a sensible bachelor's Thanksgiving dinner plan

This year I thought a quiet Thanksgiving at home with Lulu would be in order. It will be her first Thanksgiving, so I hope she likes turkey. Of course she will. In the past, I've done everything from lobster rolls to baked manicotti. This year I will roast a whole turkey breast. I had considered brining, but instead I will wash, dry and season the bird, and let it rest uncovered overnight in the refrigerator. That, I'm told, is the key to a crispy skin. We'll see.

Lulu is going to be a happy cat tomorrow

I'm skipping some of the traditional favorites like stuffing and mashed potatoes, and choosing my indulgences. The rich, cheddar cheese potatoes with sour cream- those are indulgent, and I haven't had them in ages! The green beans sautéed in white wine, shallot and Oregon Chanterelle mushrooms will be a lighter alternative to the green bean casserole. Candied yams from scratch, because that's how I like them, and some homemade pan gravy. Chilled bottle of Prosecco in the fridge. Simple!

There's also a pie crust in the freezer, but not enough blackberries for a whole pie, so I think I'll do a chess pie with berries, either in the pie or as a compote. Or maybe I'll just have the yams for dessert and save the pie for later in the week. It might be nice when the leftovers are starting to disappear.

Tomorrow will be a quiet day of cooking and being thankful. I will be tuned in to the Food Network, thoroughly enjoying my wonderful kitchen, and Lulu will have her first taste of roasted turkey. The plan is one great plate full of food, ok, maybe two, and food for the next week. I love a great meal, but still need to fit in my jeans.

What's on your Thanksgiving menu?