For the Turkey Feast

In my adult life I have cooked two full-on Thanksgiving Turkey dinners. One when I was 20, and one last year.

I can't really remember anything interesting about dinner when I was 20. I remember a lot of left over meat.

Last year I remember. I thought it turned out fairly well and pretty delicious. Except the turkey was still somewhat frozen. Even though I followed the instructions to defrost by Thanksgiving. When the turkey is still a little frozen, it makes preparation a bit harder. It takes a lot more muscle to pry things apart and dig things out. Not much fun. And, who knows how long it takes to cook a frozen turkey. I think it took 2 or 3 hours longer than I thought it was going to. But, aside from that, I thought the food tasted fine.

So this year, the decision was made to get a turkey breast only. Not as much waste, and a lot easier. Except for purchasing it. You see, I went to purchase one that is supposed to be so easy and so delicious, except I wandered the store for hours (okay, really just minutes but it felt like forever) in search of said turkey breast.  I became frustrated and gave up.

Fast forward; shopping at a different grocery store. No turkey breast. After loading up my other Thanksgiving feast delights (you know the normal, potatoes, asparagus, stuffing, etc.), I decided to give in and buy a whole turkey (at least they were on sale).

Fast forward again; not everyone is on board with a stinky, frozen, giant turkey.

So, this morning I will be headed to the food bank to drop off said stinky, frozen, giant turkey (which technically needs to start defrosting today for someone to enjoy on Thanksgiving).

And, something I tried hard to avoid, I will be headed back out tomorrow. Not for the mysterious, elusive turkey breast. We're going in a different direction. I will be getting some sliced turkey breast and cheeses from the deli, and some delicious buttery croissants from the bakery. You know what? While it might not be traditional or festive, I think it will still be delicious. (And less prep and clean up-- who doesn't love that?)