This Thanksgiving, our house buzzed with the delightful chaos of prepping enough food to feed a small battalion. With just eight of us under one roof, we somehow decided that this year’s spread would rival a potluck for twenty. From two golden-fried turkeys to a ham in the oven and an array of sides and desserts, the day was as much about cooking as it was about eating. Here's how the day unfolded, from prep to feast.

Fried Turkeys and Lessons Learned from YouTube

The centerpiece of our meal was two deep-fried turkeys, prepared by Rory, who had spent days researching the art—and potential pitfalls—of turkey frying. He set up his frying station in the driveway, far from anything flammable. Rory had watched hours of videos: some showcasing perfectly crispy golden skin and others serving as cautionary tales of oil spills and charred disasters. Armed with this knowledge, he confidently heated the peanut oil, thermometer in hand, and lowered the first bird in a slow, deliberate motion.

As the oil bubbled furiously, the smell wafted down the street, drawing curious glances from neighbors. One of them even wandered over, asking Rory about his process. "The trick," Rory said, "is making sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry. No water near hot oil!" His meticulous approach paid off. Both turkeys emerged with crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. We couldn’t keep all that goodness to ourselves and ended up sharing a couple of drumsticks with our neighbors across the street.

The Oven-Roasted Ham: A Sweet and Smoky Classic

While Rory manned the turkey station, the kitchen hummed with activity. The oven roasted ham, basted in a glaze of brown sugar, filled the house with a mouthwatering aroma. Its caramelized crust provided a perfect contrast to the tender meat inside.

The Sides That Stole the Show

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without sides, and ours didn’t disappoint.

• Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes topped with a rich, savory gravy made from scratch. The gravy was simmered with turkey drippings, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of seasoning.
• Green Bean Casserole: A timeless classic with tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and a crispy fried onion topping.
• Macaroni and Cheese Corn Casserole: This hybrid side dish was a crowd favorite. It combined the gooey, cheesy comfort of mac and cheese with the sweetness of corn.
• Cranberry Sauce: Fresh cranberries simmered with orange juice, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon created a tart yet sweet complement to the meal - Unfortunately, no one in our family had a taste for it lol thankfully, I only made up a small test batch!
• Rolls: Soft, fluffy dinner rolls were perfect for soaking up gravy or slathering with butter.
• Sweet Potato Pie: Topped with toasted marshmallows and a hint of nutmeg, this dessert-like side balanced sweetness with earthy richness.

Appetizers Worth Savoring

Before diving into the main event, we kicked off the day with appetizers that could have been a meal on their own.

• 7-Layer Dip: A vibrant platter of layers—refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, tomatoes, and olives—served with tortilla chips.
• Deviled Eggs: Creamy, tangy deviled eggs were a hit with everyone, vanishing almost as soon as they hit the table.

Cherry Cheesecake: The Sweet Finale

For dessert, we capped off the meal with a cherry cheesecake that had everyone fighting over seconds. The homemade graham cracker crust was buttery and crumbly, providing the perfect base for a rich cream cheese filling. Topped with a glossy cherry compote, it was as beautiful as it was delicious.

Feasting with Gratitude and Sharing the Joy

As we gathered around the table, plates piled high, we marveled at the sheer amount of food for just eight people. Each bite was a testament to the effort and love that went into preparing this feast. And in true Thanksgiving spirit, we didn’t keep it all to ourselves. Sharing fried turkey drumsticks with the neighbors was a small gesture of community and gratitude that made the day even more special.

After the meal, the house shifted from bustling kitchen chaos to a quiet, satisfied lull as everyone claimed their spot on the couch. While the cleanup was daunting (so many dishes!), the memories of laughter, delicious food, and shared moments made it all worthwhile.

Teamwork Makes the Cleanup Easier

After the last bite of cherry cheesecake had been devoured and everyone had migrated to the couch for some post-feast relaxation, the inevitable task of cleaning up loomed large. With mountains of pots, pans, plates, and utensils covering every available surface in the kitchen, it was clear that the cleanup would be a team effort.

To our delight, the kids quickly stepped up to the challenge. Each of them took on a role, transforming what could have been a dreaded chore into a surprisingly smooth operation. One kid was in charge of rinsing and stacking the plates, while another handled loading the dishwasher like a Tetris master. A couple of them worked on handwashing the large pots and pans that couldn’t go into the machine, and the youngest took pride in wiping down the counters with a little too much enthusiasm (and a lot of spray cleaner).

The sound of running water, clinking dishes, and lighthearted chatter filled the kitchen as they worked together, proving that even cleanup can be fun with the right attitude. In less than an hour, the chaos had been tamed, and the kitchen sparkled like new.

Watching the kids tackle the mess together was a reminder that Thanksgiving isn’t just about the meal. It’s about coming together as a family—not only to celebrate and share food, but to support each other in the less glamorous parts of the day. And as they finished up, their sense of accomplishment was evident, along with the promise that next year, they’d be ready to tackle it all over again.