Thanksgiving was a success!

When does anything ever go as planned?

Last night, I found out my mom wasn't feeling well, so I would have to supply the pie and rolls as well as the turkey. I had a whole menu planned out, but I had to pare back some of it.

So this morning, I braved Stater Bros. for the pie, rolls, and the onion and apple I needed for the turkey (more on that later).

Cranberry Sauce with Apple (from Cozi Family Calendar)

Ingredients

• 1 12-ounce bag for fresh cranberries 
• 1 large apple, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice (I used Macintosh)
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water

Directions (with my modifications)

1. Line a 8x4 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap and spray the plastic wrap with nonstick cooking spray. (I skipped this step. I put the finished sauce in a plastic container with a lid, since we were traveling to grandma's with it.)
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries (reserve 6-8 cranberries for garnish) with the apple, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil and cook over medium high heat, stirring frequently until the cranberries are completely broken down and the sauce is very thick, about 15 minutes.
3. Scrape the cranberry sauce into the prepared pan and refrigerate until chilled, about 3 hours. Invert the jelly onto a serving plate and remove the plastic wrap. Place the reserved cranberries on top of the mold. Slice with a serrated knife before serving.

Brined Turkey with Sage-Thyme Butter (from Cozi Family Calendar)

 I used all the ingredients called for, except for the items needed to make gravy. I also added half a Granny Smith apple, 1 lemon, and half a white onion (all quartered) to the cavity of the bird.

My turkey was bone-in breast only, so I have a lot of the sage-thyme butter left over. I have chicken breasts in the freezer, so I plan on using it for a yet-to-be-created recipe.

The turkey taking a rest before heading to grandma's.

All carved up...

With the stuffing (boxed - made with 1 cup butter and veggie broth and the other half of the onion from the turkey).

All done!

Time for dessert. I saw this on Pinterest. The original had what looked like brown M&Ms on the eyes and nose, but this was close enough.

All in all, the kids liked the turkey. There were some bits of the sage and thyme under the skin (since I didn't have a food processor, I couldn't blend it until smooth), but they just brushed that off. I had a hard time getting them to try the cranberry sauce, but Big Sis eventually ate it with her turkey. They didn't try the stuffing or grandma's potatoes. They did enjoy the fox pumpkin pie, too. :)

Sneak Peek!

Here are a couple teaser pics for my upcoming post about my Thanksgiving meal. 

Unfortunately I forgot to take the in-progress pics of the bird, but my hands were covered with sage-thyme butter and raw bird juice. I will definitely give a review of the recipe and my modifications.  

I did get in-progress pics of the cranberry sauce, though. That looked and smelled so good as I was making it. Can't wait to try it!

The stuffing was a box mix, but I added a few things. I'll post those tips, as well (no pic as it's still in the oven).

Not bad for my first attempt at the bulk of the Thanksgiving feast. Big Sis and grandma took over the potatoes and I now have a store-bought pie and Kings Hawaiian rolls because my mom isn't feeling well and won't be joining us. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Trying again...

So I've done a 365 Photo Project since 2010. I always get about half way through January and quit. This year, I only did ONE picture (from yesterday).

So, I'm going to do it again in 2014. I hope to actually stick with it. Maybe even have a weekly meme where I can get others to join me and then I can share their pictures and blogs. I might even have Big Sis participate (especially the week I'm at RFK, or if they're on vacation with their dad)...



So, here is the official countdown...

I'm cooking for Thanksgiving with the help of Cozi!

For the first time ever, I'm cooking for Thanksgiving dinner! I bought all my ingredients tonight (except the fresh herbs, which I'll get at Sprout's).

Here's what's on the menu:

Brined Turkey with Sage-Thyme Butter (Cozi recipe)
Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole (All Recipes)
Creamy Mashed Potatoes (Food Network)
Cranberry Sauce with Apple (Cozi)
Pecan Praline Cheesecake (Cozi)

I'm also making stuffing (probably from a box, since the kids won't like all the extra stuff in it) and corn. My mom is bringing the crescent rolls and pumpkin pie.

The turkey recipe includes a recipe for gravy from the drippings.

I am so excited. The awesome thing is that Cozi includes a full plan for Thanksgiving dinner - from a to-do list, and shopping lists for all the recipes they have listed (I am not making all they have on their site).

They also have fun graphics to get the kids to help you set the table!

What are your plans for Thanksgiving? Any good recipes you want to share? Put the link in the comments!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

11/24 - Pie and Praise

One of my favorite fellowship nights at church - the annual Pie and Praise!

Pumpkin, blueberry apple crumb, pumpkin streusel cheesecake... Talk about a sugar-induced coma!