My Thanksgiving Day menu: [View all]

Turkey, cut in to pieces and dry brined with salt. Roasted to a delicious and moist delight. Cut up, it only takes about 1 hour. You can take the breasts out at the perfect temperature that keeps them tender and succulent. Then, you take out the thighs, drum sticks and wings, I like them cooked a little longer.

Cranberry sauce. Canned because we prefer that.

Cornbread dressing from a box because we don't think there's really that much difference. And it's easier.

Mashed potatoes with lots of butter and half and half.

Gravy, made from the innards, neck bone and back bone.

Brussel Sprouts, fresh but sautéed with bacon to a still sort of crunchy bite.

Collards made with smoked turkey wings. My southern heritage.

Pinto beans, also made with smoked turkey wings. They are traditional for my wife's family. They call them brown beans. Mid Western.

And the piece de resistance? Homemade sweet potato pie with a pecan crumble topping. Served with real whipped cream.

Of course we started tonight and will finish tomorrow. I was going to make homemade Parker House rolls, but I am just too damned tired. 😆