Preparation is everything
I have been running around madly today, trying to get ready for Thanksgiving. Here’s my food list for the holiday, living next to the holiday cookie list on the refrigerator door.
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Note that pie is a major player in my holiday meal plan. Also note that I do not intend to cook a turkey this year. In fact, I never cook a turkey on Thanksgiving. I always (well, almost always) make lasagne, salad, and bread and then we pig out on pie. This year I plan on making three pies: pumpkin, pecan, and apple. Why, yes, it’s true that there are only three people in my family. What of it? (Pay no attention to the mention of carrot cake on the list above. That’s another matter entirely….)
I’ve begun making preparations for Christmas-cookie-making, as well. This starts with the traditional pulling out of all the cookie cookbooks in my library, shown here with pecans.
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There are quite a few. Some are not even pictured.
Then I make a list of people to whom I intend to give cookies. Then I make a list of cookies I intend to bake. (See above.) Then I think about how many days are left until the day when I need to get these cookies in the mail or give them to neighbors. Only then do I begin to feel a bit stressed. But hope springs eternal. This year I will get it all done!
Why, I’ve already finished one knitted gift!
And am progressing steadily on a second!
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This is shaping up very nicely–a pretty little cloud of blue fluff.
No worries.
                                      “I really don’t see what all the fuss is about. A can of tuna should satisfy everyone for the holiday, doncha think?”
November 22nd, 2006 at 8:51 am
A waggish friend of mine once suggested that each and every one of his gift recipients would be getting a cheese log as a holiday gift.
With every passing year, his wisdom seems greater.
Good luck with the holiday meal and the cookies! The second gift looks lovely!
November 22nd, 2006 at 9:29 am
P.S. Happy (upcoming) birthday, Sarah!
Our gift to you should arrive on Friday, your actual birthday, if the USPS isn’t lying to me.
November 22nd, 2006 at 11:21 am
Just *looking* at that cookie list makes me drool. Can I come and live at your house for the holidays?
And Ellen, it is possible to turn even cheese logs into quite the project. Ask me how I know 😉
November 22nd, 2006 at 12:34 pm
I see nothing a’tall wrong with lasagna and pie for Thanksgiving dinner. I tend to have a turkey only for Christmas, myself – ’cause it’s myself. Lasagna is wonderful, makes just as great leftovers as turkey does, and– Ok, well, if you make the sauce from scratch, it does take a while to assemble. But still. As to the pies – hey, more of them just enables you to indulge in a great old American tradition: pie for breakfast. I’m all for tradtions. (Pumpkin is always great, but apple…with Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar at room temperature…mmmmmmmmm.)
Oh, but you’re evil. You and that cookie list, Sarah. Now I feel the need for brownies. From the Best Recipe Ever. (Hamilton Beach mixer cookbook, 1951 or so.) Plus I’m thinking apple pie, and do you know how *thin* I slice those apples?–and of course, next month there’s the kolache… Eeep! Grocery list. And make room in the freezer.
And hey, happy almost-birthday!
November 22nd, 2006 at 9:38 pm
Happy Thanksgiving and almost birthday, Sarah. Your holiday meal sounds very yummy. My friend told me today that she and her family stay in pajamas, eat pizza on paper plates and play board games. I say whatever makes you thankful.
And pass the cookies, please. 😉
November 23rd, 2006 at 3:02 am
Interesting, there are only 3 of us and there are 3 desserts waiting for tomorrow.