Pseudo Thanksgiving Dinner is Just What We Need….

at a time like this! This Covid19 mania is really taking its toll on the world today. My family seems to be taking it in stride. As much as they can with my eldest two boys working part-time at Publix and my husband constantly in strangers houses as a cable/ internet/ phone installer. I figured a turkey dinner and telling each other what we are grateful for was the best Sunday dinner idea to end this crazy, stressful week!

There were tons of turkey breasts at my Publix yesterday and enough side dish ideas in the grocery aisles. Frozen dinner rolls and fresh veggies… Voila- a Thanksgiving turkey dinner that will out a smile on your families face and lift their spirits! A real, old fashioned Sunday Supper! It’s not called comfort food for nothing!

I had my husband split the breast since only 4 of us were eating tonight and my kids are not leftover turkey fans. I froze the other half for another meal. I rinsed off the halfed breast and rubbed it with soft butter, salt and pepper. Simple yet delicious. I inserted a meat thermometer set at 165 degrees, pop it in a 350 degree oven and wait, patiently!

I always have a box of Stove Top stuffing in my pantry since it’s my favorite! And when I say favorite, I mean I mean so much so, my kids have told me they are buying me a Costco sized case of it for my next birthday! So the stuffing was covered! Then I scouted out the cranberry sauce while I was at the grocery store. Sadly, the few Ocean Spray cans were dented so I grabbed Publix brand. My husband have me grief over “cutting corners” with his favorite Thanksgiving side, but I’m sure he’ll make it through dinner a-ok with the store brand cranberry!!! Since it’s slim pickins in the grocery store right now, I picked a dinner roll I normally would not buy, at least it was a brand I like. Beggars can’t be choosers, right?! Next up, the veggies… I had a new package of peas and some Brussels sprouts left from my last produce co-op.

And the crowning jewel, the gravy. I’m going with the frozen packet that came with the turkey breast. I’ve done this in the past and it’s always been flavorful once I add the pan drippings.

While the turkey is in the final stages of roasting, I prepare the simple sides…. Stuffing, peas, pan seared Brussels sprouts, gravy, cranberry sauce and dinner rolls.

Remember, let your turkey rest for about 15 minutes, on the counter, like you would a roast. Resting ensures juicy meat as the juices won’t flood out as you carve the turkey immediately after removing it from the oven.

While your waiting (patiently, right?!) for the turkey to rest, set your dinner table. Use your nice (heck, break out the fancy stuff!) dinner plates! Set out your better quality silverware. Go the extra mile, more than you would on a random Tuesday evening. Fold your napkins. Sit close together! Make it special… Your family is worth it!