After a bit of of back and forth with our fam, we decided to cancel travel plans and spend both major winter holidays this year at home; just the two of us… Because Covid is real and we didn’t want to play any possible contributing role in any family members’ demise.
Decision made, Charles and I scrambled to figure out the food situation because… My whole adolescent and adult life for winter gatherings, I’ve just shown up at the designated family member’s home and the food was ready. I’ve never been responsible for contributing a dish and neither has Charles.
We knew we didn’t have the kind of energy that involved spending all day whipping up traditional winter holiday meal in the kitchen, from scratch. Sooooo dinner this Thankful Thursday turned into a ‘order out’ situation and we have no regrets.
Cajun Rub Turkey from Popeyes
We originally went back and forth between getting our turkey from Wegmans or Whole Foods. But the minute we found out Popeyes was offering a seasonal turkey pre-order menu item, it was a unanimous decision to get their pre-cooked cajun rub style turkey. Just two and half hours in the oven and it came out super flavorful and juicy. Best decision ever.
Side Dishes from Della J’s Delectables
Della J’s is one of our favorite Black-owned restaurants in Northern Virginia. Our go-to dishes off their menu is their hearty fried fish platter and shrimp po’boy sub sandwich. Oh and their seasoned fries! We always order an extra-large of their fries to eat on the drive back home from pick up.
Apple Pie w. Ice Cream
Our friend and realtor, Sam (highly recommend his services if you’re looking to buy a home in Northern VA/DC area), stopped by with his family on Wednesday and surprised us with an apple pie and masked-up words of fellowship, thankfulness and appreciation. It was such an unexpected and thoughtful gesture. The apple pie (from Wegmans) was super tasty too!
Holiday Cheer
Shiner’s Holiday Cheer, our go-to seasonal ale. Super light, crisp and refreshing in flavor with hints of malt. I’m not a big fan of hoppy beers so, if you’re in the same boat, this is just the beer for you.
The day included a couple Facetimes and Zoom zoom zooms that made my heart go boom boom with family and friends. <3
After dinner, Charles and I watched Voices of Fire on Netflix, fell asleep on the couch and then woke up around midnight to make our way to bed.
It was pretty laid back Thursday, in which we got dressed up for the heck of it, filled with many moments of gratitude for all we do indeed have this year; a steady job and income, a roof over our heads, food on the table, and, overall, good health. Basic necessities in life that I’ve come to recognize as privileges.
And now.. To put our Christmas tree up and figure out what to do with alllllll this leftover turkey. Any recipe recommendations?
xo, Setarra
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