We did brine the almost 16 pound turkey yesterday and had it dry overnight in the fridge.
I started the stuffing this morning while Art prepared the pumpkin pie.
Art's mom was the master pie maker in Honokaa so it's only right that her son should carry on the tradition.
It just amazes me that he can create the crust so effortlessly. I get my crust at the supermarket ready made.
The finished product was beautiful.
I decided to go ahead and make that broccoli casserole that my daughter, Tif loves so much. It made me feel like she was there with us. She never liked turkey, even as a little kid. My son, Jon on the other hand ate everything and was never fussy about his food.
The table was set and ready!
My sister-in-law brought her special mashed potatoes and upheld the pride of her Irish ancestry. She also brought scrumptious yams with a marshmallow topping. Yummm... My niece brought grilled veggies. Everything was fabulous!
We had to take a family photo, of course. Mom is suffering from the effects of the antibiotic, Augmentin (runny tummy) and is still not 100% better. She's frustrated but hopefully, she'll be herself in the next few days. She did manage to mop the floors when I was napping and couldn't stop her which might be an added indication that she's on the mend.
The best part of all is my brother, sister-in-law, nephews and niece cleaned up everything! They even put away our fold-away banquet table. We had next to nothing to do after everybody left which is why I'm able to post tonight. Niiiice...
Seriously!
Now on to the next holiday rush.
I'm so glad to see your mum smiling and on the mend, and able to enjoy your holiday with your family. I'm confused though by the yams and marshmallows; I've seen it on other blogs so assume it is traditional. But do you eat it with your main course, or is it a pudding?
ReplyDeleteActually, it's yams cut up with brown sugar on top and marhmallows. It's a side dish but quite sweet.
ReplyDeleteAmanda: Here's a recipe I found on the web. I guess it's called candied sweet potatoes.
ReplyDeleteCANDIED SWEET POTATOES (YAMS)
6-8 medium-sized sweet potatoes
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 to 3 tsp. ground cinnamon, or to taste
1 cup melted butter, plus 2 tbsp. melted butter
1-1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup pecan chips
Slice sweet potatoes into 1/4 inch round slices. Arrange potatoes in a lightly greased baking dish (approx. 13”x9”x2”).
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans in a bowl. Sprinkle each layer of potatoes with the mixture. Pour 3/4 cup melted butter over potatoes evenly. Cover and back at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Remove, and baste with remaining 1/4 cup butter. Cover and continue baking for 30 minutes. (If transporting dish, stop here and continue last step at remote location – warm 5-10 minutes in oven before adding marshmallows).
Remove, sprinkle marshmallows evenly on top and continue baking without cover for 5 minutes.
Submitted by: Joe Spilatro
I am so glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving gathering. You are right, the people are more important than the date on the calendar.
ReplyDeleteI needed Art when I was making my Pecan Pie. Even after 50 minutes (max time the recipe said to bake it), the pie was "wobbly". Amoeba was talking to his mother on the phone at the time and she told me to take it out of the oven anyway, it would set.
It did set and it tasted delicious, but I am still certain I must have done something wrong! I just don't know what.
Wow, you guys went all out. A lot of thought went into the preparation, and it was a success.
ReplyDeleteGlad your mom is feeling better despite the reaction to the meds. David is also taking antibiotics for an infected finger, but so far, no side effects.
That's a tight squeeze into a loaded refrigerator. My cup runneth over.
ReplyDeleteGlad it was all happy and glad to see Mom up and about.
So happy to hear that you had a wonderful celebration with the family, including Mom. It looks beautiful, as does your tree.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Thanksgiving day. Looks yummy and so nice the family photo. Glad Mom is feeling a bit better. Happy Thanksgiving Kay and fam!
ReplyDeletethere you all are in shorts and barefeet-it must be thanksgiving in HAWAII! How fun, and wonderful to have a husband who cooks and relatives that clean up afterwards...my husband cleans but no cooking. but my son cooks so I don't mind cleaning up afterwards. On to Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThat was lovely to read. Thanks for sharing the photos as well.
