Thanksgiving has always been a family event in the Miller (actually Bass) household. Every year since I was born, and even before that, we would all come together to enjoy a enormous meal at my grandmother's house. For many years, that meal took place just in time for everyone to watch the Egg Bowl (Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State). Things have slowly changed over the years so I thought it may be a great time to push completely out of tradition for once and invite my immediate family to Greenville for Thanksgiving. (Note to rest of family: you are more than welcome to come. If you leave now you can probably still make it).
As much as mother would love it, I am not completely bucking tradition to serve her favorite Fried Chicken with Rice and Gravy. Luckily her sweet brother Steve and his wife Zina made it for her last weekend. I am changing things up a bit mixing some traditional elements in new weird (more tasty) ways.
On the menu:
- Maple Roasted Turkey Breast (bc Maddox doesn't need to eat the pounds of dark meat that we discard)
- Mixed greens with walnuts, cranberries and gorgonzola (in place of cranberry sauce in a can)
- Cheese Souffle (sorry, no dressing this year)
- Green beans wrapped in bacon (bacon = good)
- Mashed sweet potatoes (funny story - see below)
- Freshly-baked french bread (we'll see if this really happens)
- Chocolate Tart sprinkled with Maldon (fancy salt, don't hate)
So I'd be remiss if I didn't tell the sweet potato story...
About 6 years ago, Mom, Josh and I were in the kitchen preparing our portion of the Thanksgiving meal. Mom and Josh in the kitchen together sometimes reminds me of two squirrels chasing each other around a tree. (love you guys, but its true!) So in an effort to soothe my nerves, I pour myself a nice glass of Makers Mark. (mmmm!) Some time later I'm mixing up the sweet potato casserole and decide that it would be a great idea to add a little bourbon to the praline topping (then a little more, and then a little more). So I got a little overzealous with the bourbon, whatever! You're supposed to cook it long enough to cook out the alcohol anyways. So I figure no harm, now foul.....
Well...It's safe to say that it didn't cook long enough, which may not be a big deal for most families. The Bass family, especially at this point, were non-drinkers (or at least closet drinkers). In respect for our matriarch, May, the only beverage we ever had was sweet tea. Add to that, two of my mom's uncles were at Thanksgiving that year, one of which was a recovering alcoholic. (In my defense, he was dying of lung cancer and this was my little treat to him for bringing all those Honey Baked Hams to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners over the years).
Halfway through the meal, one of the uncles commented, "Jennifer, is there bourbon in these sweet potatoes? Because these are the best ones I've ever tasted." My face went red, my grandmother shot daggers at me, and the whole table erupted with laughter. Needless to say, I've been making them ever since.
So Mom and Dad are set to arrive this afternoon. I'm going to squeeze in a quick Power Hour of hot yoga before taking a few days off from the exercise routine and protein shakes. In order to not completely sabotage my healthy streak, I will be taking the family on a nice hike to Raven Cliffs Falls either Friday or Saturday so check back for photos.
And be sure to check out my brother (and Matthew's) blog, Kitchen Mischief for a multitude of mischievous cooking stories.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Post Thanksgiving Post:
I survived but have emerged with a profound respect for those out there that attempt, year after year, to provide a Thanksgiving meal to his or her family. With the help of Mother, I managed to prepare all 7 dishes without any scorching or burning or any other food-related disasters (minus a burned thumb, of course). I did, however, eat my Thanksgiving dinner with my apron still on and not having showered. As for next year's Thanksgiving Dinner....Well, we'll just have to see.
