Thanksgiving 2016

5th Annual Outdoor Celebration

Each year Mother Nature delivers a different scenario. One year - 50 degrees. Another year, a foot of snow. And others with something in between. This year, snow is forecast to begin just after daylight. So we rush to get the turkeys on the fire.
Wind and cold can slow down cooking time. Russell lines the reflector oven with foil to increase heat around the turkey.

 Two turkeys: a 13-pounder for the fire, and 16-pounder for the grill.

8 AM, hot coals are raked out and the turkey put in place. The other goes onto the ...

 ...the gas grill and cider is poured into the drip pan. Combined with the turkey drippings this will deliver an  unexpected delicious gravy base.

 More food prep for the grilled salmon and paella-pan stuffing.

 P to the third power: Poppet Peeling Potatoes. The number of hungry souls is up this year, practically double from 17 in 2015 to 31 in 2016.

 Turkey is doing well. And no snow in sight.

It takes a lot of wood to keep a fire hot for seven hours. Pedr heats his house with wood and is no stranger to splitting.

Annie Potter also heats with wood. Enough said!

Still not a flake or a drop. A small sample of appetizers shown here: bluefish pate, shrimp, and salamis. Off-camera people are consuming buttery cheddar and stilton, stuffed mushrooms, lemon and garlic olives. Not to mention mulled cider, craft beers, wines, and prosecco. 

Someone has to keep  a constant vigil. The dogs wanted to sample too.

Chip

Frances creates the paella-pan stuffing. The fire is very hot and she can't stand there for long. The sunglasses are for protection, not glare.

  

Broth is added.

Frances takes a breather. Charlie tends the paella. Salmon is covered with foil. Brussels sprouts are roasting nearby.

Meanwhile, more cooking inside, ...

 

... as the teenagers get an origami lesson from Russell.

 The Salmon is done and gently slid onto the conveyor.

 Grilled turkey done.

 Smoked turkey done.

    Carving by Bob and John.

Laurie looks on as Grannie Annie, the gravymeister, whips it together.

     Roast turkey, salmon, gravy and mashed potatoes, paella stuffing, cornbread, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, carrots, squash and two versions of cranberry jelly.

Rebecca happily hefts her groaning platter.

 

Feeding 31 people? No problem with a bevy of good cooks.

It's a time to cherish. Another granny, Anne Boswell savors the moment with granddaughter Miranda.

    And we fool Mother Nature once again.

Mia and Tobey are envious...

... while Sophie, Georgia and Madelyn dig in.

                   We give thanks to everyone for making the day so memorable.