Turkey Day

Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday, just behind the 4th of July. I have no idea why the 4th is my favorite other than I have this small town ideal that floats through my head every year that involves terrible parades, bad fireworks and fried chicken. But I digress...just like always. When I asked my kids to tell me what Thanksgiving was to them I got a couple of great answers. My seven year old said, "It's about pilgrims coming off the rock and sharing corn with the Indians. They wore funny hats." I also heard, "We're supposed to be thankful," followed by a very adult eye roll from my 8 year old because I'd asked such a stupid question. But what I wanted to know was, "What about the food?"

I LOVE FOOD.

I have no illusions about the health of my body, and I'll ride out the good metabolism gene for as long as I can before the sticks of butter and pure lard makes me one of those people who has to be lifted out of their house by a crane. I don't understand vegetarians, vegans, and fad dieters, or why you'd deny yourself the pure pleasure of a piece of meat that melts on your tongue like butter or peach cobbler fresh out of the oven. Food is one of life's greatest pleasures; not only the eating, but also the preparing. Watching someone enjoy something you created is one of my greatest joys, which is why I cook Thanksgiving dinner every year for 35 of my closest relatives.

So in celebration of the upcoming holiday, I'm going to share my menu with you. I can't, however, share the pie recipes because they are a family secret. But you can dream and drool. And if you'd like to show up at my door Thursday evening for leftovers, feel free.

Appetizers
Sausage Balls
Vegetable Tray
Fruit Tray
Deviled Eggs
Shrimp Cocktail

Main Course
Cranberry Glazed Turkey stuffed with Citrus and Herbs
Glazed Ham
Corn Casserole
Green Bean Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
Gouda and cream mashed potatoes
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Dressing
Homemade Yeast Rolls
Broccoli Rice Casserole

Desserts
Apple Pie
Chocolate Cream Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Blueberry Banana Pie
Coconut Meringue Pie
Lemon Meringue Pie
Pecan Pie
Caramel Apple Cheesecake