Talking Turkey

Thanksgiving - a time to look back upon the year and our lives, to think of our family, all that we hold dear, our love, our many blessings, and to recreate some of the finest foods ever to be made.

We had some family in from out of town, and all of us gathered at my sister-in-law's house just a few miles from here. There was plenty to eat, many children ready to help you run off some calories, and Madagascar played on an endless loop. Do you like to...MOVE IT?

It was decided that we would forego the typical turkey and opt for a fried gobbler from The Cajun Turkey Company. They fully cook their turkeys with an injection of Geaux juice (get it?), and shrink wrap it in foil. All you have to do is thaw it, and throw it in the oven for about an hour. The turkey is juicy, tender, and tasty, with zesty cajun spices and a hint of orange for zing.

Another good choice was the ham from Whole Foods. Their hams have no Nitrates or Nitrites whatsoever, and are incredibly lean. A couple of the kids who never eat ham were more than happy to come back for seconds. Again, fully cooked, just throw it in the oven for about an hour.

There were plenty of side dishes to adorn the plate. One of our nephews cooked up two beautiful pumpkin pies, which nearly stole the show with a bit of whipped cream on top. Another sister sent some positively sinful Baklava to the occasion. All natural candied yams and royalty-grade creamed spinach top the list, but there is so much more than I have space to describe.

One final thing that should be noted, however, is the beer of choice for the night. Samuel Adams' Winter Lager was a perfect fit for the rich feast. Creamy, with a soft hint of molasses, it brought a tremendously satisfying touch of sweetness to every part of the meal.

Hope your Thanksgiving was grand, and filled with family and friends.