The Pandemic Countdown to Turkey Day: The Soft Menu Plan-Redux

Last year I did not think I would simply be revising this post for the Countdown to Turkey Day, but here we are. Just like last year, things are not what they were and not everything is going to be smooth sailing for everyone.

Personally, we’re ok. It will be a smaller dinner here, my older kids will be at their dad’s. It’ll be fine, they’ll tear up the leftovers when they get back.

I will be sticking to my usual menu:

smoked turkeycornbread dressing with andouille sausagetraditional dressingmashed potatoes with gravycollard greenscranberriespecan pie

Like last year we’ll take a quick peek back at the way we were and chuckle at how young and naive we were back then. Oh, what sweet summer, children we were. So young, so carefree, and full of hope, and in my case, so few children—there were three and my stepdaughter back then. Oh, and I had just started working for FeedBlitz. Can you believe you’ve been putting up with me for eight nine years, Phil?

It still amuses me, a full year later how different things are. I was in Walmart yesterday—Don’t judge, are you buying for eight?—and there’s no hurricane on the way, but judging by the shelves you wouldn’t know it.

Don’t wait until the last minute to try to get that can of pumpkin. Do not underestimate people’s drive to recreate Grandma’s pumpkin pie. I don’t expect the stores to be bare, but I do know that numbers are climbing and disruptions are happening.

Oh, and if you want chocolate graham crackers for a pie crust, forget about it. I’ve looked. It’s not happening. Well, it’s not happening unless you want to sell an organ or something.

This year, I’m not going to suggest trying to come up with the perfect, traditional Thanksgiving menu. I want you to think about how you will make this Thanksgiving a special day in its own way. If trying to make a turkey with all the trimmings will feel like too much work or if it will make you too sad, don’t do it. Traditions will still be there when we are ready for them.

Here is the link to the Thanksgiving menu planner. I hope you find it useful to plan your Thanksgiving dinner. 2021

Onward!