It’s been a good day. We slept in all leisurely like, and when we woke up I told John the story of Thanksgiving. It was all about overly-religious people in a new land, their dismay about overly-rocky soil, and their friendly neighbors who helped them make popcorn and turkeys. I stopped the story before the warring and land-stealing started, and apparently left of John’ favorite part: the fact that the pilgrims stopped in the spot they did because it was time to brew more beer. I can see how that would inspire a national holiday. Then we got up and put the turkey in.
As for the logistics, we found the neckhole ok. It was big and gaping and full of an ugly neck. We pulled it out with the hotdog tongs. But while I knew there was another gross something in there somewhere, it seemed harder to find. Picture me and John, standing the in the kitchen in our PJ’s, peering into the turkey’s “cavity” with a flashlight. It’s pretty gross in there. So- we did like any sensible person would do, call our Moms. John got his on the phone and described our predicament. She said, “Turn it over. Pull back the skin flap.” And lo and behold…the gross baggie. Then, according to the directions, it was time for a bath. I picked it up and filled the sink- putting it’s pan next to it. I couldn’t resist, “Cute…turkey’s first bath!” Blank stare from John. So the turkey went into to oven.
I’ve learned a few things about Thanksgiving day cooking:
1) To estimate total cooking time, take the suggested cooking time, double it, and add 15 minutes.
2) Colorful marsh mellows do taste different than white ones.
3) Do not bother sweeping the floor until everything is done. Do, however, take out the trash.
4) If you want to make sure you don’t spend the whole day in the kitchen, start the night before, and then give the “boys” things to chop while they watch a movie.
5) Simplify. Spend time only on the things you really want. I made candied yams from scratch, but used potato flakes and stove top for the rest of it.
6) Gluten-free pie is good. Very very good.
That’s all I can think of right now, but granted, I am a little tired. I would like to thank everyone, again, as well, for all the dishes and scrapers and can openers and especially measuring cups that they got us for the wedding. I got to take another look at all of them today as I swear I used every utensil and dish we own. It was a good day, I actually enjoyed the cooking. Before I even started I read all the directions/recipes for everything twice, so as to make sure I didn’t have another “brownie mishap” (I tried to make John some brownies last year about this time and ended up in tears). I got some help from my boys, and in the end, I think it all tasted pretty good. The candied yams were very, very candied. I think next year I’ll decrease the sugar the recipe called for. The turkey came out perfectly- and there will be plenty more for soup and pot pie in the next couple of weeks. I’m a little mystified by the carrot butter. Rebecca asked where it came from, I actually had it at Kathie Johnson’s wedding. John and Mom and Dad Hattaway and I went up to SLC for it about a month or so ago. The caterer sent me the recipe, and I gave it a try. I’m not sure if I made it wrong, or if I just didn’t like it as much as I thought I did. It kind of tastes like wood. I might give it another try some other time. It looks like it’s supposed to…but I’m not sure. Maybe the vanilla threw it off.
So John, Jon and I ate and watched a movie, and then it was back to the kitchen for clean up. I did the dishes and John read me stories from a fairy tale book- I think I had the children’s version of it when I was little. Jonathan played on his computer for a bit, and then we ate some pie. Glory glory hallelujah…it was good. I was most nervous, I think, about the pies. I’m really happy with how they turned out. I don’t think that anyone would notice they were gluten-free if I didn’t tell them. I take special delight, I think, it cooking something for John that tastes like regular bread or flour, because I know he misses it. It makes me happy. After pie Jonathan ended up taking some food over to one of his friends who is on his own. It must’ve been ok if he was willing to give it to someone he wants to hang out with again.
Now John and I are watching The Incredibles, and then maybe Flika. I love, love watching movies. Who knows what’s on the agenda for tomorrow- probably some school work and cleaning. I think I’ve finally decided to buy some new pants. I wasn’t going to buy new jeans for a variety of reasons…however, I think it might just be time. I might wait for the weekend, though, because I’m not sure I want to go out with the crazies tomorrow. But then again, the real crazies will be to the store and back before I even get up. I admire their shopping enthusiasm. I really do.
I took lots of pictures of our whole day, and since this is my website, I will be posting tons of them tomorrow. Haha. I have to show off my handwork.
It has been a good day- and I am grateful, and thankful, for a lot of things. I’m glad I was brave enough to keep talking to this boy I met last year, and that we ate more than tilapia and rice this time around. (John and I spent a last-minute Thanksgiving together last year. The food was bad, the company was good.) I’m thankful that my brother lives in Provo with us, and that I get to be so close to him at this stage in our lives. I’m thankful for my Mom and Dad- and the fact that they’re coming for Christmas. I’m thankful for John’s family, my newest family, and the personality and fun they bring into my life. I’m thankful for all my friends and family that I’ve got ranging from Utah to the east coast, all the over to England, Spain, Italy, Germany, Korea, and more. I might not talk to everyone all the time, but I know you’re there, and I think of you often. I’m thankful for my comfortable apartment and my job, and for the fact that I’ll GRADUATE soon. Phew. I’ve got a lot, a lot to be thankful for. It’s a pretty good life.
Pictures of un-stuffed turkeys and overly-stuffed people to come soon.