All About the Food to Give Thanks- Thanksgiving 2010

Have I ever just said, I love to cook. I get so much satisfaction cooking a meal and having others enjoy it. I give thanks this Thanksgiving Day for all the blessings I have, the friends, family, health, love and Ziggy. I want to thank all the servicemen and women all around the world, who are sacrificing themselves to assure we live in a safe world. I want to thank the TSA folks who despite controversy try to assure that each time we get on a plane, we are safe.

I especially give thanks for my hubby, my mom, my children and my mother in law for just being them and being there with me.

I also want to thank an unlikely group - UCLA for pissing me off so much that I decided to retire nearly two years ago- the best decision of my professional career. That decision has given me more time to indulge in my passion- cooking and BBQ Competition, find time to go to the gym to get to a healthy weight and cardiovascular fitness and be me.

This meal I prepared in thanks.

Thanksgiving 2007 Dinner Prep Progress

Boy, what a day! I did take the day off from work to get ahead of the game. I was busy all day with last minute purchases, prepping, and putting the finishing touches on my Buckboard Bacon cure. Oh yea, I don't think I mentioned this here before but here's the link to pictures of the 10 day cure process and smoking to 140 degrees on the WSM at 200 degrees. Using a pork loin, I got Canadian Bacon and yes, it taste great.

















I completed the turkey brine, rinse, injection and placed the turkey in the refrigerator overnight uncovered for skin to dry. Supposedly leaving the turkey uncovered in the refrigerator will allow the skin to dry, thus when I cover it with a cheese cloth soaked in butter and mojo criollo marinade just prior to the smoke, the turkey skin will be less rubbery, flavorful and nicely browned. Can't wait.

Results to follow.

















I made the Macaroni and Cheese, Corn Pudding, Dressing and Candied Sweet Potatoes today. See attached link for some picts of the processes. Tomorrow (Thanksgiving)'ll complete the rest of my menu.