First – let me say thank you for all the warm and loving comments everyone posted on my “Thanksgiving Memories” post. I appreciate and welcome hearing from all of you!
There’s so much going on in my house this week, beyond all the cooking! We’re pulling extra tables out from the garage and 
wiping them clean; dusting off our big coffee urn, filling all the lanterns with oil – did I say we’re having Thanksgiving Dinner outdoors this year? Dallas Raines says temps will be in the 80s here in L.A. which makes me happier than a Presidentially Pardoned Turkey!
Rather than share recipes here on my blog this week, I think I’ll just pop in from time to time with some updates on our progress here at the Ritz Carlson…starting with this morning. I already made the cheese ball, however, I decided to mix it up this year and shape it into a log. I’ll wait until Thursday morning to roll it in the chopped pecans and parsley. One of the hardest things about making my Roquefort Cheese Ball, is NOT eating it! I usually make a second, smaller Cheese Ball for myself and shamefully eat the entire thing while I’m preparing Thanksgiving Dinner.
This year, I made a conscious decision to avoid doing so…I made a vegetable plate with hummus and have been noshing on
it all morning. That’s right – I’m saying “NO” to eating an entire Roquefort Cheese Ball, by myself!
I made two different shaped Patés – one in a circle, one in a “loaf” shape. I’ll wait until Thursday morning to frost them with the whipped garlic cream cheese.
The “all-butter” crusts for the pumpkin pies are prepped and in the freezer. Now it’s time to get the puppies to the park to get them their exercise. I think Thanksgiving is hardest on them! All 
the smells in the house for days, culminating with Thanksgiving, when they have to smell the turkey roasting all day. it’s got to be hell for them – we do give them turkey, but try to limit the sides, so they don’t get sick.
So, off we go – I’ll check back later with everyone and let you know our progress – I’d love it if you’d do the same! It would be great to hear how all of your holiday plans are coming along!
Only working 1/2 day today then home to make pies! Pumpkin, Apple/Blackberry, Chocolate and Coconut Cream! It’s my favorite holiday1
Dear Sandy your dogs are adorable. They look like there just waiting for you to drop a crumb. As for sharing your Thanksgiving I want to thank you. I don’t have family or friends to celebrate Holidays with and reading your blog and seeing your lovely displays makes me feel like I’m sorta of there.
I would so awesome if in the future you could do your own TV segment.Saturdays with Mrs. Butterton or something. A show that would show you demonstrating simple home repairs and what cleaning products work and don’t work. You seem like a real go getter and trend setter. I don’t believe you are only talented in the cooking dept.
Thank you Sandy for your warming blogs and I hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Heh, my plans are very simple this year. I’m going to a take and bake pizza place tomorrow to grab Thanksgiving dinner. Thursday I’m seeing a movie with a friend, then coming back to my place for our non-traditional feast.
Those poor puppies. I’m sure you give them a little holiday treat though at the end for living through the torture of the smells.
I’m going to be spending it curled up at my place in Nashville, laptop to the side while I try to shoo the kitten off the counter-top and figure out just how the heck I’m supposed to cook this Cornish hen I bought. No point in a turkey when it’s just me (a 28lber? Wow have fun with that)!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and the entire family!
You had me at Gobblepalooza.
Hope it’s a good one!
Work today, last minute easy appetizers in the morning. Then load the van with folding chairs, beer, food & hopefully every last box of the 26 year old daughters belongings for the 5 mile trek to her house. Then off for a few days alone with hubby in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
oooo…I love the puppies! Sounds like you’re going to have so much fun. With just me and mom, we usually eat out on Thanksgiving, and save the “feast” for Christmas!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Lois told me Ralphy makes an appearance. Had to peek in. Awwwww.
Cheers and Big Hugs and Kisses! 