Turkey Countdown

Well, this is a BIG week around here.  Its time to start getting ready for Thanksgiving.  I have written and rewritten the menu several times.  Its the same every single year, but always needs a fresh rewrite.  There is always a little argument about green bean casserole vs. broccoli casserole. The broccoli wins every time.  There was a scary moment when I couldn't find enough pancetta at the market for both J and I to make our stuffing.  It all worked out and I find it pathetic in a way that it even mattered.  But, we prevailed and got our goods! 

This year, the man at the meat counter took me on and wanted to know just why I wasn't using a Diestel turkey.  I cowered and explained that there have been yearly wars at our house over this.  Most in the family prefer a traditional Norbest or Butterball.  There is not much love at the vineyard for organic, hand fed, free range turkeys.  I love the idea, but we have not had good luck.  When I questioned him about his turkey he admitted he went OUT.  That really made me mad.  I mean, for crying out loud, at least we are cooking the damn thing. 

My dad and I did the shopping, as we always do and it was fun.  Rog mentioned that I had quite the social shop what with the checkers, the butcher, the baker and the cheese mongers. He's right, I do like to chat my way through. These are my people.  I have never spoken to my neighbors but I do like to dally around with the grocery staff. 

 My big haul this year was the fresh turkey necks!  I laid that neck at my mother's feet like a cat with a big fat dead bird at the back door.  We are always trying to streamline the process and now the stock can be made ahead of time.  That stock had better be perfect this year!  As long as I don't screw it up with some fresh herbs of any sort, I am sure it will.  

The discussion regarding size of celery chop for the stuffing has yet to be had.  Mother remembers it being put through a grinder as a kid, but has never had the time or inclination to do it that way as an adult.  I argue every year that I want to try and grind the celery like she remembers and I always get shot down.  No No- there is not time for that.  So, I stand by and watch her do something crazy like use a serrated knife to cut up the veggies and I keep my mouth shut.  It will be a delicious concoction when she is done so I try not to get caught up in the details.  

The week will go on and I find a comfort in rehashing the same conversations year after year with my mom and Julia.  When will we start the bird, can we make the potatoes ahead of time, is it ok to buy a pie (NO!), and do we need an extra loaf of bread for leftovers? It never gets old and the talk is just as comforting as those warm gravy laden mashed potatoes I am looking forward to.  Its just another time for us to get together and chat with the din of children trying to drown us out.  As the kids get older, I swell with pride when I see Daisy cracking the eggs and not a shell to be seen.  I am proud as ever when Finn helps peel potatoes without drawing blood. This year, the twins are just about ready to help pick the bread. 

 I hope these memories will sit deep in their hearts as it does in mine.  When I am old, and even grayer, I will be watching.  I will make sure that Daisy doesn't put ANY EXTRA HERBS in the stock and I will remind Daphne that HOMEMADE whip cream is the ONLY way to go.  I know they will be listening and I know they will roll their eyes as soon as my back is turned.  I know someone will try to talk  me into a heritage turkey or worse yet, tofurkey.  It will spark another year of good natured argument and I can't wait!