Not to say that in the past 4 years I wasn't apart of the family, because I was. But this year, I really felt it. These are my peeps. And how I really know it's mutual is, I was allowed in the kitchen, I was allowed to work. Working on Thanksgiving determines one's role---it's either family-like or guest-like.
In previous years, I mingled in the living room with the other guests and made it to the table when instructed. I was guest all the way, which had it's perks but I wouldn't trade it because this turkey day, it was four of us ladies mad-dashing around the kitchen making things happen. As the youngest female, I was mostly assistant to the main chefs, thinking of the details, an extra two hands in minor emergencies and making the feast look pretty, displayed on platters. While bringing out items to the table, you may get invited into the living room conversation, but every cook, assistant or not, knows to keep it short out there, you gotta get back in the kitchen, all hands on deck!
There are times in the Thanksgiving kitchen when all is happening at once, strain the broccoli before it's soggy, take out the green bean casserole before it's burnt, who's going to carve the turkey?! hurry and put the rolls in, almost forgot the cranberry! Other times in the kitchen, all is calm. News is caught up on (Kohl's has a great black Friday sale going on) and wonders, chats and votes on things such as is Bailey dog ok? (she is female and really wanted to be in the kitchen too.)
Cheers to the harvest season, for taking stock of all the abundance of the year before we cozy down for a winter's dreaming slumber. (cheers to leftovers too!)
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| Gravy making |
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| last minute preparations before the feast begins |
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| Bailey really wanted to come inside the kitchen |
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| a glass of wine with dishes is a bonus |
