The teriyaki marinated turkey was fine. It was not outstanding IMO but Mr. B loved it. The cats asked for seconds! 
I did not have the optional whiskey though so maybe next time I get some smoky whiskey to see if that makes a difference. 
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Thanksgiving at our casa was fun and interesting. Spouse’s aunt and uncle said that I am childish and have the emotional maturity of an 8 yr old because I like Disney stuff.
And on 3 different times, the uncle asked in a sideways sort of way if they could connect their wastewater line to our sewer outlet. I politely said no twice and it wasn’t until uncle’s 3rd time bringing it up that Spouse said, “No, Uncle __, we can’t have a Cousin Eddie thing happen here.” (National lampoon’s Christmas Vacation)
Uncle didn’t understand the reference. 
Oh and they arrived 18 hr late because they lost their cat at the campground they were at and then immediately upon arrival, asked if they could let the cat out in our backyard. Not unless you never want to see your cat again because he’ll get lost and could be eaten by a coyote, but it’s a free country.
The food was awesome. The aunt and uncle allegedly leave in 2 days. Our out of town friends are staying a few extra days. 
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This is the recipe I used to learn how to spatchcock. You can then just use a dry rub of your own and apply it after spatchcocking your bird!
It’s not that hard! You’ll be pleased with yourself for learning how to do it!
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Dh just found instructions online on how to spatchcock. He used sharp kitchen shears not a knife. You also have to cut the wishbone. He says it’s much harder than a chicken. The dry brine is just kosher salt covering all parts of the turkey. Then it sits on a rack in the refrigerator for 14 hours. When ready to cook, wash off all the salt and dry very very well. Rub with olive oil and this Simon and Garfunkel spice rub:
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I’m exhausted! Even with everyone bringing something and helping with the chores so much still falls on the host. The prep pre gathering, orchestrating space in the ovens for people to warm their contributions. As the host I felt like I was in constant motion and only sat down to eat. I don’t feel like I had time to even visit with most of the guests. Last night and today was spent washing linens, putting dishes back where they belong and what seemed like an endless stream of things to put away and clean.
The best was my brother, his wife and 2 adult kids came, they spent the night and we had a nice time with them today before they went home. My brother said why don’t you use paper plates and napkins.
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We were at our close family friend’s place. We used paper plates & napkins (they used to use “real plates” & have tons more washing). This was much more relaxing for all. We used regular plates if the # of diners is what fits in dishwasher, otherwise paper plates is much less stress for everyone.
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We had a nice day at D and SIL’s . D was head chef and she did her dad’s memory proud as the food was very good. After the kids went down for the night the 4 adults ( S, D , SIL and me) played Mario Party together which was fun. S and I both stayed the night.
We all came over to my house today. All of the leftovers ended up here as D, SIL and the grands leave for Florida tomorrow. Guess what we had for lunch?
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Are you referring to the turkey or…?
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We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our friends and son. The inn we stayed at was beautiful. We had drinks in our friends’ room before going down to dinner at 3. The restaurant was packed! Our table wasn’t ready, so they put us in the pub, but that was really better because there weren’t tables next to us. It was much quieter. The food was fabulous and we stayed there for four hours! We got a 10% discount on the meal since we were staying at the Inn. Our son did great and engaged some during the meal (he’s always quiet in groups). He said he really enjoyed the meal.
After dinner, we went back to our room, where we watched football and then read. Friday morning, Son was tired (typical for him after a big day), so he rested while DH and I went for a short drive and saw some beautiful sites. We left at 11 am to drive Son back to his apartment, then watched football when we got home. Texas beat the Aggies!! Whoo hoo! I used to go to that game every time it was in Austin.
Today I need to get some work done since this week was totally unproductive!
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I hear ya, sister! So much on the host! No one understands unless they do it. One thing I’m going to buy is one of those heating mats I’ve seen advertised. My sister brought hers, she had never used it. We put 2 casserole dishes on there and it kept them warm while I was using my oven for other things!
Hours of work and everyone was here just 4 hours, as they had to go to other relatives. I am thankful (truly), and I love all the leftovers, but I’m ready to be a guest soon.
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While I am a leftovers person (yay, less cooking!) I find that after like 48 hours I want to toss and have no appetite left for Thanksgiving leftovers - except turkey which I can turn into other things. But all the casseroles just make my stomach heavy.
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I just pulled out my turkey tetrazzini recipe this morning. I will make it tomorrow. The guys like taking it for lunch. I would do it today, but I’m not grocery shopping or leaving the house!
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Don’t underestimate using leftover cranberry sauce on ice cream, plain yogurt or cottage cheese!
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Already tossed it all except the turkey. On Friday, our son plated and served (for seven!) the backstrap from the buck he got in Michigan a few weeks ago as medallions in a port reduction sauce. The meat was rich and cut like butter, no one left a single bite.
So, we didn’t even have leftovers the next day.
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How tempted were you to point out that you didn’t have wastewater and cat issues because of the skills and perseverance you learned from Disney movies?
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I did the same but I find it so gratifying. I think it’s because when I do these tasks I accomplish what I set out to do. Food gets made and is delicious. And when I clean up, things get clean; its all in my control This is in contrast to my job where I can put in tremendous effort on a brief and still not accomplish my goal because I lose the case because the judge is ultimately in control.