ALMOST AN UNTURKEY DINNER

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner prepared solely by Jesse!

But with quite a few road blocks along the way.  First, he didn't decide to stay home for Thanksgiving until Monday about noon.  I offered to buy a small Honey Baked ham AND a small Honey Baked Ham turkey breast.  A new pop up Honey Baked Ham station opened a few blocks from us.  Kate went online to order but it was the most convoluted non-workable site ever!  She was so frustrated but finally decided to call the new spot.

The phone number on the website was NOT to the local location but one on the other side of town.  I then said just call the location we have always used and I will drive to pick it up.  That location had permanently closed due to Covid!  Jesse walked to the local pop up to order one of each but was told they do not take reservations.  At that moment, the shop did not have turkey but it would be in later in the afternoon.  He and Kate went on their way to get the other groceries, along with 3 million other people.  And stopped back in to learn there were still no turkeys but they would definitely be in on Tuesday around noon.

Jesse walked back over at 12:30 and there were STILL no turkeys!  So he bought the ham and would check back right before closing to check on the turkey.

STILL NO TURKEY!  He then went to three nearby grocery stores and he got the LAST frozen turkey breast!  He thawed it in cool water while he cooked all day on Wednesday!  Sweet potato casserole with toasted pecans on top.  I usually forgo sweet potatoes as they are usually too sweet for me.  But this casserole was a gift from heaven!  Creamy smooth mashed potatoes (the boys did all the peeling).  Best homemade turkey gravy.  Homemade orange cranberries (also terrific and I usually do not eat that either).  He then made a top secret brine and put everything in the fridge (I cannot believe it was possible).

Kate made homemade cinnamon rolls which she baked on Thanksgiving morning.  She made half a recipe and she still had the boys make three deliveries to neighbors and plenty left over for Friday morning breakfast.

We ended the day playing Chutes and Ladders (with occasional poor sportsmanship), then Operation followed by War using a deck of cards.  Dad had a fire going all day so we all found a comfy spot and watched the Christmas Chronicles II (recommended by my sister).  It was great but now I need to rewatch the first one.  Very entertaining for ALL of us.

All's well that ends well!  Hope your day was tasty and fun!

P.S.  I posted on Honey Baked Ham's Facebook page.  I emailed customer service.  And today I am sending a snail mail.  Not a well managed Covid safe plan at all. 

P.S.S.  My niece is coming over soon to enjoy an outside visit/walk.  She moves to her Tiny Home tomorrow and we hope to gently and safely bring her into our pod!