It's been a little quiet over here as I've been busy juggling duties here and here, all the while working as my kids' personal uber driver after school. But that has not stopped me from trying new recipes and cooking dinner almost every night. And yes, most recipes fall under the "Quick" and "Easy" categories as of late. So when I found this recipe for Brussel Sprouts with Sausage and Cumin from Ana Sortun in Food & Wine, I filed it in my "Recipes to Try" folder immediately.

By now I'm sure everyone is completely stuffed with Turkey, sides and dessert. My tight pants are proof that I am. Putting this post together is an unnecessary reminder that it is time to start exercising again. But this also reminds me how much I enjoyed cooking up a storm for our family on Thanksgiving.

Here is a photo diary of the recipes we tried this year... and will be pulling them out again next year. I know... I'm already thinking of next year's Thanksgiving. It was that good!

fresh cranberries, sugar, orange zest

30 minutes later: cranberry sauce

click here for recipe from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food 

Saute turkey neck and giblets with mirepoix until deep brown

straining gravy base

toasted bread cubes (farmhouse bread from Russo's)

Sauteed leeks, apples, celery, herbs, & dried cranberries

New England Sausage, Apple and Dried Cranberry Stuffing ready to be baked

 
Click here for Bon Appetit's New England Sausage, Apple, & Dried Cranberry Stuffing

Turkey brine kit courtesy of Wilson Farm

Dissolve brine mixture in water

fresh 14 lb turkey from VT via Wilson Farm

Nighty-night turkey

I am the Anal Retentive Chef

Turkey and carrots ready for roasting

Sauteed brussel sprouts with bacon

Turkey's done

Stuffing's done!

thickening the best gravy in the world

Finally - we eat!