Monday, November 8, 2010

Back to the Drawing Board

Last week, I posted about my plans to make Thanksgiving dinner for the first time ever in my life.  In my head, I had it all worked out.  I've been looking at recipes, thinking about menus, etc. since Halloween flew by.  But now?  I am officially not sure what I'm going to do!

I had my parents and nephew over for dinner on Saturday night and mentioned my plans to make a traditional turkey dinner for Thanksgiving.  My dad looked at me like I said I was going to cook one of my cats.  "A turkey?  Why don't you make something else?" he asked.  I think he's wanting lamb, but lamb is not a meat I'm in love with.

After my dad's comment (and because I am not the biggest fan of turkey and Thanksgiving in general), I've made a decision: I'm going to let the family decide what I'm cooking.  I haven't told the family my plan to have them pick the meal yet, but I'm going for a democratic approach.  I'm going to give them five dinner options (below) and then let them tell me their first, second, and third choice picks.  From that, I'll tally up a cumulative score for each option and then cook whatever gets the highest score.  This will be fun (sorta!).

What would you pick if you were coming to my house for Thanksgiving dinner this year?  Here are the options, in no particular order:

  • Traditional Turkey Dinner (with stuffing, sweet potatoes, green beans, gravy, rolls, etc.)
  • Chicken with Morel Mushrooms (boneless, skinless breasts in a cream sauce with mushrooms.  Served with rice, green beans, crunchy bread)
  • Boeuf Bourguignon (Julia Child's classic French beef stew, served with hot, buttered noodles and crunchy bread)
  • Fettuccine Bolognese (when I don't burn the crap out of it, this is really good dish.  The sauce is made of ground beef, pork and veal in a wine and cream tomato sauce.  Served with salad and bread)
  • Connecticut Beef (this is a family recipe that I've never made!  It's chunks of beef and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, topped with scalloped potatoes, cheese and breadcrumbs.  Served with veggies and bread)
These are all good choices.  I have my top three meals picked out, but I won't say what they are.  I don't want to bias my family in any way.  I'll let you know what gets decided!  No matter what, it should be a yummy meal.

6 comments:

Greta said...

TURKEY - TURKEY - TURKEY!!!!!!
There is my vote (and Aidan's too)!
Boo to Dad - I want turkey!!

Greta said...

Oh yeah, I want pumpkin pie too!!

phairhead said...

Either the beef stew or the fettucini. I say fuck tradition!

Lydia said...

Greta: Aidan gets his OWN vote. You can't decide for him on this one! And I think you and Billy are the only people who LIKE pumpkin pie in our family.

Sue: I am with you all the way!

SeattleRunnerGirl said...

Ooh, I'd be ALL about the Boeuf Bourguignon!!

~she~ said...

Sorry, but my vote is traditional turkey. All 3 votes.