It's Not Always Going to Be this Grey

Thanksgiving 2021 

Dry Brine Turkey in a roasting bag, Sourdough Stuffing, Shaved Brussels Sprout salad, Raw Cranberry relish, Giblet Gravy, Traditional Green Bean Casserole, Crockpot Mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, Bacon Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Pudding and Pear and Apple Pie for dessert.  

Spicy Shrimp and Guacamole Appetizer

Spicy Bloody Mary for P

Best Pear Pie Recipe

When I do cook lately, it feels more personal and the Thanksgiving meal has always carried a lot of meaning.  The plate is purposefully telling of that year.  I wanted to celebrate the bounty and balance it with heavy and light, fresh offerings.  They represent all the unexpected laughs in between the hard, scary moments of sickness and mourning.   The year began with a bang, more like a shotgun to the head but we are so resilient and its great to truly see all things do pass as my friend Lisa assured me they would.  But not only that, they heal us up in a way only the heart can understand afterward.  What doesn't kill you, is so true and I'm learning not to fight the hardships, to trust they are not the enemy.  Many friends are suffering in different ways, depression, looking for jobs, missing friends or family, not knowing what to do next, needing love and I want to reassure them whatever their current torment, that it must have purpose and to invite it in, don't fight it.  Its come to help you.  Take it from me, former Queen of all Sad Sacks.

Too corny, well, see, that's where the Bacon Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Pudding comes in!