I made a delicious dinner tonight for the family to enjoy together. Steak au poivre, green beans sauteed with a little butter and sea salt and *roasted cauliflower with parmesan. We opened a bottle of Robert Mondavi 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (possibly the best $10 bottle of red around. And you can find it at Target. Toilet paper, diapers and good wine in one pit-stop? Awesome.) and sat down to enjoy it. We had nice – albeit brief conversation. Is there anything else with a toddler at the table? Pea asked to be excused, my husband asked to be excused, both of them presumably rubbing their bellies from the abundant meal.

As we were clearing up, my husband and I were discussing our Thanksgiving Day plans. We’re going to his sisters – it’s her year to host. We had a few laughs over the fact that although it’s her year to host, I’ve somehow (yet again) been wrangled into bringing three dishes plus a dessert. He asked if I’d been to the grocery store yet? I said nope. It’s not my year so I’m not all that worried. So he asked me why I have a bunch of cans of those Durkee French Fried Onion Rings in the pantry? I explained to him that one year, the grocer was out of them the day before Thanksgiving and it put a horrible fear of not being able to finish his families’ favorite dish properly, and so starting around late September, I begin to stockpile them. And then what happened? After starting the dishwasher, I walked into the den to find he and my daughter stuffing their faces with a can of them, Pea making moaning “mmm” sounds. And I should add here that it was the big can – not the little skinny one. Really? The steak dinner wasn’t enough? She is so her father’s daughter. But I digress. The following is what my sister-in-law requested that I bring to her house this year:

Green Bean Casserole
Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes
Brussels Sprouts Lardons

The first dish is not particularly my idea of good food, but I suppose it has it’s place on the American tabletop at Thanksgiving time. I just don’t find it to be particularly tasty. I prefer my vegetables to be fresh rather than canned, but the one year that I made it with fresh green beans, the entire dish was met with silent disdain. And so, not one to disappoint, I now make it according to the recipe.

The second dish is an odd request. I made it for my sister-in-law’s baby shower last August, and although it is very good, it doesn’t really have “holidays” written all over it. But my husband insists I should make it as a “thank you” to her for hosting this year. And so, I will.

The last dish is a family favorite. It’s based on a French recipe for Brussels sprouts that includes golden raisins and bacon. Although I’ve since adjusted the recipe to suit my families’ tastes (my husband refuses to eat raisins and I use peppered bacon for a little extra kick), it’s a fan favorite. If you ever thought you didn’t like Brussels sprouts, I promise you will adore these. My daughter delights in them and my husband asks me to make them on a weekly basis.

Lastly, we will be bringing along two dozen cupcakes from The Cupcake Cottage, here in town. One dozen grown-up size and one-dozen baby cakes. These are amazing. If you are in the area, I highly recommend you check them out. Although I am not a cupcake eater, these really do make me want to convert. They are incredible.

When it comes to the holidays, I am generally meticulous, especially when they are at my home. I love to entertain and live to cook. I’m known for it. And while I do have a passion for both, I am also a typical Type-A personality. I like everything a certain way. My way. I am a control freak and firmly believe that if I want something done right, I should just do it myself. And I know it’s not my most charming quality, but at least I am aware of it, am in touch with it. My husband often has to lovingly – but firmly – remind me to loosen up. It’s hard, but I try. But I admit that not having Thanksgiving at my home – my most favorite holiday of the year – really takes it’s toll on me. I am not a fan of potluck. I like themes. Like the year we had a traditional Southern Thanksgiving meal. Or the year it was a traditional New England meal. So to have such a hodgepodge of food is hard for me. And I know that sounds ungrateful, no need to tell me so. I just was brought up with my own traditions, and sometimes it is just hard to let go of that, you know?

At least Christmas morning is at our house this year. I’ve already planned the menu. I’ve had it planned since last year, all the details and the recipes are in a little folder that I filed away in my desk drawer. I’ve been adding to it all year. Control freak? Check.

*Toss the cauliflower with good olive oil (a tablespoon or two, although I don’t use an exact measurement) and a little kosher salt (Diamond Crystal is my favorite) and freshly ground pepper (I do this right on the baking pan). Roast in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes, tossing about half-way through. Pull the pan out, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese (about a quarter of a cup, although again, I don’t use an exact measurement), and throw back in the oven for a minute or two until the cheese is melted. I promise you, this is the most fantastic way to cook cauliflower and no one will be disappointed. It is incredibly delicious.