Happy Thanksgiving...

Phew, what a weekend. And it's not even over yet!

This Thanksgiving I did something that I've never done before. Okay well I did many things that I've never done before, but the impressive, and probably most shocking, was that it was the first time ever that I've cooked a turkey. I know, I know. How have I gone 28 years without doing this? Well, I'll tell you. I don't like turkey. Yep, I said it. And it's not even that I'm not fond of it, I mean, I really don't like it. It's funny, because my parents insist that I love turkey and used to eat it ever thanksgiving. But I don't think they've ever realized that I only put a tiny piece on my plate and then take one bite and push the rest around a bit.

Now I realize this seems very un-American, but it's just the way it is.

So, my turkey. I brined it the night before using a salt water mix and turkey herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme). I cut back on the salt a bit and used about 3/4 cup for ~1 gallon of water. The next day I rubbed herb butter under the skin (where I could get it) and let it sit in the fridge for another 2 hours to dry out the skin. I'm told the turkey came out plenty juicy and was very tasty, though I wasn't overly impressed. But maybe that's just my lack of turkey liking. Either way, I'd like to give it one more try because I think I can do better.... I think. I'll need some turkey tasters again. Volunteers?

Thanksgiving day Jeremy and I went to New Orleans with some friends. Man, even that place is dead on Thanksgiving Day. Of course Bourbon street was still open, but half the bars were closed. Go figure.

What I love about New Orleans is the wonderful food and the great music. There's a restaurant called Desire on Bourbon Street and I highly recommend it. Everything on their menu is great. I can say this with confidence since the 4 of us tried almost everything throughout the weekend. We also found a grocery store on Royal street that's a perfect place to get breakfast if you just want some yogurt and fruit.

Friday night we stopped by Fritzels (on Bourbon) to listen to the Jumbo Shrimp Band. We'd heard them last time we were down and this time they did not disappoint. We picked up a CD. We also hit up Frenchman Street on Saturday night. This time we heard two guys sitting on the sidewalk jamming. They were great. I believe they were "19th Street Red." We got another CD.

I love collecting jazz music from New Orleans. It makes great background party music.

On the way back from Frenchman Street, we happened upon this band "Blues 4 Sale." They don't have a CD out yet, but once it comes out, I highly recommend getting it. They were fantastic.

Before we left N.O. this morning Jeremy took me on a carriage ride through the French Quarter. It was super romantic and really neat. I loved it.

And... after we got home from N.O., Jeremy continued his romanticism (is that a word?) by taking me ice skating at Discovery Green. I'm so lucky.

Now after stuffing my face for the last 3 days with more food than I eat in a month, I think I'm going to stop eating for a while. I'm going to bed tonight and not eating until Tuesday...

well, maybe just one kieful that I make tomorrow.... and maybe one jumbo raisin cookie.... maybe some corn chowder.

But really, no eating

unless I do.