Gobbler Blues

Okay, so all I see all over the Internet is ideas for Thanksgiving leftovers. You would think it were a national crisis. Honestly, there is more suggestions for solving the turkey dilemma, than there is for the energy crisis! If only there were as much interest in some of our more serious issues, we’d have it licked!

Anyway, I digress. There is a solution to the rescue. In my household, I am required to lay out the full on traditional Thanksgiving feast. (And I love almost every minute of it). Right up until it’s time to clear the table and fit all the remnants left by those ‘big eyes and little tummies’. Who needs table and chair party rentals? I need to rent a flippin’ 2nd fridge! So, a couple years ago I tried a different approach.

Now instead of spending my entire Turkey day in the kitchen, I prepare our basic dinner the night before. Just our immediate family sits down together for an honest-to-goodness family dinner. The 25 lb “big boy” is replaced instead with a 15 pound-er. Very manageable to deal with and much quicker cooking.

So, what happens on the real Thanksgiving Day? I take all the leftovers out, freshen and warm them and add another easy entree, like ham or prime rib or a salmon. The size here again is the shortcut key. Then I add a few fun and tasty appetizers. In a snap, I’m able to lay out this buffet spread for all our visitors simply graze as we visit and catch up.

If you didn’t notice, we are on day 2 and there are no complaints. By the end of Thanksgiving day, there is barely one nights worth of leftovers. But now, you have a smorgasbord of choices to keep it interesting.

By the time Christmas time rolls around, everyone is ready for turkey again. But you know, they expect all the other goodies, too. I really don’t mind. It gives me a chance to play with new appetizers and desserts.

Although, Thanksgiving is past (except for the leftovers), give this a go for Christmas and see what you come up with. Your family may grumble a bit when you change up the schedule. But they secretly want a bit of change. You aren’t completely tossing all your traditions; you’re just spicin’ it up a bit. You will be surprised at the creative juices that start flowing. Just by carving out a little more time for yourself, instead of so much turkey, your family will definitely enjoy us as well as your food!