We were eight for dinner yesterday. I didn't think to take the 'after' picture, or the buffet spreads... should have. And my picture of the turkey is no good; I hope Carol's is better. If so, I'll post it. It was a GORGEOUS turkey, perhaps the prettiest I've ever made (credit to Michael Simon). The secret to a beautiful browned skin is to cover the bird in a few layers of seasoned-butter cheesecloth and then leave the bird alone in the oven.
And I wish I'd photographed the Veggie Pie... I say, this was my year for Pretty, and I didn't document... no doubt fond memories will suffice. :)
We had a pot-luck menu, from talented cooks.
Soupe au Potiron (Savory Pumpkin Soup)
Herb-Roasted Turkey with Onion-Apple Dressing and Pan Gravy
Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows ~ Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Double Crust Vegetable Pie
Yeast Rolls and Butter
Salade de Poireaux (Leek Salad)
Wines ~ Beer ~ Tea ~ Fresh Lemonade
Sweet Potato Pie ~ Chocolate Meringue Pie ~ Pumpkin Pie ~ Fudge
Did I say we ate well? Why, yes; we did. : )
To begin, each of us read a quote about Gratitude from a bowl passed around the table. Then we toasted my Dad with a version of his "Big Orange" That was served in the small flutes with a slice of Orange. It's really nothing more than a vodka cocktail that he had every day about 3 in the afternoon. Not all of my friends drink alcohol, so the cocktail had only a token 1/2 teaspoonful in the mix for all 8 of us. (Some of us added a little kick from a small pitcher passed at the table.)
Since the first bird was cooked on Tuesday, we had a wishbone all clean and pretty. We'd decided to give that to a 'lucky' winner who picked the right number, and let them wish on it ... but we forgot to remember... I suppose Joel and I will do that tonight over turkey leftovers.
Football did play a factor in the festivities, but the group broke fairly evenly among fan-atics and chatters and those who moved between the two. Two other friends stopped by, also. It was a thoroughly lovely day.
And the Dad part played out perfectly for me. and then was done...
So, the first dish-washer load ran last night - thank you, Honey! The second load is in and it's time for me to finish up the kitchen and pack the leftovers for the next stage; some to the freezer, some to care packages, and some for lunch!! TTFN