Turkey hangover.

I feel a little deflated (metaphorically speaking, physically I’m too full to do more than sit on this lounger by the pool and type this in) now that T-Day is over. All that planning! The precision, the schedules, the recipes, the many many rounds of grocery shopping (they really need to create a one-stop-shop), the endless amounts of prep (chop slice dice sautee, rinse and repeat!) the polishing of the silverware and setting the tables, all the activity and the energy that went into that one great meal :) There is nothing more satisfying than winning the war. So now I feel a teensy bit empty without a chopper in one hand and a whisk in the other.

But I must say, it was a wonderful meal (not because the menu went exactly as planned, though that certainly helped) because my brother and I shared it with family, wonderful friends and loved ones that we’re lucky enough to have in our lives. So this Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for all the little things that each and everyone of you have done to make the transition back to life in Singapore so blessedly easy for my brother and me!*

But enough sappiness and sentimentality, onto the stuff you really want to see! The Food, oh glorious beloved FOOD!

Updates soon

me: “so daddy, does this mean I get to go to the Cordon Bleu?”

Pops: [nods head distractedly while devouring Bob and stuffing face with stuffed mushrooms]

Must remember to always ask for things while feeding him sumptuous meal :)

Please enjoy this picture of my darling Musso chasing an ice-ball all over the deck while I sift through T-Day pictures.

Thursday.

This was my Ommmm moment for today. Sitting at the dining table planning the schedule I had this pretty little flower pot in front of me, so I switched off the little kitchen-nazi in me for about 5 minutes to just breathe and appreciate it :)

Chronicles of the Butterball

I’ve decided to name him Bob, the Butterball. Fitting no? So Bob here has come to us from the USofA. He had to take a very long airplane ride just to be here with us, so for that we should be thankful!

Okay, so this isn’t Bob (though it could be one of his brothers!) I just really like this image from Friends. I’ve got that season playing on TV while I cook, it’s the one where they reminisce about their worst Thanksgivings (Chandler has a particular distaste for the holiday) and get up to their usual antics. Hilarious I tell you!

Found the Recipe!

After much research and trawling around online and reading just over 30 different turkey recipes from fried/smoked/roasted, to brine or not to brine? (And then, to brine in what exactly?) Should I roast a whole turkey or cop out and just do the thighs and breast – they are after all the best parts so why bother with the rest? (stop being a chicken and roast the whole damn thing dammit). Okay, whole turkey it is. Now then, stuffing inside or out? Out! Stuffed turkeys are unpredictable (and I don’t want to risk giving my guests salmonella). To truss? Yes, I think so (looks prettier that way), plus it roasts more evenly. Alright now, we’re moving along nicely, so glazed (Pecan bourbon? Maple?) , herbed (which ones? There are so many to choose from!) or simple with butter? Okay, we’ll compromise on herbed butter. Simple but still aromatic and flavourful!

So here it is, Roasted Butter Herb Turkey courtesy of Sandra Lee*

Dear Rachel,

This one’s for you (and me, and all the other hapless Thanksgiving cooks out there). You will be fine. The bird will be fine. The guests will be happy. And you will have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

This week, more than 200 million of us will feast, mostly in the homes of friends and relatives. In the kitchens of those homes will be cooks, and in the hearts of those cooks will be fear. (I’m shaking and quaking in my spanking new Alaia’s!)

I’m here to say, Please Calm Down.

Few relax completely when preparing food for others, of course. But Thanksgiving is a special challenge, one where panic, insecurity, and worry comprise a recipe for lumpy gravy.

Daily Candy

Must. Have. This(s).

Eat Your Feelings: Recipes for Self-Loathing

Whether you were left at the altar, caught your ’rents in the act, or farted in an elevator, comedian Heather Whaley has a dish for you in Eat Your Feelings: Recipes for Self-Loathing. Though we’re not gonna exactly recommend the recipes, it’s a hilarious read when you’re feelin’ down and hungry.

Rachel

I love that even though we’re on the opposite sides of the planet, we’re consulting with each over fb for Thanksgiving menus, tips and recipes :) I miss living with this loony (and I mean that in the best way) lady! Especially when there are such important and monumental decisions to make!

Stuffing inside or out? To brine or not to brine?

Good luck Rachiepoo! I miss yoouu! (and all our misadventures in TA50’s tiny kitchen)

Go kick some turkey butt tonight!

Drawers

The more things come together, the more I realize that it’s all in the details.
Clear knobs on a gilded-gold side table.

Gorgeous/Gruesome

I thought I should share these incredible photos by NatGeo photographer, Paul Nicklen, because 1. they are simply breath-taking, 2. there’s a big part of me that’s a marine-life freak (hard to believe, I know, but when I was a kid I wanted to grow up to be a marine biologist! Then I realized it required subjects other than biology such as chem and math, and noticed that nothing but mutant plankton thrives in the water off our sunny little island), and 3. there’s a teensy tiny part of me that enjoys the blood and gore.

It’s incredible that the same man is able to capture the stunning beauty of arctic light, the grace of predators, and the raw violence of the animal kingdom.

I stumbled upon his work from this link on facebook (isn’t it wonderful that a social networking website can be educational as well?) I cannot fathom what it must be like to pursue your passion to the literal ends of the earth. He dives, day after day, into the frigid and dangerous waters of the Antarctic in order to capture nature in its rawest, purest form.

If you have a weak stomach, are about to have a meal or simply do not enjoy blood and guts, I highly suggest to do not click after the jump.

Parental supervision advised.