Fifty Before 50

I decided to host Thanksgiving at my house this year. I have participated in several at other people's houses over the years in both the U.S. and Canada (where the holiday is the same , but on the second Monday in October) but have never cooked a turkey or made stuffing. Below is a pictorial of the experience. I ordered a fresh turkey from New Seasons Market, a locally owned mostly organic grocer. My "humanly raised" turkey. Insert ironic comment here. The savory bits for the stuffing. This was always the "boy" job in my house growing up.  Two loaves of crustless buttermilk bread added to the onions, butter, celery and spices.  Yes, I am a traditionalist when it comes to stuffing the turkey. It just doesn't taste the  same if you don't. All buttered up and ready to go. I added my secret ingredient into the recipe my co-worker gave me for cranberry sauce. Bubble, bubble. Toil and trouble. Totally mis-quoting ...

Sorry Betty Crocker , but Julia Child could totally kick your butt in a celebrity cage match if your only weapon was your H ollandaise sauce recipe. Thanksgiving morning I decided to make Eggs Benny for me and the kids because, hey, who doesn't want to make an elaborate breakfast on a day full of elaborate cooking? So started Hollandaise attempt #2. ( read about my first ever attempt ) I pulled out my trusty bright orange, 1986 edition of the Betty Crocker cookbook and thumbed to the proper page.   Strangely, it was nestled up against the asparagus section. Please note, there is a microwave option. I made it per Betty's somewhat vague instructions. Topped my eggs, ham and English muffin. Dug in. Asked the kids their opinion. The foodie kids that they are, they had many: too lemony, good consistency, too salty Apparently, this one is to be struck from the book.