Giving thanks - for time to actually cook

I have been roped into graciously nominated to host Thanksgiving here in my home this year.  Kidding!  The truth is, I have hosted Thanksgiving here for the past two years, and I am actually very much looking forward to hosting year #3.

Because I work full time and have a nineteen month old toddler, I don't have tons of time during the week to spend a lot of time cooking during the week, but I make time every weekend to spend time cooking - because I truly enjoy it.  I find joy in researching recipes online or tearing them out of magazines, making grocery lists, buying the groceries, spending time in the kitchen chopping, stirring, concocting - and man, do I love the finished product.

How circa 1950's of me, no?

 

Maybe it's the (very) amateur scientist in me, but I love the fact that I can throw a few things together to produce a (usually) delicious product.  I also find the entire process tremendously relaxing.

That said - I am looking for Thanksgiving recipe ideas. I usually order an organic turkey, either from the grocery store or a local butcher shop.  I also make a mushroom stuffing from scratch and garlic-parmesan-basil red potatoes.  Those are my stand-bys, but I am kind of interested in hearing about your favorites, your standbys, or maybe the recipes you had high hopes for but didn't turn out exactly the way you had hoped.

Also, do you host Thanksgiving at your house?  I'd love to hear about your traditions and what makes Thanksgiving special to you.

Comments

[Kate]

We've hosted a few times, ourselves, and are still working on developing food traditions. We always make a TON of turkey stock the day after Thanksgiving/Christmas (we usually travel for one and stay home for the other), and otherwise there's a lot of experimenting.

This is my favorite cranberry-sauce-like dish, it's tangy and sweet but not dessertlike... I like it served chilled but my husband's aunt serves it warm and it ain't half bad that way, too...

AUNT DIANE'S CRANBERRY RELISH
4 c. fresh cranberries
1 1/2 - 2 c. sugar (depending on taste)
1 c. chopped dried apricots (1 6-oz. package)
1 c. golden raisins
1 c. water
1 c. orange juice
1 TBSP. grated orange peel (from 1 large orange)

Combine all, cook over low heat until berries pop. Stir frequently. Keep chilled - can be made up to 4 days ahead.

[Kate]

P.S. What's the mushroom stuffing recipe? I'm intrigued...

[Erin]

I'll get the recipe and post it - it's really yummy! Thanks for the cranberry recipe!

[Sarah at In the Trenches of Mommyhood]

We do host the meal here in the Trenches. My parents, Hubby's parents, my Bro and my Nephew will join us this year. My Hubby is a whiz in the kitchen so he's in charge of all the fixins. My contribution? The gourmet green bean casserole with Durkee french onions on top. Oh, and the wine, of course.