thanksgiving prep

This year is our first year to do the turkey!  I usually cook the trimmings alongside my mom who does the bird.  But they're up in Oregon, and we're having this one last holiday in our first house (we move next weekend!).  Here's what's on the menu (all recipes either Martha Stewart or Pioneer Woman):

Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey (PW)

My Favorite Brine (PW)

White Wine Gravy (MS)

'Lighter' side recipes are from the Nov. Living issue:

Garlic and Chive Mashed Potatoes (MS)

Green Beans Creamed with Mushroom and Shallots (MS)

Whole Wheat Stuffing with Turkey Sausage (MS)

Sweet Potato Puree with Browned Butter and Maple Syrup (MS)

Family classics:
Cranberry Orange Relish
Crescent Rolls

White Wine & Martinelli's Cider

Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Fresh Whipped Cream

And there - my first apple pie!  I was nervous about the lattice, but no problem.  The caramel sauce gets poured right over the lattice onto the apples, so it sugar-crisps nicely as it bakes.  Now just a few hours until the big feast!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!!!


I am so blessed in my life and thankful for every bit of it.
Christy

alice, white rabbit & queen

Luckily the little flu that hit Friday was just that - little.  By Sunday, and trick-or-treating, we were all ready to hit the scene.  Thank goodness.  Last year she got a fever the day of Halloween, so she was totally dragging all afternoon (see the picture here) then perked up for going out that night with her friend AND both families.

This year we cleverly re-cycled the same home-made costume by dressing up the rest of the family, and going around a different block ;)

I love our adorable 'matching' tights (I have pairs of these black-striped tights in red, white, pink, purple, green - I used to love wearing them!) 

I'm also a repeat Alice offender.  I'm been her in 8th grade, senior year on the homecoming float for 'Seniors in Wonderland', my first year of teaching at age 22, for Caitlyn's babyshower, and now pregnant with the twins.

So, yes, we also brought along Tweedle-Dum & Tweedle-Dee for trick-or-treating, but they're lying low ;)  I'm 15 weeks now and greatly enjoying the ease of the second trimester.  There are subtle hints of the discomfort to come though.  Still, I'm excited to soon feel two babies jostling around in there!  In just 21 days we find out the genders - can't wait!


xoxo,
Christy