Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving (the after party of digesting and drinking) were a big hit.

Appetizers
Cheese Ball
Spinach Artichoke Dip (Alex and Jenn)
Boiled Shrimp (Mom and Dad)
Bacon Wrapped Oysters (Bennie and Melody)
Bacon Wrapped Cocktail Weenies (Bennie and Melody)
Tamales (Mom and Dad)

Main Course

Turkey
We started with a 14 lb bird and set it in the fridge about midday on Sunday to start defrosting.  On Wednesday during the day we started the brine which was based on Pioneer Woman's favorite brine.  The main change we made was to reduce the salt since our bird was smaller. Also, instead of measuring out the water, the brine was boiled in a 4 quart pot that was almost full then it was poured over the bird and then we just added enough water to cover the bird.  We used one of the large oven bags for poultry to put it in and tied it tightly, being sure to get most of the air out.

The turkey was baked at 500F for 30 min and then I placed foil over the breast portion and turned the oven down to 350F.  The bird cooked until it reached 161F on the thermometer that was placed in the thickest part.  If I remember correctly it took about 2 hrs for our 14 pound bird.  Once done cooking we took it out and covered the whole thing in foil until we were ready to eat.  Mom still complained about how hot it was 2 hours later when she was cutting it up.

Macaroni and Cheese
Brussels Sprouts
Green Beans
Two large bags of defrosted (previously frozen) green beans were placed in a casserole and tossed with almost a full Kraft container of shredded Parmesan cheese.  Add a bit of pepper and butter for good measure then bake at 350 until the beans are tender to your liking, perhaps 30 minutes.  With 10 minutes left top with some Fried Onions.  (Note - Next time I will add some mozzarella as well for a little more of a melty texture)
Dressing (Alex and Jenn)
Scalloped Potatoes (Alex and Jenn)
Cocktail Shrimp Salad (Bennie and Melody)

Rolls

http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/11/buttery-cloverleaf-rolls/

Desserts

Brittle - Peanut and Spiced

Toffee
Apple Pie (Mom and Dad)
Coconut Cream Pie (Mom and Dad)

Pumpkin Pie

Hershey Bar Pie