Back to Talkin' Turkey......

Will my turkey defrost?

OMG, will my gravy be smooth?

How am I going to seat everyone around the table?

What if I forgot to add something to my stuffing?

Did I get enough oil for the turkey fryer?

How do I know if the turkey is really done?

Where are my gravy boats?

Do we have enough pumpkin pies?

Will I have enough room in the oven for everything?

Maybe we really don't need those pumpkin ravioli....

What if my cousin says something about______?

I'm pretty sure Carmen and I will have our annual extra-buffet-table-fight....I wonder if I can just sneak that table into the dining room without him noticing?  

How will I get everything done????????

Yes, it's the week of Thanksgiving once more......

No matter what those Food Network stars and food magazine stylists and cooks tell you---there is no easy, stress-free way to host Thanksgiving dinner.  

So, don't think you are less-than if you are feeling a bit stressed right now or ready to deck the next person who asks you anything related to being ready for Thanksgiving.....

Although chances are that everything will be just fine and you will be the star of  Turkeyday....getting to the big day is no small feat.  Right now, I feel like I am clawing and scraping my way.  And, I'm wondering just how much sleep I will get.....  

This past weekend, as I tried to wrap up as many last minute details as I could, I felt like I was always *forgetting something*.  Have you ever felt that way?  No to need to admit it....it makes me feel better if we just go with....YES!  

Now that we have all of that moaning and commiserating out of the way.....let me tell you about this Sangria recipe that might make your day just  a little bit sweeter....

When I entertain, I do strive to have a fully stocked bar and lots of different wines and beers so that everyone is happy.  However, when you are hosting a holiday like Thanksgiving---with all the kitchen time that's required,  it's tough to be the cook and play bartender.  Thanksgiving is especially rough at our house because I can't depend on Carmen and Vince to be of any assistance in the making drinks department since they oversee the outdoor Turkey Fry portion of the event.....where all the menfolk and kids gather around the fire pit while the turkey fries (but, let's be honest here....even if Carmen wasn't out there with the turkey fryer....he enjoys being a guest and not a host so he stays as far away from me as he can when we entertain....).  So, given all of this plus the fact that I like to enjoy myself as well, I find that offering a signature cocktail is a nice way to cut down on the need to be a mixologist and a drink fetcher.   Plus, it's fun to come up with something......there's taste testing involved! 

This year, I assigned my newly minted 21 year old sorority girl to come up with a signature cocktail for our Thanksgiving festivities.  And, she didn't disappoint.   She gets an A for her research!   We did a little taste testing over the weekend....yummy!  

I am happy to share with you the fruits of our labor......a seasonal and festive drink you can whip up for a crowd! 

Apple Cider Sangria.....

......a nice little drink to sip in the kitchen.....it will help with that frenzied feeling!  

• 1 bottle (standard size) of  Pinot Grigio
• 3 1/2 cups fresh apple cider
• 1/2 cup ginger brandy (Jacquin's makes this)
• 3 apples, seeded and chopped
• 3 pears, seeded and chopped

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well.
• Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
• Serves 4-6--so you might want to double or triple!!

Now might be a good time to run to the store and pick up everything you need to make this......not that I want to add one more thing to your to-do list.....