Mash potatoes must be made in abundance. Hide cubes of butter in mash potatoes when no one is looking.
This is not a salad bowl. It's the potato bowl.
My horror upon discovering my grevious error.
Every must be reminded to stay out of the forbidden zone. A sign shall be posted prior to preparing for the festivities.
Example of "Forbidden Zone" predicament.
A grand child must be in charge of name tags.
The kitchen can get pretty chaotic for those who can't take it. For this purpose we have set up two escape rooms.
Escape room #1.
Escape room #2.
Please note that Jon can be found in both pictures. In addition, note that only men can be found in these pictures. Mmmmm?
The table must be properly set with Thanksgiving paperware. If it is not done correctly with the appropriate amount of salt, pepper, butter, & ice cubes per glass. You will asked to reset the table. See grandma for specific instructions or pay the price.
This chair is not to be used for sitting at the Thanksgiving table. Even when you are short handed on chairs & even when you have already brought it up from the basement. Chairs must be selected from a preapproved Thanksgiving list that only exist in grandma's head.
Once the table is set, snacking is approved as long as you say "Never do this," to an unsuspecting grandchild.
The gravy will be started at 1pm.
Note: Calling for teenagers to stir the gravy while you finish the yams will result in burnt gravy.
And the meal is ready!
Every will hold hands during the prayer to prevent children from salt & peppering each others waters. This tradition can be passed on to children as a spiritual way of bringing the family together at this time of Thanksgiving. But all of the adults really know why Grandma & Grandpa White started this tradition.
Items That Must Be Served!
Vegetable tray & dip.
Turkey
Mashed potatoes
Gravy
Yams
Note: Make two full batches next year. Becky & Sara's adult tastebuds have come in & they eat yams now. Must adjust quanity for zealous appetites.
Stuffing.
Green Bean Casserole
Cranberry Sauce - Difficult to make, not many eat it, but it must be made because it is tradition.
It's a race to the finish. Post meal cleanup vs Post meal nap.
Post meal nap wins.
I learned alot documenting the process this year. A couple of notes to remember for next year.
1. Dinner is always served at 1pm & never later then 3pm. No exceptions.
2. The gravy is started at 1pm & everyone is called to the table at 1:15pm so we can start eating by 1:30pm. Set stop watch.
3.. Rolls are made the night before. Preferrably by women. (Sorry Jake - Thanks for trying)
4. Yams go in the oven 1 hour before dinner is served. This is non negotiable.
5. Ask before you use any bowl as it's destiny may have already been decided. Not paying attention to this rule can have catastrophic results.
6. When asking for a teenagers help , you must specifically ask for one by name or none will respond.
7. Counting to 10 is an effective method to use when overwhelmed in the kitchen. You may also go into the garage & use the hanging carcass of a deer that will inevitably be there as a punching bag to work off some steam. This will also tenderize the meat. Double Bonus!
Note to self........
There's no place like home........
There's no place like home.....
