Thanksgiving!

I’m going to go ahead and say it again: fall is my favorite season. Of all the months in fall, however, November is my favorite. Why? Because of Thanksgiving. Why do I love Thanksgiving? Because it’s the best food holiday on the calendar. Bar none. Forget Fourth of July hot dogs, Valentine’s Day chocolates, Easter hams and more hot dogs on Labor Day (seriously, what’s with the hot dogs?). Thanksgiving is THE food-filled holiday. Christmas probably comes in second, but really, the menu isn’t as spectacular.

As soon as Halloween was over and I woke to the first day of November, my taste buds started up. There’s something about the anticipation of sumptuous foods that kicks my food cravings into high gear. Fellow foodies can back me up here. For anyone else who’s hosting an autumn feast, you’re probably already done planning your Thanksgiving menu. This year I’ll be cooking again (an honor that I’m delighted to have bestowed) and here’s what I’m thinking so far.

Turkey is a must have. Will probably go with some herbed version where I have to slather flavorful goodness between the meat and the skin and let it rest overnight. An accompanying gravy goes without saying.

I’m a sucker for potatoes and it’s hard to pick of just one way to make them. Mashed? Baked? Scalloped? Roasted? Gratin? I wouldn’t be surprised if I made more than one potato dish.

I love green bean casserole. I tried out the recipe one year and fell in love with it. For all you naysayers out there who don’t like it, just give it to me and I’ll eat it. Yum!

Can’t forget about stuffing. I don’t have a strong opinion about what kind of stuffing I like. Traditional versions are just as tasty as citrus, nutty or berry versions. I like bread, cornbread, sausage, sage, apple, pine nut, rosemary, mushroom or veggie versions too. As long as it’s tasty, I’m in.

Then there’s the cranberry sauce. Am I weird for thinking it’s weird? Don’t call me a hater, but I just prefer to pass on it.

Lastly, there’s dessert. How I love dessert. I like it more than potatoes so don’t be surprised if I make more than 3. What shall I make this year? Pumpkin pie? Pumpkin cheesecake? Berry trifle? Apple spice cake? Apple pie? So many delicious, delicious options and not enough mouths! *sigh*

So, the countdown to my favorite food-fest begins. It’s going to be another delicious holiday during which I give thanks for delectable food and delightful friends. Three more weeks and I cannot wait!