This is the first Thanksgiving I get to cook. I cannot tell you how excited I am, or how terrified I am.Sure, I’d make a dish or a dessert to haul to my parent’s home, where my Mom, my Dad, my brother and his four kids would have dinner. Over the last few years, the leaf in the table came in handy, as we added my husband to the table three Thanksgivings ago, and my son last year.

This year will be a bit bittersweet, as while its my first shot at the meal, it will be a few less guests at the table. My brother passed away in January, and his oldest son, who turned 18 today, as a matter of fact, has his own life now. But, the rest of the usual clan will be present and accounted for, and hopefully treated to a good meal.

I am a planner. I am capital A – anal. I am a list maker. I made mine yesterday and will do a little at a time each day leading up to the big T. And, of course, I am blogging my adventure!

Yesterday, I made my list and organized my spices. Start off with the small stuff that will lend a hand for the bigger projects, you know?

Today I am making my mashed potatoes. Why so early? We bought 100 pounds of potatoes for $10.00 several weeks ago, and there are a small smattering of them left, but they are getting soft and will not make it to next week. Waste not, want not, I was always told, so today will be tater Tuesday. I will make them and freeze them until next week and work them back to fresheness – no one will be the wiser <insert evil laugh>.

I don’t do anything spectacular to my potatoes – instead of milk I used a pint of sour cream and a splash or two of half and half, along with a little butter, salt and pepper. They came out nice and creamy.

I put two quart sized bags holding 5 cups each in the fridge to chill and will place them in the freezer before bed.

One more mission accomplished – on to broth on Wedneday!