Turkey Virgin No Longer

I was able to avoid it for decades like a child who hides in the corner hoping not to get called on. But alas, the gig was up and Thanksgiving 2020 said “Jill, your time has come.” I likened the experience to an athletic race where I started preparing for the competition 3 weeks earlier: prepare the sweet breads, the pies, the cookie dough and freeze. Two weeks to go: Create the spreadsheet, write the grocery lists, order the turkey. Less than a week: Shop, prep, cook, repeat. I was ready for the big day until...that last hour. No one told me about that crazy last hour before the feast! One has to make and plate a multitude of potatoes, vegetables, sauces, stuffing, and so on (while your partner thankfully carves the turkey) in unison and pray they taste good and are not cold by the time guests are seated. Thankful to have a plethora of food on our table and to be surrounded by a loving and healthy family, I crossed the finish line, a turkey virgin no longer.