Archangel Michael's Journal: Thanksgiving

So this week has Turkey day on Thursday, where we eat enough turkey to sleep for a week afterwords. The magical chemical that makes one sleepy is Tryptophan (or does it?). It is, however, a neat little amino acid.

http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/chemistry/bio/aminoacid/trp_en.html

Eating Turkey which contians elevated levels of Trytophan is probably NOT the cause for all the sleepy heads on Friday.

http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/FoodSafety/foodtryptophan.php

So, what is the cause? Probably over eating and all the alchohol consumed. But what is Thanksgiving except an excuse to eat and drink too much?

A nice bottle of Merlot, and a Chardonnay (for those that don't like real wine) will be on my table, as well as sparkeling cider for those that don't like alchohol and the kids.

I will be carving the bird using the "Presentation" method described HERE

http://www.eatturkey.com/foodsrv/manual/serve7.html

I sharpen my own blades, so the knife will be sharp. Nothing is more dangerous than a dull knife. So take the time to sharpen those dull knives.

http://www.diabetic-lifestyle.com/articles/oct01_cooki_1.htm

http://www.taunton.com/finecooking/pages/c00150.asp

Having work in many kitchens, I can sharpen a blade from very dull to very sharp on a Steel in about 1 -3 minutes. Only on the worst blades, ones with nicks and such do I ever sharpen on a grinder.

Pumpkin, Pecan, and lemon meringue pie are for dessert. Nobody likes Mincemeat Pie, except me, so I don't get my favorite for another year.

I will be making my own yeast rolls using a family recipe from France. They are so simple, yet so good.

Anyway, hoping you and yours have a very nice Thanksgiving. Take time to reflect on all the things you really are thankful for.