoys getting together with people but is somewhat shy until she gets to know you ~ then everyone has a great time. Sharon, a 'self described' non-cook (she says she hates to cook and doesn't understand anyone who really enjoys the task) was so fast to accept the offer it almost took me by surprise. She had no thought that she would or should consult with her husband, knowing full well that he loves to eat and would be thrilled with the offer of a home-cooked holiday meal.
So, I've gotten as far as picking up a nice 11 lb. Honeysuckle White turkey.
I'm planning on making some hot crab dip with crackers and olive tapanade (bought at the Olive Store in Myrtle Beach) as well as a dish or two of mixed olives to nosh on before dinner.
Dinner is planned (unless I change my mind about something): Roast Turkey, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Roasted Sweet Potato quarters (can't decide if I should just bake and cut or make mashed and re-stuff the shells), Green Beans with Shitake Mushroom Cream and Crispy Onions, Roasted Cauliflower, Cranberry Relish (home-made) and Cranberry Jelly (from the can), Grandma's 5-Ingredient Salad w/Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple Tidbits, Coconut, Marshmallows & Sour Cream and Pumpkin Pie and Apple Crostata for dessert.
I thought 5 or 6 was the perfect number for a nice holiday dinner.....large enough to have a few 'special' side dishes but not too many so I'll stress about where they will sit and if I have enough dishes and glassware. My days of do holiday dinners for 12 or 15 is over. I'll leave that chore to my 'cooking' daughter!
So, I quietly inquired around the neighborhood and found three people, Ana (from Brazil) and Bill & Sharon (from Indianapolis) who didn't have plans and asked if they would like to join us since I was planning to cook. Not surprisingly, all accepted without hesitation...LOL Ana has been here for other meals and really enjoys getting together with people but is somewhat shy until she gets to know you ~ then everyone has a great time. Sharon, a 'self described' non-cook (she says she hates to cook and doesn't understand anyone who really enjoys the task) was so fast to accept the offer it almost took me by surprise. She had no thought that she would or should consult with her husband, knowing full well that he loves to eat and would be thrilled with the offer of a home-cooked holiday meal.
So, I've gotten as far as picking up a nice 11 lb. Honeysuckle White turkey.
I'm planning on making some hot crab dip with crackers and olive tapanade (bought at the Olive Store in Myrtle Beach) as well as a dish or two of mixed olives to nosh on before dinner.
Dinner is planned (unless I change my mind about something): Roast Turkey, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Roasted Sweet Potato quarters (can't decide if I should just bake and cut or make mashed and re-stuff the shells), Green Beans with Shitake Mushroom Cream and Crispy Onions, Roasted Cauliflower, Cranberry Relish (home-made) and Cranberry Jelly (from the can), Grandma's 5-Ingredient Salad w/Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple Tidbits, Coconut, Marshmallows & Sour Cream and Pumpkin Pie and Apple Crostata for dessert.
I thought 5 or 6 was the perfect number for a nice holiday dinner.....large enough to have a few 'special' side dishes but not too many so I'll stress about where they will sit and if I have enough dishes and glassware. My days of do holiday dinners for 12 or 15 is over. I'll leave that chore to my 'cooking' daughter!