Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving day was upon us!  Thankfully my mom and dad got into town a couple days early and helped with last minute grocery shopping while I was at work.  Mom prepared the stuffing and green bean casserole in advance.  All we had to do was heat it back up on the big day.  The day before Thanksgiving I was up at 7:00am to get my apple pie baked before work (more on that delicious recipe below).  That night my husband made the pumpkin pie so desserts were also checked off the list before Thursday.

That morning was relatively simple since it was just the four of us and the side dishes and desserts were already done.  Dad oversaw my turkey prep around 11:00am.  I had never been involved in the turkey prep before but it turned out to be quite easy.  A few days before, get that bird into the fridge to defrost.  Take him out the morning of to come to room temperature.  Then you slather him up with butter, S&P, herbs (we used rosemary and thyme), onions and carrots.  Into the 325 degree oven for 15 minutes per pound and you're done.

In the excitement of the day I forgot to get many food photos, but it was all delicious!

I had set out some really easy appetizers.  I didn't want to go too heavy since we weren't a big group and we had SO much food for the meal.  I did try one new recipe, courtesy of Rachael Ray.  Rachael's recipe here.

This was a butternut squash crostini.  I love butternut squash and I love the color for Thanksgiving.  It's super simple and was a crowd pleaser....even for my mom who doesn't particularly like butternut squash.

Ryan and I by our slightly wrinkled table....oooops!

A funny thing happens each Thanksgiving.....somehow this guy always winds up in the mashed potatoes!  If you're a fan of Publix and their Pilgrim People I know you get this. :)

Let's talk dessert!  Ryan was in charge of the pumpkin pie.  Classic and my favorite.  I was never a huge fan of apple (that is my brother's favorite) until I found this version:

That my friends is a cinnamon bun apple pie hybrid!  I found this recipe in a Food Network magazine a few years ago and just had to try it.  Recipe here.

After my first try making this, it's been a staple for holidays ever since.  It's easy and so yummy!  That is the cinnamon roll drizzle on top of the cinnamon roll crust.

After a day full of food, we spent some time in the backyard digesting and relaxing.  All in all, a wonderful day spent with family and a great 1st Thanksgiving in our new home.

Me and my beautiful mom enjoying some post-dinner wine in the yard.

Next up, Christmas....with 12 people at my house....yikes!  Stay tuned...