The Party is Over - Giving Thanks Never Ends

I've just wrestled the turkey carcass out of the crockpot, strained the stock and set it aside to cool so I can skim off the fat. I think I enjoy leftovers after Thanksgiving even more than the meal itself.

There were sixteen of us for Thanksgiving dinner on a balmy Tucson afternoon. Chris took some upholstery fabric I have had stashed for years; raided the fridge and pantry for seasonal fruits and vegetables and created a stunning table setting.

Despite my planning we had far more food than necessary and everyone left with goody boxes. The desserts were decadent - pumpkin mousse trifle with gingerbread (Gourmet Nov. 2009 - a keeper); chocolate cream pie; pistachio and pin-nut torte; apple pie; pecan tassies; berry crumble and home-made pine-nut brittle and peppermint bark. Sybaritic!

Turkey times two - apple cider glazed and cherry-wood smoked were moist and full of flavor. The artisanal ham is so good that I stowed that away for my own doggy bag! And the gravy was lump-free, bursting with flavor and oh so good.

There was a general pitching in to help Thursday night but I was still left with a wreck of a kitchen and spent yesterday morning cleaning up. I didn't mind. Turkey leftovers are now nestled under crust and the resultant pot-pies are in the freezer. The stock will become the base for soup.

We got a call via Skype from the kids in Ethiopia - they had seventeen for dinner and reported a perfect turkey and trimmings. I love this holiday, it makes so much sense to take the time to give thanks.