Like last year, we tried to make the Thanksgiving feast a bit lighter, simpler, healthier.
The turkey was from Trader Joe's again. It's much pricier than a supermarket special, but it seemed worth it to us. And we're grateful we were able to have one.
I usually go a bit overboard, even when I'm trying to simplify. But this year, I came closer to narrowing the focus and not making as many dishes. The day was much more relaxed and everyone seemed to enjoy the food.
One pleasant surprise was a green bean salad. I blanched fresh green beans from our local produce stand, then cooled them, tossed them with halved cherry tomatoes, a granny smith apple chopped, a bit of fresh parsley and Trader Joe's fat-free balsamic vinaigrette. Unfortunately, I didn't take a close-up shot of it, but you can see it peeking from behind the turkey. It was a refreshing alternative green side dish -- quite festive and can be made ahead of time.
For the mashed potatoes, I used chicken broth, salt, pepper and a touch of nutmeg again. No butter or milk -- and they actually were quite light and delicious. No one missed the dairy.
And the peels looked strangely beautiful. I set them aside and baked them with a bit of olive oil. I'll have to experiment a bit more, but it seemed a shame to throw them away. 
Roasted tomato salsa, fresh guacamole, cranberry sauce, rosemary rolls and goat cheese with herbs de provence rounded out the meal.
And for dessert, I made another Tarte Tatin with fuji and granny smith apples. Next time, though, I might just use a less tart apple than the grannies. The flavor might be more subtle, though this one was still delicious.
And the apples looked so lovely -- clothed and unclothed. :)
Cheers to a happy holiday season!
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