Thoughts about Thanksgiving

Why just have one Thanksgiving? I'm thinking of trying to get together with several people this year and celebrating a few times. Of course the family will get together that evening with mostly traditional fixin's, unless Papa Buck demands BBQ this year. I would ideally like to make the following:An apple pie, pumpkin pie, and chocolate tart...but I think that's a little too much. If I make an apple pie and chocolate tart I'll be happy. I'd also like to do a fresh cranberry chutney.

But I'd love to make exactly what I would like to have for thanksgiving, though that sounds selfish. Maybe friends will be able to get together before or after the holiday and we can do an easy and more relaxed version. Kale and sausage stuffed turkey breast, apple sourdough stuffing, potato and turnip gratin, sauteed green beans and mushrooms. Maybe an apple galette or pumpkin silk pie for dessert.

Can't you tell I'm all wrapped up in holiday cooking shows and magazines? Tonight I made corn bread and sweet potato casserole from Food Network's Thanksgiving issue.

Reasons I'm excited it's November:

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows comes out November 18th...holy crap

2. Thanksgiving of course

3. 4 days off from work

4. pies, pies, and more pies

5. Christmas decorations going up...

P.S I'll have to share a really easy recipe for homemade ornaments made with nothing more than apple sauce and cinnamon. Most of my ornaments I made last year and it cost next to nothing.