Happy Thanksgiving from All of Us at Chickory

The Harvest Hen one of 12 felt hen ornaments made for my Handmade Holiday starting Dec. 2 

Thanksgiving miracle! Easter in the laying box trying to git 'r done.

Kobayashi Maru looking all Field n' Stream

from the "you know you're a redneck when" collection: chickens just asking to be thrown in a smoker

Nutty Brown headed in to investigate the turkey proceedings

I started the morning, after a lazy and cozy sog under the quilts, with Paula Deen's recipe for squash cassarole. Since I started growing food, my tradition is to cook my frozen summer squash on Thanksgiving day. Its made with sharp cheddar and sour cream, onions and a top coat of Ritz crackers. Its the worst thing I make, health wise. Then I made sauteed green beans with almonds and a light sauce of turkey broth and a tiny shake o flour. Next I made apple crisp because V read that pie crust is the absolute worst thing you can eat. So I found a recipe with mostly apples and a crunchy top made with rolled oats. I also made some chocolate whoopie pies to try for the Handmade Holiday opening night, and they are a go. Delicious! Then I peeled my sweet potatoes (also home grown) to mash and my part is complete. V handles the turkey, the asparagus and the booze. I bought him a brand new Weber smoker on monday for 41 dollars - a close out down from 299! He is thrilled because it got a great review in Cook's magazine. At 3 pm i will have champagne and hope I can stay awake for the meal. And the rest of the day will be shot.

Yesterday I was up on the mountain where I got lost a few weeks ago and looked over the ranges of 3 states from the summit. It was so beautiful watching the still somewhat turbulent sky make its pinks and cool blue cloud sunsets. You only see those colors in winter.  The wind from the south had calmed but there were still whispers in the pines and the maraca like rattles of brittle leaves clinging to maples and birches and ash. My love for these mountains and forests of north georgia is so big sometimes I think I will burst of joy for living here. It is a privilege to live in such a natural setting that still has some wildness to it, and I am indeed giving thanks.

I wish everyone in my blog family, a very blessed day, today, tomorrow, each and everyday and extend that blessing to all that you hold dear. xo Chickory