Thanksgiving 2011

Another successful Thanksgiving is in the history books, and we're reminded we have so much to be thankful for -- a wonderful family, our health, happiness, and a wonderful and cozy place to call home. 

At work, we've recently agreed to sponsor America's Test Kitchen.  As a result, I've had a renewed interest in thier recipes and show content and decided to follow thier directions for roasting the turkey.  Our family's tradition is to always stuff the turkey, leaning on the extra taste that both the turkey and the stuffing get from that cooking strategy.  We've often commented on how we'd love to have crispier stuffing, but it's just not in the cards for us -- from both a flavor and tradition perspectve.  Yes, we're a stubborn bunch.  BUT, America's Test Kitchen recommends to put the stuffing in cheesecloth and then take it out 1/2 way through roasting.  Once you take the turkey out, finish cooking the stuffing in the oven while you make the gravy.  I must say, it was FANTASTIC and a new tradition in the Elliott House.

The cheesecloth draped turkey.  We were a bit doubtful at this point.

The stuffing post bake.  Delicious!

The pumpkin pie that Corbin made -- he rolled out the dough, did all the mixing and basically made the whole thing.



Another tradition:  The Elliott men making the whipped cream. 

No Thanksgiving is complete with a little pestering of Grumpa

Yet again, we headed out to our favorite U-Cut Christmas Tree farm in Carnation.  We love this place -- only a 20 minute drive, you feel like you're in the country and best of all, we get to see Santa.  Corbin asked for a red and white candle.  I hope Santa comes through!