Yes, Friday late afternoon is upon us, and not just any damn late Friday afternoon, but, the last damn late Friday afternoon before Thanksgiving. For all of you across the various ponds, that probably doesn’t hold much weight, unless you are an ex-patriot or have been infected by this most edible of American holidays. For those of us in the land that grounded the Mayflower, this day is the starting pistol about to be fired by that grumpy looking official at the start of the Olympic 1500m race. So it begins, making lists, and checking them off. Turkey (White or dark? How much extra for leftovers? Is your uncle Pete coming? ‘Cause that dude can pack it in.) – check; potatoes (Of course. Mashed, with your grandma’s recipe with buttermilk, pepper, and a bit of grandma magic. Hell, better toss a few more spuds in the cart, you will be having ‘tater pancakes for the morning after, damn straight.) – check; cranberries (The debate ensues, maroon gelatinous mass plopped out of a can, or the timeless bowl of freshly prepared berries in their own artisan-like jelly/syrup? You choose, don’t let me influence you.) – check; dried corn from the Pennsylvania Dutch farmer (Mr. Cope) who used to sell it to your old man? Hell, yes! (Odds are this is not on your list, but, if you really want to impress the folks sitting around the table, this is the stuff the gods eat during their celebration.) – check; stuffing ingredients, yep (The variety and myriad of accompanying items required are all up to you, but really, oysters?) – check; gravy makings (Again from your grandmother’s recipe, you know the 3X5 card that is bent and wilted around the edges, slightly stained a light tan color, that, if you wet your finger and touched it, the smell and taste of turkey from her kitchen would twirl in your mind. Kind of like a tab of Woodstock acid, but oh, so much better. Your mom tweaks the recipe just a bit with her magic, and it seems to work for all parties involved.) – check; green beans or other required green vegetable (This satisfies mom’s desire for the complete food pyramid, and a pleasing presentation as well. It’s a win-win! Plus, your brother is bringing his new gal, and she’s one of those vegans, so there’s that. Personally, it’s asparagus for me, lightly grilled. Also, let me put in a plug for the head of cauliflower, covered in white gravy and fresh peas. It’s my jam.) – check; various and sundry sauces, and table spices (These all according to you and your guests varying tastes and traditions) – check; dessert supplies (The totally discretionary part of the festivities, with the caveat of something of the pumpkin variety. Caloric and obviously tasty are the only over-riding factors.) – check; so our list is complete? Why, hell no! You have Bloody Marys and/or Irish Coffees to prepare in the morning for both the cook(s) and the advice givers/parade watchers. You have your always excellent pre-dinner/lunch cocktails. You have good to high quality champagne for the pre-dinner toast(s). You have excellent wine and your always excellent cocktails for dinner/lunch. You have your port, sherry, and always excellent cocktails for after dinner and dessert. Oh, and you have your ice cold beer or always excellent cocktails for your late night turkey sandwiches, best served with a side a reheated mashed potatoes, gravy, and a movie. Heck, you’re kinda’ like Santa, making lists and checking them twice. So, there you go. No wardrobe advice, no nightlife advice. Just some practical holiday advice to help make your lives easy. You can just glide down Turkey Day Road with nary a care in the world. Just remember those coasters, ‘cause that’s what the pilgrims brought to the table. Stay hungry and thirsty my friends, at least until Thursday. Until next week.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 23:34:45 +0000
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