Text 1252, 71 rader
Skriven 2005-02-27 23:47:42 av DAVE COBLE (1:123/140)
Ärende: Striving for Perfection is a Fantasy
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At this time of year we're inundated with idyllic visions of loving
families gazing at a perfectly browned, moist turkey. Heaping bowls of side
dishes are artfully arranged around the bird. The table has been set with
the finest crystal and china that has been passed down from one generation
to the next. Not a soul looks frazzled, not a hair out of place, not a spot
of grease mars the picture-perfect clothing on each cherub of the youngest
generation.

If that's the image you're looking to create at your Thanksgiving table
this year, you need to reconsider the wisdom of this objective. Why should
we set ourselves up for the inevitable failure? can perfection really exist
given our human frailties and shortcomings? It's much easier, in my
opinion, to strive for a less than perfect Thanksgiving. You're guaranteed
to come out a winner at the end of the day.

So here are my tips for planning a less than perfect Thanksgiving this
year.

1. Be sure to leave that little package of turkey innards tucked deep
inside the turkey cavity, behind the stuffing. That way, when the stuffing
is scooped out at the Thanksgiving table, everyone can watch the mystery
package appear in the last spoonful.

2. Insist that you will cook everything yourself for this meal, even though
you receive many offers of assistance. There's nothing more satisfying than
feeling like an exhausted martyr on a holiday.

3. Plan a menu that includes mostly new recipes that you've never tried
before. That way you and your guests can discover together how the dishes
turn out when they're done. Plus, you have the added element of surprise of
not knowing the exact timing for these dishes.

4. Include lots of recipes from new cuisines that are different from your
family's heritage. Think of the look of surprise on your Aunt-Myrtle-from-
Ohio's face when she bites into one of those little Thai chile peppers in
your dressing.

5. Begin to defrost your turkey on Thanksgiving morning. You know how
magazines tend to exaggerate how long it takes to defrost and roast those
little gobblers. And who cares if dinner's not ready until 9:00 p.m.? You
can save those leftover sandwiches for lunch the next day instead of the
evening snack.

6. Don't let anyone in your house eat until guests arrive. You don't want
everyone filling up before the big meal. So what if the kids spend all
morning whining that they're hungry? It builds character.

7. Decide that this will be the day to end those old family grievances for
once and for all. Turkey always makes grudges go down easier. Plan your
seating so that any known warring family members will sit next to one
another. That will force them to work things out. Even it they don't, this
will create memories and anecdotes for future holidays.

8. Leave setting the table and pulling out serving pieces until your guests
arrive. You have too much to worry about with all the cooking you'll be
doing. Use your everyday glasses and dishes - we wouldn't want a clumsy
relation to break your good stuff. And don't forget to plan an extra couple
of minutes right before they're scheduled to arrive to iron your table
cloths. These things hardly take any time, right?

9. Plan on cooking everything Thanksgiving Day. So what if you don't have
enough burners on your stove to accommodate everything at one time. You
need an opportunity to prove to your spouse that your kitchen is due for a
renovation. Spend the whole day yelling at your children and spouse about
how they're not helping and you've got so much to do. It will give them
something truly to be thankful for - that Thanksgiving comes only once a
year!

Happy Thanksgiving!
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