The week of Thanksgiving is always fun, but this was going to be extra special. I was attempting to cook the entire Thanksgiving meal myself, with 2 sous chefs of course. I should have been more intimidated than I was, since I soon learned, that this is no walk in the park. Levi had to go to school on Thursday, but had Friday off, so that is the day we planned to have our big meal.
I reserved Thursday for getting to Lidl to buy some black Friday deals, the middle of Lidl always has their deals out on Thursday, so I was planning to run there first thing and then return home to do all of my baking. It was going to be a busy day, but I was up for the challenge. Or so I thought....
I arrived at Lidl around 8am when they opened to go and look for the cast iron pans that I wanted, along with some other miscellaneous gifts for Christmas. I looked everywhere but found none of the above. Had I gotten there late? Is it all gone? Because their famous motto is, "When it's gone, it's gone!" I walked up to the desk and inquired about it, and they said it wasn't out until tomorrow for black Friday, but be sure to get here early (at least 30 minutes prior to opening) as the items will go fast. It seems this would be similar to the US after all. It's funny, in the US, I NEVER go shopping on Black Friday. Sleep always wins out.
I went home dejected, trying to decide how badly I wanted those pans, and got to work on the pumpkin pie. I had been foraging for Thanksgiving type stuff for the last month, as it is hard to find, but luckily I had scored some pumpkin in a can and a pie crust (graham cracker, which is not ideal, but better than making my own). It was easy from there and I had it put together quite quick. I said a little prayer to the over gods and slid it in and waited. I was sure that I had conquered the battle with the oven and was ready for some perfect dishes now.
As we all know, not all prayers are answered. The result was more than disappointing, as it did burn, however closely I watched it. Dammmmm. So a swing and a miss on the first item for our feast. Oh well, no sense crying over burned pie, I had to move on. I shoved it in the fridge and dusted myself off for the next task.
Next up were the ginger cookies I was making from scratch with treacle, our version of molasses. I love ginger snaps and was getting excited to try these out. Another baking item I had never tried before.
The first batch got pretty toasted/ burned to be honest.
The 2nd batch was less burned on top, but scorched on the bottom.
But the third batch (way left) were perfect!
I decided to take this as an almost win and reminded myself to start with fewer cookies on the first run in the oven. I will happily report that the cookies, burnt ones and all, were flying out of the kitchen into the mouths of babes. So much so, that I took all of the good ones and hid them so we could have them at Thanksgiving. At least half had been eaten in record time. The boys said they were the best cookies I have ever made! Considering I never baked any cookies in the past, this may be empty approbation, but I accepted it nonetheless!
In between the pumpkin pie and cookies, I whipped up some homemade hummus, as I was hungry! I think I was on my feet in the kitchen for a full 10 hours, thinking that tomorrow has to be easier than the baking day I just had. I went to bed with that happy, naive thought and slept well!
Friday started with a BANG, as my alarm shrilled into my ear at 7am. I nearly turned it off, turned over, and went back to bed, but decided, why not try Lidl again. What the heck!?!? It was dark as night, as I groaned and moaned getting ready to get there by 7.30am. I finally left the house with my trolley (it looks just like a homeless cart) and a big backpack. It was a lovely brisk morning, and I was well bundled, ready to brave the cold whilst in the queue. I started to get concerned, as I probably won't get what I want, bracing myself for the disappointment. It is a 15 minute walk, so I had plenty of time to worry.
Finally as I rounded Morrison's, straining to see Lidl, I saw many lights and thought there were cars there, but I couldn't see the queue. Just getting into some grocery stores during this lockdown can produce a block-long queue, so I was sure it was around the back of the building. The closer I got, the more confused I became. I finally got up to the front door of Lidl, and found NO ONE in line. What? What have I done wrong? Where is everybody? Finally a man walked up to the front door from around the windows and I asked if he was in the queue. "Yup," he said he was, and he was the only one there. I laughed out loud and took my place 2nd in line. He was here for the TV which was a great deal at £100 off of a £399 item. We chatted and waited and a few more people trickled in. There were maybe 10 people in line before they opened. Most of them there for the TV. So much for needing to get there 30 minutes early!
So alas, the pans were surely mine now! Once I got in, I couldn't decide which one I wanted, so I got them both! I picked up some more gifts, shopped and left. I had so much stuff that I could barely carry it home. Which is of course all up hill! God's honest truth! It was a heavy load (remember they are cast iron pans), but it was a great start to the day.
I would have never imagined what was to come next...................I mean I only needed a turkey now and the accoutrements. I mean, after baking, how hard can that be?
Well Kitty Crocker, it is a day, many of us won't soon forget.
...........to be continued
g'nite all
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