Smart me planned dinner at a local pizza place on Sunday night. There were 7 of us including my dad and my brother and his wife. We love Ricardos. Anyhow, silly me at one point asked my dear old dad, "What would you like for your birthday meal tomorrow? I'm off, and will cook whatever you like." Silly silly girl. After thinking for 5 minutes, he perked up and said," I've got it, but it's a lot of work." I said something totally inane like "the sky's the limit," and he answered with, "I'd like a full Thanksgiving dinner."
Gulp.
"Would a turkey breast do?" I asked. "No, I like dark meat." was the no nonsense reply.
A trip to a local upscale grocery ensued, with a search for a fresh turkey in September. Hmmmmm. The butcher showed me a whopping 9 pound fresh turkey breast, so that was the start. I followed him to the pieces and parts department, and we dug and came up with two whopper turkey thighs and two huge fresh drumsticks. I picked up a few other staples, and returned home.
I am the family Thanksgiving dinner preparer, and I've got it down to a science. My sons especially look forward to our annual November feast, and I do go all out with homemade rolls, homemade cranberry relish, 10 pounds of smashed potatoes and a very moist bird stuffed with celery, onion and craisin laden dressing. It is amazing. I cook my turkey, the biggest bird I can find - usually around 25 pounds - in a Reynold's cooking bag, and it is moist and delish.
With a tired chef and one day to plan and cook, I took a few shortcuts. Frozen bread rolls, Ocean Spray cranberry-orange sauce, and rice rather than potatoes. I did make the traditional stuffing, and put it in a glass casserole with the drumsticks laying on top. The breast and thighs went in the bag.
The result was quite excellent. I should have started it an hour sooner -- I was afraid that it would be so overcooked since it was in pieces...but that large dense breast could have used more time. I didn't get enough drippings for the gravy, so I did add some turkey gravy mix to the pan...no one seemed to notice. Jake was a little bummed about the rice in lieu of smashed potatoes... The rolls were great, but not "mine," (my butter rolls are legendary)(at least to my kids. Our 15 year old daughter and 12 year old son once each ate 6 at a dinner where we had guests. I couldn't believe we had run out of rolls...until they fessed up...) The pecan pie out of my freezer (no idea where or when I purchased it...) was good but not a homemade apple...
And so Gib had Thanksgiving in September. I'm not sure he'll make it til November 27, so I sure didn't have the heart to deny him his wishes. My sister-in-law calls me "Amazing Grace," thus I have a reputation to protect...
Life is so full. But would I want it any other way? I'll always remember the incredulous look on my sister-in-law's face when Gib made that request. It is a moment to remember. A memory to cherish.
This photo is of the birthday boy, Gilbert, now 83, with our youngest son, his namesake, Jacob Gilbert.
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