The preparation actually begins days ahead of time, with planning the menu and getting all the stuff you need for the big Thanksgiving Day feast. Brombeere does an excellent job with all the planning and preparation that go into Thanksgiving. We continue to be blessed to be able to enjoy this holiday, and to be able to have family visit for the special occasion, although not everyone we'd hoped for was able to make it this year. Still, it was a good time.
Getting the meal ready begins at least a day before, fixing what can be done early. It's a logistic masterpiece, to plan out what is needed, using the equipment available, and getting all the food that needs to be cooked to the table, not only at the same time but on time. I am amazed every year at how she does it.
Our Thanksgiving menu usually varies a little from year to year. There are the standards, like turkey, pies, potatoes of some sort or another, and sweet potatoes with marshmallows.
At our house there is the usual pumpkin pie, and cherry pie (she does that just for me), and at least one other kid of pie, depending on who is coming.
This year the third pie was chocolate cream pie.
The turkey got set on top of the washer to cook since we needed the oven and stove for other stuff.
The sweet potatoes were done in what has become the traditional pan, which complements their color very well.
The cooking gets going in earnest in the time right before the meal as all the side dishes get done.
Then the turkey moved into the kitchen to be carved and served.
Stuff got placed on the serving dishes with plenty left in the pans incase it was needed.
And, at last, just before the kids begin to faint from hunger, it all makes it onto the table, set with the special plates, and matching glasses and silver, all at the same time, ready to dig in!
Then all the people gathered around and it was all ready. A marvelous feast with which to give thanks. And at our house, there was plenty to be thankful for. In the midst of all that has, and continues to go on, this year in particular, we have been blessed, truly blessed.
And then, 30-40 minutes of good food and conversation later, there's the "aftermath". Signs of a well enjoyed good time. Everybody's full and happy, and the tryptophan already beginning to take affect, everyone's ready for a nap. Thanksgiving is such a good time for so many reasons, but mostly because its such a good excuse to get together. I think that's what I like best.
