making a list...

...and checking it twice!

Is your turkey thawing yet?

Have you bought your groceries?

Or are you lucky enough to be invited somewhere?

Honestly, I really like cooking for Thanksgiving.  When it's for more than just Mike and Charlie and I, I do get a wee bit stressed, as of course I want everything perfect, but this year it's for just the three of us.

I spend Sunday pouring over my cookbooks and searching for recipes on-line.  We discussed the merits of different side dishes, and mulled over dessert options.  Charlie reminded me he doesn't really like pecan OR pumpkin pie (which I don't get, as he is quite a foodie), so both of those traditional options were out.  Some traditions can't be messed with, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without Susan Branch's Mashed Potatoes.

The menu is now set, my grocery list and corresponding coupons are ready, and today I will head out to finish buying supplies.  I picked up most things already, as I had a Trader Joes run last week, and stocked up on sweet potatoes and bacon and their version of fried onions for the green bean casserole.  So here's the menu:

Brined Turkey Breast-recipe courtesy of Southern Living, it's the one I used last year and it was AMAZING.  None of us like dark meat, so it is pointless to prepare an entire bird for just three of us.  And finding room in my fridge to brine a breast is far easier than a whole bird!

Susan Branch's Mashed Potatoes with Trader Joes Turkey Gravy.  Yes, I usually make my own gravy, but we tried it last year and it was delish.  I add drippings from the bird to up the flavor factor, but please don't tell my mother that I am not making my gravy from scratch.

Sausage and Apple Stuffing (recipe here: http://www.campbellskitchen.com/RecipeDetail.aspx?recipeId=27301&categoryId=0&ref=%2fSwansonBroth.aspx  )  I had cut this out of a magazine a couple of years ago, my guys just love this one.  I make it on the stove and then pop it in the oven for a bit right before dinner, as some of us like the crunchy bits.

Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Bacon (recipe here: http://www.traderjoes.com/recipes/recipe.asp?rid=105  )  This is my new recipe to try this year, I always like to try out at least one new thing.  Doesn't it sound yummy?  You can't really go wrong with bacon....

Green Bean Casserole:  I prefer to make my green beans a healthier way, but the guys requested this, this year, so I am giving in.  And it will hearken back to Thanksgiving in Bemidji, as this dish always has a place at my family's table.

Cranberry Sauce:  I picked up fresh cranberries at the Farmer's Market, I like to cook them with red wine and a little brown sugar and some orange zest.

Apple Pie:  I am going to try a new recipe, found here: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/apple-pie-by-grandma-ople/ and make some of the adjustments I read in the reviews.  I will serve it with Trader Joes sea salt caramel sauce and some vanilla bean ice cream.  Again, don't tell my mom, she would be horrified, in her mind apple pie is NOT for Thanksgiving.  I can almost hear her now "Kris, aren't you at least going to make some pumpkin bars?"

So Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning will be spent in the kitchen, and it will take us about 20 minutes to eat it all, and then it will be done.

What are YOU cooking for turkey day?