Every year about this time I start to think about making Thanksgiving dinner. I know that’s not unusual; everyone’s thinking about Thanksgiving dinner right now. But what I’m thinking, or should I say lamenting, is that I’ve never made Thanksgiving dinner. Surprised? Sure, I dream about preparing and hosting the Thanksgiving feast, but like millions of other Americans, I travel to family to get my Thanksgiving turkey and cheer.
This year I decided I should make a turkey, just for the experience of making one. My first thought was to consult The Internet Celebrity Chef himself, Chef John Mitzewich at Food Wishes. Not only is Chef John the most prolific and watched video recipe producer in the world, and one of the nicest and funniest people I have met, he recently won the Next Food Network Star YouTube Challenge! Chef John has like a billion video recipes (okay, maybe not a billion, but he’s approaching five hundred!) and I know he has turkey videos.
Sure enough, it’s Thanksgiving recipe galore at Food Wishes! Before I could get to the turkey and gravy, I had to watch Chef John’s latest for Pumpkin Pancakes (above)! I’ll go out on a limb and say it — this is the funniest Pumpkin Pancakes video ever! WARNING: You will immediately want Pumpkin Pancakes after you watch it, so make sure you have pumpkin puree on hand and get the recipe from Food Wishes.
But, back to the turkey…
I watched, I learned, I wished. Chef John is many things, but apparently one thing he is not is a genie — no matter how much I wished, he did not miraculously appear in my kitchen to cook turkey for me. Sigh.
After watching Chef John’s videos, first on the preparation of the bird (above), next on the gravy (below), I realize how lucky I am to simply roll-up to an exquisite Thanksgiving dinner lovingly prepared by family. Sure, I might mash the potatoes or concoct the green bean casserole, but by the time I’m in the kitchen the turkey is already stuffed and in the oven. My first encounter with the turkey is usually when it’s showcased as the table centerpiece. What more could you wish for?
Ultimately, I have learned to be more careful what I wish for… at least when it comes to my Thanksgiving Dinner aspirations. Because, honestly, I’m thankful to not have to make the turkey. Dinner Rolls are much more my speed.
One day, when I do attempt to make a turkey, I’ll consult Chef John again. His turkey roasting techniques look like they produce an amazing bird unlike any I’ve ever had.
Instead, this Black Friday, my family will wake up to the delightful smells of their Pumpkin Pancake Food Wishes coming true! Be sure to check out all of Chef John’s video recipes at Food Wishes and Happy Thanksgiving! (photo/video credit: foodwishes.com)
Pumpkin Pancakes
How to Cook a Turkey, Part I
All About Gravy, How to Cook A Turkey Part II
Cajun Chef Ryan says
Now I want punkin pancakes for dinner!
Angie says
Those pancakes look amazing!
Average Betty says
Hi Chef Ryan, Hi Angie! I can’t wait to try the pancakes… I may have to have them for dinner tonight! xoxo
Gera@SweetsFoodsBlog says
Your WARNING didn’t take effect on me ….I want that pumpkin pancakes but I haven’t any around…can I eat the video?? ;)
Cheers,
Gera
Anna says
I think those pancakes might get me off the waffle kick.
Rachel says
YUM on the pancakes!
Last year, I prepared my first Turkey all by myself! Did it again this year ;-) it’s way easier when someone else does it, but I enjoyed eating more knowing what I’d put into it ;-)
Average Betty says
Gera – You should always listen to my Warnings LOL – especially this one! :D
Anna- I just checked out your waffles and I’ve never tried doing the with yeast! I must try your version, I can see why you’re on a kick!!
http://www.cookiemadness.net/2010/11/make-ahead-waffle-batter/
Rachel – Congratulations on your first turkey! I need to take after you and give it a go. I’m sure the taste of victory is sweet!
Love y’all!
chefrenee says
Oh gee, great post but you need to relax, just “be the turkey”. After all you get to be stuffed, basted, set in a dry sauna and emerge as the centerpiece!
Savory Tv says
Winner winner chicken dinner! Ooops I mean Turkey dinner :) Chef John rules, and someday we can say we knew him back when! He has a great Thanksgiving stuffing recipe on his site that sadly I haven’t made, but 2 of my Colorado friends rave about. Hope you two have a great Tday! xo
Average Betty says
You are right, Renee! Once you start over thinking things… that’s when disaster strikes! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Average Betty says
LOL – Did you see my post Winner Winner Cupcake Dinner? Chef John does rule… let’s hope he remembers us when he’s rich and famous. Or at least just rich :) Happy Thanksgiving!!!