Pausing in preparations for a small gathering (only 3 of us). Yesterday I boiled the sweet potatoes and seasoned them (I had a little honey I wanted to use it so I added it, usually there is no additional sweetening). I have a batch of yeast rolls rising, one of two I'll make today. This first batch is for gifting to neighbors, along with jars of my pickled okra from this summer. The second batch is for here.

Turkey is in the brine, spatchcocked this year - NOT an easy operation. The next hard part will be flattening this bird and I think I'll bake it in the roaster oven then I don't need to find a pan to fit it and still catch all of the drippings. It'll go right on the rack, and lift out easily.

Pie is coming, per our family tradition. Pumpkin this year with only three people, we usually have an apple pie and a pumpkin pie (the kids favorites). One kid is out of state, one is recuperating from foot surgery and not traveling even this far (an hour's drive).

Part of our Thanksgiving ritual is buttermilk pancakes for breakfast. I made a batch for myself, cooked all of them and put three small packages in the freezer to reheat for future breakfasts.

The sparkling Martinelli cider (the best of this type) is in the fridge chilling, the restaurant take-home containers are out, dusted off, and ready to fill to send home with my guests. I have to choose a movie to stream and get back to work. Will it be Holiday or Hitchcock? They both have their attractions. :)