Merrill Thanksgiving 2011

This year we decided to have Thanksgiving dinner early and at our house since most of us go to in-laws for Thanksgiving Day. This was the first time I have ever attempted to cook a turkey and I looked at tons of different recipes but decided to go with "Grandma's Farmhouse Brine" with a few additions. It turned out so delicious and moist!! I borrowed Mom and Dad's roaster since I knew I'd need the oven for a few casseroles and it cooked beautifully but didn't brown so we put it in the oven with the broiler for a few minutes and it browned up somewhat. Everyone said it was the best so we'll probably brine the turkey from now on. We had turkey, potatoes, squash, pecan-topped sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, rolls, chiffon salad, cranberry sauce, pickles and cheese, and mom and dad's orange drink. For dessert we had 2 blueberry pies, an apple, cherry, pecan, chocolate, coconut, and lemon (of course with whipped topping and ice cream). Amost everyone came. Shane was hunting (once in a lifetime chance for an elk) and Alisa and Meg didn't make it (they were having car trouble so Dean brought the 3 girls in his truck). Of course I had grand plans to take pictures of all the food and people before we started dinner but as usual things get happening and then it's over and I only have a couple of photos! We did have a lot of fun and the kids went crazy like they always do when they get together!