The Survivor in the West Wing series is coming along nicely; the writers are working feverishly on the Senate Sanctions part of the plot; talking heads are exploding and we’re all getting so engrossed in it, we forget important things: things like Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is always a big holiday around here..we try to gather as much family as possible – even friends – and put together an exhaustive menu that we can never quite pull off. So each year, afterward, I say, “Next year we’ll simply the thing.” But we never do. So once again, I say: this year the menu will be simpler. Here’s a first cut at it:

Boar’s Head Appetizer Platter

Julia Child’s Turkey and Dressing

Homemade (ahead) Cranberry Sauce

Leg of Lamb, cooked on a new ceramic grill (the two standard gas grills we have are completely worn out)

Mashed Potatoes with Giblet Gravy without the Giblets (nobody likes ’em – and of course the mashed potatoes are home made – none of this pre-packaged stuff that tastes like paste)

Caesar Salad with homemade dressing and croutons (that always goes first and Jamie likes it)

Green Bean Casserole made with canned green beans (I’ve tried blanching fresh & making white sauce, but you can’t tell the difference from canned and immersion in Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup..I’ll just add some sauteed fresh mushrooms..remember, simplify!)

Homemade pickles and mushrooms (made ahead – not together)

Parker House rolls (popovers take too hot an oven; crescent rolls never seem to get sufficiently done…simplify, simplify..OK, maybe Sister Schubert’s frozen parker house rolls instead of generic brown & serve in the paper container)

Pumpkin Pie

Lemon Acorn Cakes with Vanilla Sauce and Strawberries on the Side (Kiernan will make this)

Apple Pie & Madeleines (Emily’s specialty)

All that seems perfectly doable – with everyone’s help…?