Monday, November 23, 2009

Thanksgiving Dinner

This year I am cooking the bulk of Thanksgiving dinner...and yes, I'm 6 months pregnant. My in-laws are coming up north to celebrate with us, as well as my beautiful sister-in-law Em, who is stationed here in SATX.

This year the holidays have hit me and I officially have Christmas fever. I don't know if it's because I'm pregnant, if it's because we're in a house, or if it's because I'm all grown up, but I am super excited for the holiday season. I normally get excited, but this year it feels extra special. Almost like I'm in training for making these days extra special, because next year I'll have a little girl and the holidays will revolve around her. Last night we put up our very first Christmas tree and let me tell you, it's beautiful. (And yes, I'll post a picture.)

So, this year I'm going to cook. I'm actually not scared; I probably would be if I were two months pregnant and sleeping all the time. I'm pretty lively these days, even if lively for me means falling asleep on the couch every night of this vacation and having hubs lead me to bed. He's a wonderful man.

What am I making, you ask?

Well, I'm going to obviously roast a turkey but before it goes in the oven it will sit in a brine bath for 24 hours. Fancy, I know.

I'm also going to do a homemade cranberry sauce, compliments of the Pioneer Woman. I normally don't eat cranberry sauce, but lately I've been craving it, so I figure I'll try it out.

Mashed potatoes are on the menu...how could they not be?

Homemade mac and cheese...a specific request from my husband, so how could I refuse?

Sweet potato fluff...a southern favorite as well as dessert that you get to eat right away.

Roasted carrots glazed with olive oil and thyme. (Find the recipe here.)

Turkey gravy...giblet free, thank you very much. We don't want the cook to throw up, do we?

Rolls, compliments of Pillsbury. I thought about making homemade but it seems like a daunting task, one that I'm not willing to undertake at this present juncture.

Mama Jayne is making the green bean casserole.

Grandma Funk (star of "It's a Funky Life") is making the dressing.

But wait, stay for dessert!

I'm making two pumpkin pies and a pumpkin roll.

Grandma Funk is making apple sauce brownies (which I will be hiding from everyone as soon as they arrive).

My mom is bringing over green jello salad as well as homemade whipped cream. Then, she, my stepdad, my aunt and my two stepsisters are going to have dessert with us! We're going to have a full house. I'm interested in seeing where everyone sits, because we don't have that much furniture. Maybe I should make it BYO chair...

It's going to be a great day, one that I've looked forward to for a long time. Hubs is in charge of taking pics of everything, and I'll post what they look like, regardless of the good, the bad and the ugly.

2 comments:

Kim said...

I am sure you are going to do great! You are MUCH better than I am... I am pretty sure Mr. Bill Miller will cook if I am ever in charge of Thanksgiving. Jack and I will be there around 7:00 on Thursday for leftovers ;)

Jess and Matt said...

Wow Gin, I am impressed. I can't wait to see pictures of this spectacular event. Sounds like quite the feast...am I invited?!? just kidding. Happy Thanksgiving to you. I am also experiencing Christmas fever...I am so excited.

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