Thanksgiving Fun and Such.

Happy December 1!

We truly had a great few days off. I cooked my very first Thanksgiving meal, turkey and all! It was super intimidating, but it turned out great. And let me just say: BRINE YOUR TURKEY. IT IS THE WAY TO GO.

Glad I got that out there. And just in case you didn't know, "brining" is a weird little marination process for your turkey. Here's the recipe I used, just in case you'd like to save it for next year (or if you are a turkey-for-Christmas person). 

Thaw your turkey

Find a cooler, pot, box, etc. that your turkey can be fully submerged in liquid in.

Make sure to change proportions as you need.

1.5 gallons of cool water

1.5 cups of salt

1.5 cups of sugar

thyme

rosemary

garlic powder

Mix everything together.

Let your turkey marinate for 1 hour per pound.

Put a ziploc bag full of ice on top of the turkey so that it won't float up.

In the morning, let your turkey get back to room temperature.

Rinse off all the "extra" seasoning.

Rub olive oil all over the turkey.

Put it in the oven at 325 for 15 minutes per pound = 2 hours for a 12 lb. turkey.

Then cover your pan in foil and let it cook for another hour or so. 

It was so delicious! You won't be disappointed. Promise. And just in case you didn't believe me, here's so photographic evidence of my beautiful turkey.

Okay, so now that that's taken care of, here are some highlights from the rest of my weekend.

When this cute guy I'm married to asked me to go on a date.

When we went to the Temple for our 11 month anniversary (holy cow, it's going fast) and snapped this picture in the car to show off his facial hair to his family.

When we were this excited for our game night with friends.

When it was over and we were this tired.

And of course, when I got to break out this gem of a Christmas CD all day long.

We had SUCH a great break, and now we are just two weeks from the end of the semester. T-minus one week until my sister comes to see me (surprise!), and only three weeks until I'm hoooooome (away from "home") in Indiana. I am so excited!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Oh and thanks for not giving up on my blog even when I did. Post to come on that.