Downsizing the ritual of turkey dinner has succeeded. Cooking for two has been a daily ritual for The Momsey for many years. In the beginning it was a large turkey. Then buying two birds to increase the number of legs for those wanting them. Now I am cooking for one, on a regular basis. My thinking has begun to change.
Last week my thoughts of dressing, gravy and mashed potatoes took on a new look. There is no turkey small enough for me to buy so that I am not eating it forever. Being the only one wanting this special meal, size does matter.. I do not want to be eating turkey and all its fixins forever or freezing the leftovers for another future date, only to be forgotten. After awhile, turkey can lose its lustre for me. Waste is not in my vocabulary.
Homemade cranberry sauce using frozen cranberries with maple syrup is made. It can be used as a spread for breakfast or with the main act: turkey dinner.
Stuffing for the meal for one is downsized easily using a small fry pan for its inital preparation. This tactic helps to contain the celery, dill, parsley, salt and pepper, thyme, poultry to a reasonable quantity,easily. Once completed, the homemade dressing is gingerly encapsulate within the skin of the split turkey breast, bone and skin intact, in a 330 degree oven. Size will determine length of time. Basting juices form to easily coat the 'roast' in flavour and moisture.
A small footprint in the oven in a covered porcelain roasting pan serves as a perfect delivery system for roasting the turkey for one, with dressing and any vegetables desired. Basting the contents is a delicious reward. And a funny thing can happen. Sufficient food can be created for unexpected company.
In these days of simple and clean eating, unexpected dinner guests can be accompanied easily. A salad wilth help deliver that extra nutrient punch along side the roasted meal that has been cooking in the oven. There might not be any leftovers when company visits but repeating the task of a meal for one trains us to eat less and appreciate diversity. What is next?. Soup is a great meal using leftovers and giving the body is change of pace while perhaps widening the festing window in between. Yum. Yum.
With friends or family nearby, another occasion for another meal for one can excite us all. The question that bears asking: Shall Pirogies or cabbage rolls for 'one' be next? Perhaps that requires a different approach for invited guests. How many are you willing to make?
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