The Thanksgiving Feast

Its that time of year again, time to baste the Turkey, mash the potatoes and put on those stretchy sweat pants. Thanksgiving is here (well, for us Canadian folks anyways - unfortunately our neighbours down south have to wait a bit longer to relish in the bliss that is Thanksgiving dinner). This year I have been granted the task of cooking up Thanksgiving dinner for the family (I say granted because my father is a hard sell when it comes to getting him out of the kitchen - But he has given me his word, promise and all, that he will in fact stay out of the kitchen this year and let me handle the entire dinner. I hope that he reads this and sees that this promise is now in writing.) Anyways, I am now presented with the question of what to cook for dinner - Obviously there will be a turkey, and stuffing (my favourite - I could eat just this for dinner and be completely blissful) But what about the potatoes - stuffed? mashed? oven roasted? green beans? brussel sprouts? cranberries? (Well, there has to be cranberries since my father insists on it every year - even though he's the only one that ever eats them and we throw half the can out. But, oh well, there will indeed be cranberries) Back to my potato dilemma - I know traditionally turkey dinner potato's are mashed, but, in my opinion that gets a little boring (maybe some parmesan and garlic mashed potatoes are in need here? I think so) And as for the veggies, green beans are a personal favorite (you'd be amazed at what can be done with a green bean) and maybe some cooked carrots (gotta take care of that eyesight). So turkey, potatoes, stuffing, green beans and carrots. What's missing? Aha! the dessert. Normally I'd opt for a pumpkin pie (I mean what better screams fall then pumpkin?), however, my mother despises pie with a passion, so I won't go there. Perhaps maybe a cheesecake will do? Maybe berry or chocolate or...pumpkin! (gotta get that pumpkin in there somewhere). Whew. Now all I have to do is run the menu by my family (I don't want any last minute complaints about missing turkey dinner components - "where are the ....?!?!? -  after the grocery shopping has been done), and then I shall be all ready to wake up early Sunday morning, stuff the turkey (that is always the worst part, I mean honestly, who wants to stick there hand up a turkey's...well, you get the point) prepare all the side dishes and get cracking on that dessert. Wish me luck (and ill cross my fingers)!