Yes, this is a vegetarian blog, but I cooked a turkey today.
A whole turkey.
All.By.Myself.
The only mishap?
I melted this beauty that I got in my Foodbuzz swag bag…oops. Thank goodness mom provided me with an old one, just in case…
And not only did I cook it, I tore it to shreds too.
Don’t mistaken that smile as someone who is having fun. I felt bad for that bird…and having my mom help me carve it and hit me with turkey juice in the face? Ew.
So, the day started off like every other, except this time I was playing with a turkey in the sink instead of out in the field.
Alas, after 6 hours plus of cooking, I was ready to feast!
I did of course snack on lots of cucumber slices and baby carrots with edamame hummus to keep me going as we didn’t get to eat until almost 2pm!
But the big spread was the best:
- Roasted Turkey
- Cranberry/Pear/Cherry Sauce
- Mashed Potatoes
- Stuffing
- Green Beans with Caramelized Onions
- Roasted Butternut Squash and Cauliflower
- Crescent Rolls
- Turkey Gravy
- Mushroom Gravy
The last item was the one I was super proud of. I have never in my life made my own gravy and I was super excited with how well this one came out! And it was so much easier than I thought!!!
It tasted better than it looks. There was barely any left by the end of the first round!
Of course you know what I filled up on: VEGETABLES!
I ended up with the squash and cauliflower, some rice with mushroom gravy, and green beans with lots of onions.
So.Freak’n.Full.
Of course, there is always room for dessert after a bit of time to digest!
Mom made an apple and pumpkin pie, my running buddy brought over another pumpkin pie and some carrot zucchini muffins, my brother brought the fruit platter, and I bought the Cool Whip. Hey, I did all the savory cooking!
As I do every year, I had to have my Mom’s Apple Pie.
Just sweet enough for me with the bit of Cool Whip on top. This and my Grandma’s recipe for Applesauce Cake is the only things I ever have with Cool Whip. It’s just tradition.
I also had a handful of Peanut M&M’s. My day is never complete w/o chocolate.
Before I knew it it was time to pack up all the leftovers…
Clean up all the messes made (serious pet peeve: dirty tables. This sucker was cleaned asap after dessert!)…
And said goodbye to my family/awesome company…
(My parents are going to kill me for this photo…bahahaha!)
Whit was there too. Got to meet the family!!!
No, I’m snacking on some more fruit and some Japanese Crackers…I’ve got a mean headache from…god knows what, so I’m taking it easy tonight. Tomorrow will be a day of running, shopping for necessities (like a collar, tag and leash for Honey) with the sales that are left, and getting some Christmas shopping done! If I can get it finished now that would be great! It always makes me so anxious; I’m not a fan of crowds!
Snow’s coming back this weekend so I’m excited for that! Up to 4 inches baby! Yow!!!
19 comments:
That butternut squash & cauliflower looks amazing! I'm a vegetarian too and can't image cooking a turkey, but I'd give it a shot :).
Amy Lauren
I kinda feel like meat should be a special occasion thing - like Thanksgiving and Christmas or something. And even then, free range to make sure it's ethical :)
I just wish I could make myself save desserts for special occasions!
So glad you got to have a fun day with your family! I'm sure they loved Whit :)
Hurray! I think it's hilarious that you made a turkey - that's real love, Melissa! Everything else looks amazing and how fun that Whit had a chance to join in the celebration, too. :o) Can't wait to catch up with you, lady! Happy holidayssss! <3
Congrats on roasting a turkey! I would NEVER trust myself to roast a bird haha. Glad you had such a wonderful day with the fam, hun :)
xxx
great job!!! But I wanted info about how Whit was with your family. ;)Enjoy the rest of your weekend! i'm off to work!
I'm glad you got to have your Thanksgiving!! I'm slightly jealous at how many veggies there were on your table...all we had was green beans and super gross asparagus my mom made haha. And I'm glad the fam liked Whit :)
Get a harness for Honey too- mine totally wiggle out of the collars, especially when I have a leash attached to them.
Love it all. My favorite photo is of you and Whit and the end:)
Looks like a fun Thanksgiving with the family! :)
Haha I suggested we use my thermometer from Fbzfest but my dad said no!! I guess that's a good thing.
Glad you have a lovely Thanksgiving.
how did you melt the thermometer?!?
I have never cooked a turkey - they totally intimidate me. You inspire me. :)
Your thanksgiving feast looks amazing, and yes, I'd say your mom's apple pie was definitely cool whip worthy.
Your parents are so cute.
And now you've got me craving peanut M&M's. Not good at 2:30 AM. Off to find some chocolate. :)
i am soooo impressed both that you took on a whole turkey and that you did it when it was not your thing!!
Nice feast! Everything looks delicious, and you did a great job with the turkey. Your mom's pies are lovely, and your family pics always crack me up!
OMG I have melted the thermostat too!!! I'm glad I'm not the only one! :)
I love the mushroom gravy!
I still feel fat from all that food. I think the saying "My eyes are bigger than my stomache" still applies in this case sis.
:)
I think that mushroom gravy looks delicious! And the turkey looks like it turned out perfect!!
Days like Thanksgiving make me adore the fact that my whole family is vegetarian! My mom used to make turkeys for my grandparents and I'm super happy I'll never have to do that.
Also, I've been reading your blog for a while and am loving it! :)
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