A Pinch Of Turkey Time

Allegedly the traditional Thanksgiving dinner is a controversial meal about whether the food is actually good or not, a hot topic in a group chat with friends. Something about this year’s meal was noticeably better, perhaps just the little stress that went into it, but my mom and I both said it was damn good.

As the leftovers are taking up less space finally in the fridge, we’ve done well stretching the classics for our meal. Let’s break down the indulged meal.

• The whole roasted turkey — my mom has the bagged turkey method down after the many years hosting. I know the big question for many is to wet brine or dry brine. We haven’t don’t any of that. Maybe some year.

• Stuffing — this is a family recipe, similar to the sauce and meatballs. One that my Mommom always had her special touches that are not necessarily reflected in the writing. Every year my dad, brother and I ask my mom to make more of the stuffing, but really part of what makes it so good is that we only get it once a year.

• The usual sides: mashed potatoes, corn, green beans and cranberry sauce (canned of course)

• This year’s pasta: Autumn lasagna with butternut squash, onions and sage from Meryl Feinstein — only a slight hiccup here from a miscommunication from chef (me) to the sous chef (my mom) who added the cheese to the butternut squash filling instead of for me to add to the béchamel, so extra cheesiness with the more béchamel cheese later! Just as good. I remember when I was younger I hated the crisped pasta edges on, but now I’m in the hunt for the corners along with the rest of my family. Thankfully there’s only four of us.

• Desserts: THE brown butter pumpkin cake and a cherry pie. Always room for dessert even after stuffing our faces full of food with the main course.

And the real food tradition comes with the leftovers, grabbing some fresh rolls from the market to make some homemade gobblers.

The long weekend also managed to squeeze in a tailgate with some great friends. The wind, not fun. The game, less fun. Bouncing around with friends to pick up the vibes to save the night, very fun.

We kept the good vibes up the celebrating the first December birthday of friends and family. And naturally the long days were followed up both with some much needed meals in the name of recovery: Tom’s Dim Sum on Saturday and sandos and fries from Gentili’s.

Need to get back to some homemade (healthier) meals and a routine. But maybe that doesn’t exist around the holidays… Anywho, did get some flurries this weekend, so hopefully that’s a sign for snow coming soon! Some warm, cozy meals incoming too.

Stay warm this weekend 🤘