Thanksgiving

I can't believe that I didn't get a picture of the Turkey. I'm SO mad at myself! It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I had to pat myself on the back for this one, guys. It was seriously the best turkey I have ever had. I didn't even eat it with gravy. Just a little cranberry sauce. Mission Accomplished!

I had no idea what I was doing though, so I'm sure it was beginner's luck. I took out the bags that were inside it, rinsed it with water, sprinkled it with some poultry seasoning and pepper, put it in the oven at 325, covered it with foil as soon as it was the perfect golden brown, and it took just over 3 hours. At 3 hours, we turned the temp down to 250 to keep it nice and toasty until around 6:45 when we ate. I have to record all of this so I can have any hope to recreate it next year. :) Oh, it was a 14 pounder. Gotta remember that.

The apple pie was amazing as well. I had forgotten to dot the top of the filling with butter before baking it, but it turned out fantastic anyway. The crust was absolutely perfect and flaky. I made the pie before I baked the turkey and then put it back in the oven when we were ready to eat it for about 10 minutes at 300. Mmm...

I did get a picture of the pie:

We had the regulars over: Joe, Clint, Paul and Janelle and the kids, and the Greffs. Keith and Blair were our token Canadians that made celebrating this wonderful holiday possible, so thanks guys! And also a huge thanks to everyone for bringing all of the rest of the yummy food and for bringing YOURSELVES! We had a really really awesome time and this is becoming one of our favorite traditions. Our menu: turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, green bean caserole, rolls, jello salad, apple pie, and blair's wonderfully fantastic, made from scratch--and a REAL pie pumpkin--PUMPKIN PIE! (that is SO easy to make...ha...ha...)

Until next year...