One day down and nothing accomplished toward Thanksgiving dinner!

My last post I mentioned I would start prepping today and guess what? Nothing has been done except the several appointments I had scheduled and now I'm headed to a meeting. That puts me one day behind! I was actually looking forward to my time in the kitchen today. Does anyone else look forward to a day alone (or with someone you love) in the kitchen, lovingly preparing special dishes? I find cooking a time of reflection and meditation...IF...I have the time, the ingredients, the utensils and a good glass of wine!

I am singing in the Christmas cantatta this year with our church choir so I'll be practicing my bass part to the music while I'm in the kitchen. "Singing" is a little strong....it's more like making a "joyful noise!" Anyway, I'll be singing His praises while I cook. And yes, I said bass. Amazingly, I can't reach the alto notes but I fit right in with the bass section.

Soooooo....tomorrow is cornbread and chopped vegetables day. I'll knock that out right after the 6:00 AM prayer breakfast and the 8:00 AM communications committee meeting and the noon girls lunch. Oh well, I did have good intentions!

Looking forward to Thanksgiving!

This is my favorite time of year. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love to cook and I love to eat! I am not a good gift buyer so Christmas can create a bit of pressure. Thanksgiving has all the elements I love, including food, family and friends but without the expense and pressure of gifts!

Since learning how to coupon I have even been able to cut down on the expense of the food for Thanksgiving AND I'm growing some of my vegetables. (See post from November 17th.) I can hardly wait to harvest my first squash! I have already begun to cut herbs and lettuce.

Every year I plan to do something different for the menu and, after many complaints, I always revert back to all the family favorites. My family loves: Tootsie's squash casserole, broccoli souffle' and Zellwood creamed corn. (All the recipes are on my recipe blog: http://pages.videojug.com/47-my-southern-table) Of course, there will be the usual turkey and dressing (mine is cornbread) and pumpkin pie along with pecan pie. I am planning to attempt making "Granny's yeast rolls" from my brother Joe's recipe. I'm not really sure about it as I don't normally bake, it takes a long time and there is a pretty good chance the rolls won't "turn out." I am resolved to try though.

I'll start the prepping Monday by chopping and cooking some of the vegetables that go into making the dressing, gravy and other dishes. The trinity (onions, peppers and celery) and mirepoix (celery, onion and carrots) will be on the chopping block. I may not be stocked well enough on butter and chicken stock. Another trip to the store with coupons in hand may be required. Trips to the store seem to be an ongoing process when I begin cooking. I am always grateful Wayne is willing to help. He even cleans the pots and pans and little messes I leave while I'm cooking. I am blessed!

It would be very, very nice if we could all just place life on hold while we prepare for the holiday. Unfortunately, we shall all squeeze in the added duties of Thanksgiving with the appointments, meetings and events we always manage. It's okay...I still love it!

I hope you enjoy Thanksgiving as much as I do. If not, come on over to my house. There will be plenty!