A Happy Thanksgiving Meal

Normally on Thanksgiving we eat our meal around 1:30 p.m.  Since Chris was on overnight shifts and we have Ginny now, we had dinner at 5 p.m.  Honestly, I arranged it that way so Chris could help me, with either food or Ginny.  It felt strange to eat our meal so late, but worked out perfectly since the Packers football game started at Noon and wasn't over until sometime after 3 p.m.

Our meal was just for the two of us, but I made more food than needed.  We adore leftovers. Instead of making a whole turkey, I only roasted a turkey breast.  Chris and I are not fond of dark meat so it worked out perfectly.

Putting the herb mix under the skin.

For the last two years, I brined the turkey.  This year I decided not to brine it and instead try something new.  I put together an herb mix that included fresh sage, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.  I put half that mixture under the skin of the bird. The rest of the herb mix went on the skin of the turkey.

That turkey was so succulent, so moist, so delicious! Wow!  It was hard not to stop eating. Even my husband was loving it. He does not normally eat the skin. It does nothing for him.  But last night, he was nibbling on it with glee.

I did end up getting Chris to help with some cooking.  I'm not a big fan of dressing, so he made it for himself.  I also put him in charge of the corn and heating up the sourdough bread rolls (not homemade, just frozen).  One thing I did add to the rolls was butter. Years ago I worked at Popeye's chicken.  When they make their biscuits they put melted butter on the biscuits before putting them in the oven. Then, they put the butter on when they come out of the oven.  So, last night we did that with the bread. All I can say is "Oh my!"  Yummy!

Our Thanksgiving meal! Yummy!

Unfortunately, the turkey did not produce a lot of grease. Something I anticipated might happen. Instead of worrying about gravy for the mashed potatoes (a Thanksgiving staple), I made loaded mashed potatoes, filled with sour cream, cheese, garlic, and bacon.  Finally, I cooked carrots for Chris.  I love carrots, but only when they are raw. My darling husband loves carrots, but only when they are cooked.

While I was finishing up the potatoes, Chris was feeding Ginny something new. She ate beets for the first time, beets mixed with some potatoes.  She loved them! I think they are a new favorite.

Ginny enjoying her beets!

Last night was a fabulous evening. I wish it could have lasted longer. However, Chris left around 7 p.m. to go to work.

I hope everyone else had just as wonderful a Thanksgiving meal as we did! Our Thanksgiving was filled with food and love. Thank you, God!

Look at that lovely "beety" smile! :)