The Thanksgiving Mega Thread

Cooking dinner on Saturday for my husband, MIL and five other, local family members.

I'm excited, and I've more or less got everything I need.  Still need to make croutons for the stuffing.

The thing I'm most worried about (other than the turkey not cooking- happened once!) is my husband's family.  I'm just afraid they won't 'get it.'  They're not really all that friendly with one another (not active dislike, just not friends), and so I'm afraid it's going to be an awkward afternoon of people sitting around having nothing to talk about, and running off home immediately after pie.

I just know, in the back of my mind, that no matter how much effort I put into this, it's not going to be anything like Thanksgiving at home, because my family won't be here.   There won't be 20+ people, who genuinely like each other, eating and drinking for hours & hours, until it's all gone, and then heading into town to the bars to drink some more.

I'm afraid this is just going to make me more homesick.

woadgrrl, I'm sending you some Happy Thanksgiving vibes and hope it all works out better than you hope 

While doing the weekly shop, I got everything for my dressing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. Now all I need is my fam and the Macy's parade for a perfect day. I'll have to settle for the fam via phone and the parade the next day though.

While doing the weekly shop, I got everything for my dressing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. Now all I need is my fam and the Macy's parade for a perfect day. I'll have to settle for the fam via phone and the parade the next day though.

You can usually find a live feed for the parade somewhere online- I usually watch whilst skiving working 

woadgrrl, I'm sending you some Happy Thanksgiving vibes and hope it all works out better than you hope 

Thanks!

You can usually find a live feed for the parade somewhere online- I usually watch whilst skiving working 

I'll have a look. Hubby has gotten it for me the next day for the past two years. Even though I can pause if necessary and fast forward any boy band type performances I don't want by doing it that way, it would mean more actually watching it on Thanksgiving.

Just because you live in this part of the world now doesn't mean you shouldn't get to enjoy the American holiday, so I say skive away. 

Don't forget the football game!!  Luckily my husband (the Brit) loves his American football so we watch plenty of it on ESPN-America on weekends.  It's a part of Thanksgiving tradition he's happy to embrace!

And try not to feel homesick too much - it's about adapting the holiday and sharing it with our British family - even if they don't necessarily "get it."  Most of my extended family and friends last year were interested in learning about it and excited to experience the holiday firsthand.  And although we're just having a small celebration with the three of us this year, I think (I hope) they realize how important it is to me and will make an effort!  It will never be the same as actually being in the US for it, but I wouldn't trade my British family for anything!  Hopefully someday soon we can be in the US for Thanksgiving - that would be amazing!

My hubby is definitely into his NFL, although this season has been utterly dire for us.  But Manning is out with his neck injury and everyone else fell apart... but on with the story...

I'm really big into the whole aunts, uncles, cousins, etc family gatherings, so I have missed that the last couple years, but this year is okay because I know we will be in the States next year for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The past two T'givings, hubby's family hosted a feast for us, but this year we are going to a carvery on Thanksgiving, which is still great, family time and great food. Since the carvery won't have a few traditional faves, I will make a smaller feast for hubby and me on another day, so it is like getting two Thanksgivings.. just like in the States, since we have one at mom's and the big family one at my aunt's.

I was homesick as heck the past two years, but this year I am fine, knowing I will be there next year.

How much turkey do you plan, per person?  The USDA website recommends 1 lb. per person (because, ofc, some of that will be bones).

I've got 8 adults for dinner, but the turkey we've got (one that's been in the freezer a while) is only 3.5 kg, so it's shy of 8 lbs.

I'm worried it's not going to be big enough.  My husband thinks this is USDA propaganda.  My MIL just thinks all Americans eat too much (or something.  who can tell?  )

What do you guys think?  Should I look for a bigger bird?

Gonna be cooking for seven people, including myself Most I've ever cooked for so I'm a little nervous but excited. Not sure how we're gonna fit everyone in our tiny tiny kitchen... originally, it was supposed to be five instead of seven. Unless we start stacking people, I'm not sure how we're gonna fit them all in at our small table

How much turkey do you plan, per person?  The USDA website recommends 1 lb. per person (because, ofc, some of that will be bones).

I've got 8 adults for dinner, but the turkey we've got (one that's been in the freezer a while) is only 3.5 kg, so it's shy of 8 lbs.

I'm worried it's not going to be big enough.  My husband thinks this is USDA propaganda.  My MIL just thinks all Americans eat too much (or something.  who can tell?  )

What do you guys think?  Should I look for a bigger bird?

Since you are feeding Brits instead of Americans, and if you are having a lot of side dishes, your bird should be big enough. From my experience, they don't really grasp the 'excess' of Thanksgiving, and don't overstuff themselves as we would back home. To be on the safe side (and if the budget allows) you may want to pick up another small one, or a turkey crown for peace of mind, but I wouldn't worry too much.

Gonna be cooking for seven people, including myself Most I've ever cooked for so I'm a little nervous but excited. Not sure how we're gonna fit everyone in our tiny tiny kitchen... originally, it was supposed to be five instead of seven. Unless we start stacking people, I'm not sure how we're gonna fit them all in at our small table

Think of it as cozy.  Somehow, in the spirit of the holiday, crowded feels cozy once everyone is seated and eating. Enjoy cooking for a bunch. I remember being nervous my first time with a bunch, but it all comes together, and if there should be a hiccup in the works, it will make a fun family anecdote years from now.

woadgrrl, you are probably OK. I had 23 people last year, and I think my bird was just over 13 lbs and I had still had a little bit of leftover turkey. 

I've decided to make this broccoli casserole: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/broccoli-casserole-recipe/index.html

It's slightly controversial, what with the Ramen noodles, but the reviews are really good!

We hosted dinner for 10 people last year and many of them had to bring their own chairs as we didn't have enough!  We put a giant plank of wood over two tables to create one giant table and it was cramped but fun.  Don't remember the size of the bird but it was more than enough.

Just yesterday my husband suggested we invite the MIL and her hubby for next Saturday so now we're up to 5.  Should still be okay but I'm a bit stressed as I can't do a lot of cleaning or cooking (baby due in 30 days!) without feeling exhausted and we'll have to spend more money on food (hubby lost his job last week).  But normally the in-laws have us over for Christmas dinner and we'll be staying at home this year so it will be nice to see them and share a holiday meal. 

CharmCityGirl - that sounds pretty good!  Let us know how it turns out!

Today I am making my first attempt at cornbread from scratch (I always just used that Jiffy stuff in a box!). If all goes well, this recipe will hopefully be made again as either a side for Saturday or potentially for the stuffing. I still haven't settled on a stuffing recipe. I am also trying to get everything planned and organised. I've never hosted a Thanksgiving before and it is most definitely a bit daunting. Now I know why my mom is always slightly freaking out on Turkey Day! 

Fortunately, I don't think we'll be eating until about 6:30 or 7, so at least I'll have a lot of time that day in case I forget anything.