holidays as a chefs wife.

We American's love Thanksgiving. 

Thank God.

Truly, we all have much to be thankful for, even those with less than years past.

And every year it seems like I am so thankful for a simple thing. 

I get to pick what I am inspired or feel like making 

but the whole meal still gets made. 

I can see the eye roll, but honestly.

But before you think its all wonderful & easy around here, 

remember he also makes a mess in the kitchen that makes me wish I had a drain the middle of the room & a hose to clean up. 

YOU'VE NEVER SEEN SUCH A MESS.

And other than Cheeseball

{a different post}

no matter what I make & how great it is

he always is the star that steals the show.

And I'm cool with that because I'm his favorite.

BUT

back to holidays as a chefs wife:

Our menu this year includes a few mandatory 

a few past years favorites...

Turkey of course. 

Brine it. 

Have you never done that? Please do. Here's why.

written by that favorite chef of mine.

Then

Mashed Potatoes. Duh.

I love all kinds-red, yukon, russet, baked, sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar. But for Thanksgiving, simplicity is best.

make fancy ones for pot roast or meatloaf.

Gravy, and no, I've never needed to make the perfect gravy. 

But I do consider myself a connoisseur of it. 

Now after this it varies year to year

inspiration from cookbooks, magazines guests or cravings all have a factor in what we make next. 

I love love Brussels Sprouts. 

YES. I said that, just barely cooked with sauteed bacon & onions they are amazing. 

 Here you can see them in the line up. 

Both with bacon & without for those vegetarian thanksgiving eaters.

Another year I made this Leek & Goat Cheese Tart

Oh so yummy & delish.

 Cranberry Sauce. And I am a bit persnickety about this one. Because I like it so much, but just this way.

No onion shallot or garlic.

No jello or relish style here. 

But made from scratch & oh so easy.

Its a must have at the table.

Every couple years I get inspired to bake. 

I love baking, no doubt! But during all the craziness of oven space during days of prep, it lends not to provoke me to do it.

Plus I make a lousy pie crust (just being honest).

Pumpkin Pie is a must. 

 Tried it again few years back & even made a decorative crust with little pumpkin cutter.

 Abbie loved this mom & girl time 

can you tell...

 Turned out pretty good. Pretty at least.

 Another year I made individual Apple Galette. I love this idea because it is suppose to be "hap-hazard"

no perfect crust here. 

And I made apple because its my brother Kyle's favorite pie.

This year

I'll be making:

Cheeseball 

Cranberry Sauce

& I am thinking about making up a Pumpkin Tiramisu Trifle 

and the rest will be made, all the fixings.

Just not by me. :)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!