So, how did your feasts turn out? Winners, losers?
The big winner at my table was Alton Brown’s Parker House rolls - they were DIVINE. I generally don’t eat bread/rolls at Thanksgiving because I prefer to use my stomach space for stuffing, but these were irresistible. My stuffing was not as good as usual this year, I think because I rushed the baguettes I use to make it. They didn’t rise enough and ended up a little dense, and therefore didn’t dry out adequately, making the whole thing a little mushy. Still tasty, just not as good as usual.
On the plus side, the gravy was excellent. I broke down my turkey and used the wings and backbone for the stock, which I cooked all day and reduced to a fairly concentrated level, making for extra-tasty gravy. The turkey itself was fine - cooking the white and dark separately ensures that nothing is overcooked. I don’t care for it so I just had a bite, but everyone else seemed pleased. The sriracha-apricot meatballs I served for appetizers were another hit. My pies were good and the 40% fat whipping cream I found at Restaurant Depot made the best whipped cream ever!
My guests brought sweet potatoes, which were a pretty big fail - she used Truvia blend sweetener and they were just incredibly fake-sweet tasting. She also didn’t mix the eggs in well enough, so there were lumps of scrambled egg throughout. Ugh. At least they brought wine as well, which never fails!
