Turkey 101

I come from a long line of good ol' southern cooks. It's quite an exquisite trait to receive. I LOVE cooking. It's relaxing and fun for me. I love trying new recipes. I'm always making something new each week. (Not to mention, I have a sweet tooth the size of Texas! - So I'm always baking something ... like the other night, I was craving butterscotch so I made a huge tray of blondies, Mmmmm!) Artie laughs at my whims to get up during a TV show and start cooking something - but that's what I do for recreation - and he enjoys the outcome.

Well, to top off my hobbie - Artie's mom called us after the summer and said that they would come to us this year!!! (We typically go up to Virginia) So, Thanksgiving is going to be at Artie and I's new house! I am so excited!!! Since I love cooking and everything else around cooking: shopping, picking a menu, setting the table, etc. - this is no chore for me ... I'm thrilled to death! I am so old fashioned it's silly! My family tells me that I was named right - I was named after my Great-Grandmother Lela Lancaster who had a farm and a large family (and not only that, she's the one woman of my family heritage - that I know of - that is remembered also for her faith in God). What a blessing! I believe it's one of my gifts from the Lord.

So - in preperation, I went to a cooking class. I have never roasted a turkey before and am so excited about my first attempt. We didn't have a roasting pan - but a friend had an extra and gave us one (thank you!). I got an email about a free cooking class (which they NEVER have free cooking classes) from Williams-Sonoma. I made a reservation and invited my mom along, so she could whisper tips in my ear (she's one of those cooks I'm referring to). We had a blast! We watched, took notes, asked questions and (best of all) got a tasting! We ate turkey, dressing, cranberry sause, and pumpkin butter. What a delighful, different way to go have some free fun! We didn't spend a dime and had a great time!

Thank you Lord, for all the small blessings you give.