Monthly Musings, October 2022 Edition

Today I am linking up with Holly and Patty for their Monthly Musings series. The topic is Thanksgiving, which happens to be one of my favorite holidays. It's probably not a coincidence that I was born on Thanksgiving.

1. Over the years, we have rotated between our house, my Mom's, and, on rare occasions, my in-law's houses. I am happy either way, but I enjoy hosting because, duh, leftovers. 

2.When I host, I provide everything except for the sweet potato casserole, which is the domain of my mother in law, Emily. I have no desire to eat super-sweetened sweet potatoes with marshmallows charred on top, but Hugh and Queen B think that shit is gourmet. If I'm making sweet potatoes, they are roasted with olive oil and a dash of sea salt and ground peppercorn. 

Usual Thanksgiving fare includes: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze, rolls, homemade cranberry sauce, and homemade creamed corn.

3. My favorite recipe is a toss-up between my Mom's stuffing and my cranberry sauce. The cranberry sauce recipe is super simple:

1 bag fresh cranberries

1/2 Orange juice

2 Tbsp real maple syrup or 1/4 cup brown sugar, depending on how sweet you like your sauce

1/4 cup white wine.

1Tbsp orange zest

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Simmer until sauce thickens and cranberries have popped. I always try to make this the night before, as it continues to thicken in the fridge.

4. Our traditions have changed a bit since the kids grew up and moved out; for instance, when they were small, we always took them to see whatever new release Disney had in the theaters on Thanksgiving night. Some things have remained constant in our home since though, including watching the Macy's parade while prepping for dinner. I also still decorate the Christmas tree while dinner is cooking.

5. Stuffing. Which is also my favorite part of the meal. I love it so much, I usually double or triple the batch, just to make sure I have a lot of leftovers.

6. I usually make a pumpkin pie using fresh sugar pumpkins and my Aunt Pat's crust recipe. Hugh prefers apple pie, which Mom will bake. My Dad was the only person I ever knew who like pecan pie, so we don't have it on the menu since he passed away.

7. My table decor depends on my mood each year. Sometimes I bust out my antique Noritake china and sometimes I use more casual plates. This year, I'll be using brand new plates, with a specific Thanksgiving theme. Did I need new plates with a specific Thanksgiving theme? No, no I did not. Did that stop me from purchasing said plates? Do you even have to ask?

8. The answer to this question depends on the time of day. In the morning, while I am prepping and cooking, we drink coffee with a splash of Bailey's or mimosas. Or, one of each. I always serve a variety of wine with dinner, for those who wish to partake. My favorite is pinot grigio, with the main courses, and merlot with dessert.

9. I've shopped Black Friday a handful of times, but, didn't love it. I feel more productive decorating my house for Christmas on the day after Thanksgiving than shopping.

10. Holiday movie, for sure. I am usually several shows deep into the Hallmark channel by thanksgiving evening, at which point we throw Christmas Vacation into the DVD player.