ReplyDeletewow.lovely..
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect family Thanksgiving you had. I'm impressed with that equally perfect pie, wow, and your tree looks gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteGlad your Mom is feeling better! Everything looks delicious and I'm so glad you all had such a great Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, Kay!
Sylvia
What a wonderful family picture! Your mother looks perfectly fine which is good to see---I hope she feels fine too very soon. It sounds like a wonderful weekend; Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
ReplyDeleteYour mom looks like she is on the mend. Looks like a good time was had by all.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a wonderful dinner and Art's pie crust is amazing. I can't make one to save my life... I hope Mom's tummy feels better. Continue the pro-biotics or yogurt a week after she finishes the antibiotics... Michelle
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful your celebration must have been judging by all the happy smiles! Yes, the date shouldn't matter as long as you all
ReplyDeletewere together. Glad to hear your mom is feeling better. Your Christmas tree is gorgeous. I guess I will have to pull out my tree soon, the tree and wreath people have set up their roadside stands now, guess the holiday is in full swing! Have a nice week.
What a wonderful Thanksgiving get-together you had, Kay. And Art made the pie???!!! I can't for a second imagine Ken making a pie. Scares me to think of it, actually. So glad to hear your mom is feeling better. Your tree is a beauty. I suppose we need to start thinking of putting ours up, but it's such a task....
ReplyDeleteNice to hear that your Mom is on the mend. My Mom had a rough time digesting turkey dinner this year bout wiped her out!
ReplyDeleteThe tree looks great, so beautiful in your new home!
Your family in Hawaii, all there, must help you and Art feel connected to family.
I love brocoli cass. too!
You had the right ingredients, a loving family and loving prepared food. Doesn't matter what day it is.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great celebration you had! And I'm glad your mom is better!
ReplyDeleteQuilly: You know, we've never made a pecan pie? I'm afraid it wouldn't be good for me because of my pre-diabetes. Not that I was good this Thanksgiving at all.
ReplyDeleteGigi: She's doing better but still not 100%. I think her stomach might be settling a bit. I have to go out and buy more yogurt.
Dina: The fridge WAS really stuffed, too. A lot of it are veggies that my mom hasn't gotten around to cooking because she got ill. I don't exactly know what to do with them.
Bobbie: Thanks so much! Mom is looking better but when I look at her eyes, I can still see the strain.
Jill: Oh thank you, Jill. It really was very lovely!
Lin: We are always pretty much barefeet in the house but yes, it is quite warm. Then again, my mom is wearing a sweater today while Art and I walk around in shorts.
the laughing housewife: Thanks, Tilly. Such a lovely holiday. I'll be getting out that Christmas traditions post for you soon.
wenn: Thank you.
Christine: Perfect? Sigh, I wish. We've all had our ups and downs but have coped with them.
Sylvia: Thanks so much for all your kind words of support, Sylvia. Mom is getting better at last but it seems to be a slow process.
Susan: Thank you very, very much for caring. Your e-mails have been a source of support and my mom has been very touched by the love you've sent over two oceans.
Mare: We really did have a lovely time. I hope you and Flo had a great Thanksgiving, too.
Michelle: Thanks a TON for all your advice. I will definitely follow them and will keep her on the pro-biotics.
Cheryl: I'm actually glad I got the tree out because now I can concentrate on getting my gifts and newsletter out...not to mention shopping for those December birthdays.
Jean: Thanks, Jean. Art really is a marvel at pie making. Me... nope.
Peggy: Thanks, Peg. I'm so sorry your mom is having such a tough time right now. It's hard to watch our mom's not feeling well, isn't it?
Linda: I agree completely!
Kay: Oops! You comment came through just as I was sending my comments off.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I think your volunteering on Thanksgiving is what the holiday is all about.
OH How wonderful...i love the beautiful crust Art made and the filling too looks very smooth.Kay your broccoli casserole looks very tempting...this reminded me of my mom,whenever she cooks something that i love she calls me and tells me how much she misses me.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your pictures..