New Years Day Meal.

We had plans for New Years Day... Nick to go golfing with my Uncle then dinner with friends but Nick's been sick and it just wasn't letting up. We decided it would probably be best for him to take it easy and try to feel better. So I took the liberty of turning my kitchen into a war zone.

We had a 15 pound turkey left over from Thanksgiving that I decided to cook. I've never cooked a turkey before and was a little nervous, lucky for me though Nick would be the only other human eating it... Victor may have gotten a few pieces.

The turkey turned out great! Very moist and flavorful. I used lemon pepper seasoning and olive oil to rub it down with before I put it in the oven. Then about half way through, I seasoned it with a bit of salt and pepper. Then when the turkey was done... We cut it up before I remembered I wanted to take a picture of it! I'm kicking myself.

Almost all of the sides were inspired by Emily Malone's blog. First I made her Blueberry Greek Yogurt Banana Bread. It was the first time that I baked something that didn't come out of a box. It is really good bread. Spread some butter on your slice and you're good to go!

 

 

My side items were Emily's Butternut Squash and Cranberry Maple Millet, although, my grocery store didn't have millet so I had to substitute it with quinoa.

Her White Vegan Gravy is good too. I added a little more salt than the recipe calls for, but that's just me.

I also made my own recipes for green beans and garlic mashed cauliflower (a substitute for mashed potatoes). The cauliflower was ok...the consistency was more like grits than potatoes but it's worth it when you think about how much healthier it is than potatoes.

 

 

I enjoyed cooking and attempting two new things that I have never tried before (baking and turkey). I really find spending time in the kitchen to be relaxing. It's kind of my space.