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Which one are you? By the lovely Grace Farris.
P.S. A fun ice breaker and tips for hosting Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanksgiving Chefs
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We’re skipping all of it and going to Busch Gardens!
National Day of Mourning. We shall never forget the pain and the suffering of Native American People.
I’m the post call doctor mom! Grateful to a lovely aunt who hosts 35+ every year and totally gets the night shift thing. Showing up tomorrow with husband, two excited boys, a platter of frosted cookies from Wegmans, potted plant, bottle of wine, will rally to wash dishes post feast.. then home for a long winter’s nap!
I am the Maker of the Trip to Kroger. You need a bottle of wine? Ice? Napkins? I’m your girl. We have long ago learned I’m safest when tasked with something that doesn’t require I step into the kitchen.
A few years ago I bought a potato masher and decided we would be the people who bring mashed potatoes. It truly helps the host for us to bring them, and it’s not that much work if mashed potatoes are the only thing you’re making. :) The trick I learned is to use a potato masher & not an electric beater for fluffy mashed potatoes!
We’re the ‘Skip the Turkey’ hoopla /chaos on Thanksgiving Day. Instead our family goes to Chicago’s Christkindlmarket every year. We nosh on brats, potatoes, pretzels and drink hot, mulled wine. The best part is being totally present in the moment with no distractions and just enjoying each other’s company (and also, no dishes to wash afterwards!)
That sounds lovely! Hot mulled wine is the best. 🍷
I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving because I’m Little Shell Chippewa of Montana but my holiday vibes are very mashed potatoes on my glasses
Wish there had been a family member who wanted to remind people about “national day of mourning”
Jenny, I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving either and I agree with Grace about ”national day of mourning”. Let’s not forget!.
Foodie Aunt but happy to cook all other days.
I’ve been fibbing for weeks saying I have a friend over when in reality I am doing a quiet thanksgiving solo, making ribs and sweet potatoes and green bean casserole for myself. I’m honestly delighted about the down time but feel guilty that this year I want to be alone.
My sister was worried about the roads I would have to travel so we decided to meet up in the spring. I was happy to go visit but am very happy to stay home and snuggle in my house for a few days. I hope you completely enjoy your alone time!!!
Same, Savannah. My alone includes partner and kid, but have turned down all other social engagements (with some guilt) and just want small, cozy, simple. If doing it solo were an option, I would be right there with you.
Having that meal and downtime to yourself sounds absolutely delightful!
I am down to about 24 hours till dinner (just me and my husband) and I have NO IDEA what I am making for dinner…. is that bad? O_O
PS: I don’t really care this year either.. too much going on and I just. don’t. feel. like. it.
Order out and call it a day.
My hubby and I did a giant brunch instead of a dinner one year for thanksgiving, when we didn’t want to travel for the holiday! We were living in HI!
Hahaha, Amanda, this is so relatable. My boyfriend and sister and I just had a group text about making burgers tomorrow!
Order sushi! My favorite way to spend thanksgiving.
I’m the “I bought most things premade at Costco yesterday and I feel no guilt, only delight, about that” chef.
Hate when I forget to remove my exhaustive, anal list of “all the things ” from the front of the fridge before guests arrive, haha, it spoils the intended illusion that I have my act together….
The fact that you have a long list of all the things pinned to the fridge is actually ultimate proof that you DO have your act together :)
Love this!
Auntie watching Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. :)
Happy Thanksgiving!
I shop at Macys SPECIFICALLY in hopes of helping keep it open……..mainly for that magnificent parade. Over sixty years ago, my Dad took us in to see it…….I barely remember any of it but coming back home to a house full of Thanksgiving fragrance, my sister and I in matching velvet dresses and Mary Janes, the aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents assembled…..nearly brings me to nostalgic tears.
I am the Brings Anything Which Doesn’t Require Cooking mom/aunt/sister. I have tried practicing my mashed potatoes this week and they are gummy every time no matter what tricks I try so I had to text my sister today that we may not be having mashed potatoes this year, haha! The guys on my husband’s side of the family do all the heavy cooking, mother in law does some sides, and we daughter in laws do the clean up. On my side of the family, my bro in law does the turkey, we girls do the sides, the teenagers do most of the clean up. Deboning the turkey has everyone in the family screaming “NOT IT”.
Try this:
5 pound bag of russets
Stick of butter
2/3 brick of cream cheese (6 ounces)
Half and half or milk, maybe a cup
Salt and pepper.
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add peeled and quartered potatoes…..when the water comes back to a boil (about 6 minutes), reduce heat to a gentle boil and cook till fork tender (about 22 minutes). Drain thoroughly and return to pot. Hit it with your electric beater, dump in cubed butter and cream cheese and allow a few minutes for everything to melt together. Whip again, this time adding half and half or milk until smooth and creamy. Pile into a buttered casserole and here’s the best part— when cool, cover and refrigerate. Yes, do ahead of time…..I made mine yesterday.
On Thursday take out of the fridge and allow to come to room temp. You can heat this in the microwave ( I cover it with a paper plate) for about 12 minutes. Or in the oven for about an hour, loosely covered with tin foil. Either way, stir at least three times while heating. You can add a little more milk if they seem too stiff. Almost fail proof and delicious.
If not this year, try them next Thanksgiving. Wishing everyone a lovely holiday.
That’s so funny- I look forward to deboning the turkey every year because it’s an excuse for my introverted self to hang out in the kitchen and catch my breath for a few minutes after the meal!
Much respect, but if you want to give it another go… I’ve found this has brought consistency to my mashed potatoes.
Sunny, you have created OUR perfect mashed potato. We love them a big gummy/gluey! Whenever I read don’t use red potatoes because they come out gluey, I think, “Oh yeah, must buy red potatoes…” We always make a bunch and never have much leftover!
@ Bonnie: I love them that way, too! :)
Thank you for the tips, everyone! With some more practice yesterday, I managed to make edible mashed potatoes. Not fluffy at all, but not gummy either.
Bonnie, that is so funny! My mother made mashed potatoes my entire life with red potatoes and a hand mixer, the two biggest contributors to gumminess according to my google searches. But her’s were fluffy every time!
Hildy, I love that deboning the turkey is your time to get a recharge!
My sister is the ‘Order the Entire Thing from Cracker Barrel’ ninja priestess.
I am the “Order the entire thing from Wegman’s or Whole Foods or whichever place” since I cook almost every single day of the year. Also, I decided that my husband was in charge of making all food decision and placing the order. I am just picking up this year. My only kitchen related task tomorrow is to bake a gluten free cake with my 9 years old girl.
YDA, I hope your cake is the best you’ve ever had! Cheers.
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