Turkey Day

Thanksgiving Day, also known as my favorite holiday. I love everything about today - the food, the company, the way we give thanks for all the joy in our lives. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

And now, on to the food!

My mom has always cooked the holiday meal, with a little help from me. By the time we got to her house this afternoon the turkey was already done. Here he is waiting to be carved:


I don't know how she does it, but she always manages to get the skin this dark mahogany color. Simply gorgeous. Finally the carving begins:


My mom always makes homemade gravy from the pan drippings. She starts by heating the roasting pan and all the aromatics (onions, carrot, celery, the neck bone, the heart and the giblets) over high heat:


... then she adds in the pan drippings and some chicken stock and thickens it with some flour:


The platter of turkey expertly carved by my stepfather:


My mom actually puts the stuffing inside the turkey while it cooks so all the juices run into the bread, celery and onion mixture:


I'm always in charge of the mashed potatoes. We use Yukon Gold for their buttery taste and fluffy texture:


Toasty Parker House rolls are another must on the table:


Fresh green beans are simply steamed and then tossed with butter:


And here's the homemade gravy waiting in the gravy boat:


Mom roasts sweet potatoes in the oven so they get nice and caramelized on the outside:


I've never been a fan of whole cranberries so we always have the jellied kind from a can as well as the whole berry:


Mom's dining room table set with her fine china and all the food. Everyone was very patient while I photographed all the dishes individually and then insisted on a table shot as well:


My plate with a little bit of everything:


And, of course, pumpkin pie for dessert: