Thanksgiving Update

My SIL, Jess, and I decided to tackle a whole turkey this year. I'm actually quite excited about it. I know it will fun, an adventure and a great memory. I know a boneless turkey would have been just fine, but for my first Thanksgiving I just knew I had to do the whole bird or I wouldn't feel like I really did it justice. And if I get the honor of hosting again I may do boneless next time, but it will just depend.

So Saturday I was pouring over my magazines and reading every turkey recipe possible and I came across Step 1: "discard the neck."

Of course, I took a picture of the article and sent it to Jess. She assured me she would take care of that part. I am hoping I can handle it, but it's nice to know she has my back. I told you it was going to be an adventure and I cannot wait!

In other news, I'm trying to decide if it would be easier to just do beer and wine or if I should make this Apple Cider Sangria recipe I found on Pinterest over the weekend:

(SOURCE)

Apple Cider Sangria
1 bottle (standard size) of pinot grigio
2 1/2 cups fresh apple cider
1 cup club soda
 1/2 cup ginger brandy
 3 honey crisp apples, chopped
3 pears, chopped
Combine all ingredients together and stir, stir, stir. Refrigerate for an hour or so (or longer!) before serving.

In terms of the actually planning of Thanksgiving, Garth and I in good shape. We are going to buy the turkey, drinks and ingredients to make the appetizers this weekend. I also plan to make the appetizers and centerpiece this weekend. My parents are bringing my mom's amazing (dare I say world famous!) potatoes, my brother and SIL are bringing mac and cheese and dessert, my grandma is bringing salad and my brother is bringing rolls. I think it is always best to have everyone bring something. Don't be a hero. Accept help. That's my motto.

You may also notice these aren't all the most traditional Thanksgiving foods, but that is the point. I didn't want this to be your typical Thanksgiving. I wanted it to be about our favorite foods. Comfort foods. Foods you love and get excited to eat. Because what's better than eating the foods you love with the people you love?

This past weekend Garth and I tackled all of the house projects we wanted to do. We cleaned out the basement closets and donated the items we have been meaning to donate. We cleaned the entire house, did all of the raking (which ended up being a huge job) and burned the leaves (love the smell!) and Garth did one last mow for the season. I cleaned out all the garden beds of weeds for the season...again! I don't have much of a green thumb, but I manage to grow weeds really well. It feels so good to have the inside AND outside of our house clean, neat, and organized. Now it's time for the fun part of planning Thanksgiving. The crafting, cooking and the innter event planner in me rejoices.