Planning for Turkey Day

Yesterday I lifted some serious weights in the basement, and today I am feeling it. I can't begin to describe how good it feel to finally be doing something again-- not much, but it sure does beat nothing.

Made Julia Child's Boeuf Bourginion from Mastering the Art of French Cooking and it turned out sinfully good. Finally, one version I was proud to serve. Too bad the kids barely touched it. They just don't do dinner. Sigh.

Do grab this book if you think you'd like to try your hand at French cuisine. Nowadays, it would be called French Cooking for Idiots in America. She really did have the clueless home cook in mind, and the book has foolproof instructions, with American measurements. I especially like that the ingredients are listed to the left, on an as-you-go basis. She even tells you what type and size of utensils to use (example, a 10-inch enamelled skillet.).

Thanksgiving presents several challenges, one being that I am making all new dishes, including a Turducken . :D Still deciding on the sides-- one is going to be oyster, leek and shiitake mushroom dressing, and one is going to be serrano ham and poblano corn pudding. Maybes include potato and celery root gratin with fontina cheese, and chocolate bread pudding with bourbon-pecan caramel sauce.

That last one sure sounds wonderful.