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My mother-in-law will be in my kitchen cooking the meal with me!

ksb427
Posted:
2008-11-12 11:58 AM
When we originally talked about it, I was pretty calm about the whole thing. Then it sunk in. Even though she adamantly denies it, she's a Martha. Everything comes out perfectly--everything.

First, I need to organize my cabinets. They're a little scary right now. With a couple of them... you open the door and CRASH! I know she's going to ask where the hand-mixer, straining doohickey, paring knife are, and I'm going to have to give her an answer (no, I couldn't tell you where exactly the hand-mixer is right now and I'm not sure if I even have a paring knife...). So, that's my first priority. Oh, I just realized, I guess I'll have to organize my spices/baking cabinet as well. Oh, that could get a little scary...

Then I guess I'll have to figure out how to cook a turkey. We've done breasts in the past, but not the entire bird. We're also in charge of the dressing - shouldn't be too hard, right? Cranberry sauce is on our list, too. For some reason, she gave me a strange look when I suggested that I would pop it out of the can and slice it up.

So, yes, I need help getting ready for Thanksgiving and a little courage. Thank you!
____________________________________
Blog - A Creek in the Back
http://acreekintheback.blogspot.com

ksb427
Posted:
2008-11-13 9:56 AM
Case in point... last night I tried a new recipe - Herb-Buttered Pork Chops. Sounds nice, eh? Miraculously they came out fine, but I almost set off the smoke alarm. I swear I followed the directions, but when your child asks, "Mommy, why is the kitchen smoky?" you know things didn't go as planned. Still trying to figure out what I did wrong...
____________________________________
Blog - A Creek in the Back
http://acreekintheback.blogspot.com

leanna
Posted:
2008-11-14 4:09 PM
Cranberry sauce is about the easiest thing to make for Thanksgiving. Just one bag of cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and cook till nice and thick and the cranberries start to burst. I like to put orange peel and a little bit of orange juice in also. There should be a recipe on the back of the bag.

bcampano
Posted:
2008-11-14 9:14 PM
does your kitchen come equiped with xanax? Your mother in law and I would probably not get along well. I usually have a fair Idea of where everything is, and I'm always subsituting something...never following a recipe. But, I'm sure she's doing it to try to connect with you. I'm sure she won't be judging you. And, if she is, you can always keep filling her wine glass. Hopefully, before too long, she'll be smoked.
As an aside, for the turkey, research some ideas that are different, that she probably hasn't done and wouldn't have any clue what you were doing, like deep frying or smoking the bird.
Belinda

ksb427
Posted:
2008-11-15 4:23 PM
leanna said @ 2008-11-14 16:09:28:
Cranberry sauce is about the easiest thing to make for Thanksgiving. Just one bag of cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and cook till nice and thick and the cranberries start to burst. I like to put orange peel and a little bit of orange juice in also. There should be a recipe on the back of the bag.
Okay, I'll certainly check on that the next time I'm at the store. Thanks!
____________________________________
Blog - A Creek in the Back
http://acreekintheback.blogspot.com

ksb427
Posted:
2008-11-15 4:25 PM
bcampano said @ 2008-11-14 21:14:08:
does your kitchen come equiped with xanax? Your mother in law and I would probably not get along well. I usually have a fair Idea of where everything is, and I'm always subsituting something...never following a recipe. But, I'm sure she's doing it to try to connect with you. I'm sure she won't be judging you. And, if she is, you can always keep filling her wine glass. Hopefully, before too long, she'll be smoked.
As an aside, for the turkey, research some ideas that are different, that she probably hasn't done and wouldn't have any clue what you were doing, like deep frying or smoking the bird.
Wine... good idea! I'll certainly be drinking a glass or two or three...

Different? I'm thinking basic right now - sticking it in the oven and hoping for the best. You might have a point though... thanks!
____________________________________
Blog - A Creek in the Back
http://acreekintheback.blogspot.com

ksb427
Posted:
2008-11-21 8:43 PM
Okay, I bought REAL cranberries and will try the recipe on the back. Saw somewhere that a little orange zest would be a nice addition so I bought an orange. Also, we're not cooking the whole bird, just a breast so that's a relief. :)
____________________________________
Blog - A Creek in the Back
http://acreekintheback.blogspot.com

caren
Posted:
2008-11-21 8:52 PM
Hi!
I make homemade cranberry sauce and you an use mandarin oranges also (instead of the zest) and you can add about a cup of red wine (any wine that you would drink is fine) and 2 cinnamon sticks.....I made it every year and it is a huge hit!! (of course use the sugar as well).......I usually use 2 bags of cranberries for a large crowd. Good luck!

ksb427
Posted:
2008-11-23 2:00 PM
caren said @ 2008-11-21 20:52:55:
Hi!
I make homemade cranberry sauce and you an use mandarin oranges also (instead of the zest) and you can add about a cup of red wine (any wine that you would drink is fine) and 2 cinnamon sticks.....I made it every year and it is a huge hit!! (of course use the sugar as well).......I usually use 2 bags of cranberries for a large crowd. Good luck!
We're cooking just for four adults and two children. So, if I went with your recipe using 1 bag of cranberries would I use the following? 1/2 c of wine, 1 c. sugar, 1 cinammon stick, 1 orange?

Thanks,
Karen
____________________________________
Blog - A Creek in the Back
http://acreekintheback.blogspot.com

Stilldawn
Posted:
2008-11-25 6:16 PM
Well you are off to the right start with getting everything organized. Thats important, I would also wash walls and stove, as far as your smokey kitchen, chances are you just need to clean your oven, thats always my problem. As far as cooking the turkey... well research for one, dont go all gourmet keep it simple, and call and discuss it with the in law she will be happy as can be that you value her opinion. Let her know you are not a pro at this and that you would greatly appreciate her help and imput, even if you are lying it is still a great tactic. Parents in general love knowing they can still teach you things and an in law loves to know this even more I think.

Play relaxing music while you cook! Just try and stay cool and calm and do not ever bite at an in-laws goading. Things like yes, your right, my kitchen could use some organizing, think you could suggest a better layout? Basically I am telling you to kiss butt and schmooze for the holidays. Then after remind your husband what a wonderful wife he has and show him that new ring, necklace or outfit you are wanting for Christmas!

Stilldawn

ksb427
Posted:
2008-11-27 7:53 PM
*Clearing throat* Ladies and gentleman, the meal was a SUCCESS! Yes, it was! The turkey breast came out delicious and moist (brushed w/ oil, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, broth on the bottom to keep the breast moist), the cranberry sauce (orange zest, few orange slices, cinnamon) was very tasty and my chocolate picnic cake (had made it several times before so knew it was going to turn out fine) was pure heaven. I was so nervous, but I did it and I didn't even drink one glass of wine. :)

Thank you ladies for your ideas and support. I really appreciate it. I'm just so tickled that everything came out well.

Karen
____________________________________
Blog - A Creek in the Back
http://acreekintheback.blogspot.com
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