It's the most wonderful time of the year...

You may not know this, but I'm obsessed with Thanksgiving. If I had to forgo every other holiday, birthday, and anniversary celebration just to celebrate this one glorious day of thanks, I would. I wouldn't even bat an eye. I love Thanksgiving so much that I plan for it all year round. I scout out new recipes and perfect my existing "classics." When I start getting antsy around mid-August to make our Thanksgiving plans, the hubs has to remind me on a weekly basis that it's not time yet.

Well...tie me up, get out your basters, and stick a pop up thermometer in me because it's finally time for Thanksgiving!

The problem with Thanksgiving this year is that Paul and his squadron won't be home to celebrate. So I've taken matters into my own hands and declared a Sunday in early November our Thanksgiving. Afterall, it's about the people, food, and time spent together, not the actual day right? Technically, it could be Thanksgiving everyday if I really wanted to try, but too much a good thing is....errr, too much.

I haven't even started shopping for the perfect centerpiece and table settings to dress up our new table but the menu has been set for quite some time. Usually, I make everything myself and don't ask for contributions, but since we're a little crunched for time, I have asked friends to bring a couple of side dishes and desserts. Here's what I'm whipping up this year:

Appetizers:

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Pesto and Bruschetta on a Baguette

One more TBD-suggestions?

Soup (tentatively):

Poor Man's Garlic Soup 

 Main Course:

Brined Turkey

Ham with Apple Glaze

Home-made Gravy

Home made biscuits (recipe in the works)

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

Orange Infused Asparagus

Crock Pot Stuffing

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

 Dessert:

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

I haven't been this excited about something since....well, last Thanksgiving. What makes it even more special is that it will the first time the hubs and I will host Thanksgiving in our very own home, which makes it all the more special.

What are you favorite Thanksgiving dishes? Any past successes (or failures) hosting this oh-so-special holiday. Do you share in my enthusiasm or think Thanksgiving is just a day to eat and watch football? I'd love to hear your recipes, experiences, and opinions on my very favorite day of the year!