First Thanksgiving Dinner

     The last 2 days have been busy, busy. I made my first Thanksgiving dinner all by myself! I have always helped by bringing single items or have helped make the whole meal with my mom, but never done it on my own. It's one of those things you want to do, but don't want to do. I always wondered if I could time it all to work out and come together like so many times it has for my mom.

    With Paul's new job it has really hit me that holidays may have to be a little different. We don't have to change the traditions but we may have to celebrate holidays a few days early or late. Pilots work holidays. Pilots with low seniority work holidays. This year Paul worked 2 days before Thanksgiving and 3 days after.

    I chose to go with a classic Thanksgiving menu. I have helped and watched my mom make these recipes for many years.

Menu

Thanksgiving Dinner

appetizers

Relish Tray

Cheese Ball with Apples and Crackers

main course

Thanksgiving Turkey

Bread Stuffing

Cranberry Relish 

Green Beans

Baked Sweet Yams 

Mash potatoes and gravy

Holiday Green Salad 

Homemade rolls

dessert

Carmel Chocolate Pecan Pie with Ice Cream

drink

Sparking Apple- Cranberry Drink

We invited another pilot who commutes to work and would also be missing out on the holiday fun with his family.  I took pictures of everything, I wanted to document this big moment for me. Just about everything on the menu was homemade, the rolls, stuffing, salad dressing and pie.  For next year I need to master gravy (not from a packet) and homemade pie crust. Paul said "This is the best Thanksgiving meal I have ever had". I was pleased with how well it all turned out. My favorite was the turkey. I brined it for 24 hours, stuffed it, rubbed and injected it! It was so moist and flavorful. I also love the big homemade rolls.