Thanksgiving 2014

We had Brian, Kim, Ron and Tricia with special guest Marcie for her first Thanksgiving. A tough meal to prepare as I had a sprained ankle and was still on crutches.

Turkey
Weighing in at 13.58 lbs, we decided to Ronco this sucker. We did a 3 Tbsp salt rub (inside, breast, leg) and air dried in the refrigerator for about 18 hours. Then we stuffed the bird with aromatics, put herb butter under skin. We set the timer for 3 hours which was based on the 15 min/lb time which was a mistake. Stopped the turkey at 2:45 and it was already overcooked. Another year for overcooking the bird.

• Aromatics
  Next year, use a 4 cup measure to make it easier on yourself.
• 1 red apple, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup water
• Fresh sage & rosemary
• Herb Butter
• 5 tbsp butter
• Fresh sage & thyme leaves

Turkey Gravy

Went with the classic Cook's Illustrated Best Turkey Gravy again. The broth came out great, but it didn't thicken like I thought it should and the roux seemed a little broken. Had good flavor and color but a miss on the texture this year.

Sausage Stuffing

We went with the Serious Eats recipe and cooked one with sausage and one without for our vegetarian friends. We had ciabatta, wheat, white sandwich and croissant for our bread crumbs. Good overall recipe. We also substituted a leek for the onion.

Butternut Squash

Repeat performer from last year. Phil made the day before using one 4 lb squash and used the Vitamix to process which may have made them too smooth, almost baby food like.

Green Bean Casserole

We doubled the recipe for the classic Campbell's recipe but used fresh green beans instead of canned.

Brussel Sprout with Cranberry and Pecans

Kim and Brian brought some yummy brussel sprouts with cranberries and nuts. 

Mashed Potatoes

Way overcooked the potatoes and we didn't measure the cream so I think they came out a little gummy. We did 5 lbs of Russets this year.

Rolls

Again, my milk bread rolls. They came out okay but not as tender as before. I think the bread flour was a little on the old side and brushing with butter before baking would have made a softer top.

Apple Pie & Chocolate Cream Pie

Ron and Tricia came up with more winning pies from The Best Recipe book. Ethereal.