our family has a secret. we actually don't fight during family dinners. no really, each year our immediate family celebrates our own rogue thanksgiving on wednesday prior to the real day with the larger family. i'm talking an entire spread, full bird and all. this year we deep fried the turkey in duck fat. yup.
other players were sweet potatoes with figs; cauliflower and brussels roasted with olives and capers; wild mushroom and parsnip soup; squash, ground pork, mushrooms, onions, celery, garlic, sage and thyme stuffing.
this is always my favorite day of the entire year. i look forward to spending this special separate time with my immediate family. we live all over the country but on this day, it's like we never skipped a beat. it's a thanksgiving tradition that works for us. and since this day is about appreciating what you have, the fact that we all get along and can't get enough of conversations with each other, that just leaves me happy.