Hope Everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving

We hosted our third annual Turkey Day Dinner. This year we were 8 adults and 6 kids in 1100 square ft. As usual it was sweet chaos. Kids laughing (or crying) running every which way. Parents trying to sip cocktails while running after the kids. My tiny kitchen was overrun with people trying to re-warm food or whip cream or just shoot the shit. When we finally got to the table and everyone was silent for just a split second, I was reminded of what I’m thankful for: my family and friends.

That split second passed and then we feasted. The turkey turned out fine, and no one could tell it started out frozen. Since mom didn’t join us this year, I didn’t have to fight anyone for the wings. The creamed spinach was awesome, if I may say so myself. Everyone liked the cranberry chutney. Girlfriend M brought her infamous mashed potatoes with bacon and smoked gouda and they were the first thing to disappear. She also brought mashed sweet potatoes with a crumbly sweet pecan topping and a delicious pumpkin cheesecake. Another friend brought roasted carrots and an awesome gingerbread brownie-esque dessert.

All that great food but no one had the sense to take pictures before we devoured it. We didn't even get a picture of the turkey! What you're seeing are the pics I took before the guest arrived.

Cute mini corn muffins

Baked cottage cheese with Grana Padano and sun-dried tomato jam

Putting them together

Turkey stock + pan drippings = delicious, dark gravy

caramelized pearl onions

Maybe next year I'll remember to take pictures of the turkey.