Turkey daze

Last year was an epic thanksgiving- you can read about my preparations in  Gobble Gobble and the recap in First Thanksgiving. This year however it won't be the same.  I am only hosting 8 people compared to 15 last year, and I have to work all the days leading up and on Thanksgiving morning. I know this is not ideal for preparing a monstrous meal. But what can I do? I have to work, and I love turkey and mashed potatoes ( especially the way I make them).  This just calls for a bit more planning on my end.  With 3 of my guests being children I am really only feeding 6 adults. And that's not so bad.
 Just like last year I enjoy a good list to get me organized and prepped. I have been dragging my feet a bit. But we still have some time to get organized. I have a shopping list, and list of dishes. Just like last year I will be sharing my list of dishes with you. I'm not sure if I am going to recreate everything. There are a few dishes that have gained a special place in book, that I can't live without on Thanksgiving. Hopefully these dishes work out like last year.

• roasted-beer-brined-turkey- Yes you read that right! Beer Brined turkey!! Last year I did a 24 Pound Turkey. Unless I plan on eating leftovers till Christmas I won't be needing a big fella like that. I have a nice 17 pound turkey that will yield plenty of leftovers for the next day. A brine is the way to go - it makes the turkey moist and flavorful.  This year I was looking over my magazines and found the beer-brined turkey! Who ever knew Food and Wine was so hip! 
• Mashed Potatoes- Oh wait-- GARLIC Mashed Potatoes! This is something that never changes. I use a basic mashed-potatoes recipe but add a head of roasted garlic. 
• Green Bean Casserole- A can of green beans and mushroom soup just doesn't cut it. Last year I made up my own version- Using fresh green beans, and a thick mushroom sauce. I am a sucker for the fried onions so they have to stay. I made this last year and it was devoured, no leftovers for me. So this year I am going to double the recipe. I don't have a recipe for this but I will make sure to write it down for next year!
• Brussels Sprouts- with Bacon- I just add chopped up bacon to this recipe brussels-sprouts
• Gravy- Mashed Potatoes best friend is gravy, so it wouldn't be a complete dinner without gravy. silky-turkey-gravy
• Stuffing- I can't explain how it's made. I can say whats in it but it's going to have to be by feel. I have watched my dad make it countless times- It's a basic stuffing recipe with onions, celery, mushrooms, olives, chicken stock,  sausage, bread, salt, pepper, garlic. Mix together and either stuff or bake in the oven.
• Cranberry sauce- It wasn't missed last year, so why mess up a good thing.

Now on the dessert part, this is my specialty. I am keeping it simple this year. 4 kinds of pies, the special part will be the fact that I am making mini pies. I have a bunch of mini pie pans, and I thought it would be really cute.  I have a great butter_pie_crust recipe that I will use for the apple, and chocolate cream pie.

• Sweet Potato Pie with Meringue topping with a gram cracker crust
• Apple pie assembled with my  apple+pie+in+a+jar that I made last month. 
•  Chocolate Cream Pie with a caramel whipped cream
•  Ryan requested this since I didn't make it last year. maple-bourbon-pecan-pie

I hope that this helps you if you were not sure of everything you were making for Thanksgiving. I hope it's a enjoyable Thanksgiving! Gobble Gobble!!

5k Anyone?

I'm signing up for a 5k, I figure if I actually sign up for one I would get my butt in gear and train.  The registration is not open yet. However I am on the mailing list, and AM going to register! I am giving myself enough time to train. It's not like it's next month,  I have till May 2013. I hear that 5ks are more fun with others so I am doing a call out on my friends who would like to join me.
I had to start with a fun race. That will keep my mind off the actual running.
 I am going to do  The Color run. I see they have color runs all throughout the U.S. and Australia. This looks like a blast! I knew someone who did this last year and they said it was so much fun. You start off in a plain white shirt, and along the way there is 5 zones of color. So pretty much by the end you are covered in colorful chalk. AMAZING!! Of course there is more information on the website.
We joined the YMCA so it's going to be easier for me to workout and train. So far I have worked out everyday this month and plan on keeping my workout routine. Wish me luck!and I will update once the registration open.