Thank you, everyone!!!
I was just kicking back after getting home from work and scarffing-down on some leftovers from last night. I had some time to reflect on the events throughout the creation of that meal. This is one I won't soon forget, nor will the rest of the family, I'm sure.
I had some unforeseen issues such as the broken leg support on
the kettle, and the late delivery of the fresh mushrooms...I had to have very fresh (none available here), and that completely changed how I wanted to finish that dish. So, a few plans had to be changed. But, there was never anything that was going to stop or drastically change the final outcome. I made up my mind that nothing was stopping me from doing any of my dishes. Sometimes we are faced with challenges and need to respond quickly and make a decision on the best course of action. Come up with a new plan and stick to it, until something else blocks that path (trust me, it rarely only happens once per day when you have a lot going on...LOL)...it's a game of improvising and adapting. Sometimes, I think I must be one of the best at adapting, but I'm really not doing anything out of the ordinary. Everyone of us has that ability. I just try to stay calm and collect my thoughts. Look for solutions to the problem and don't dwell on what could have been, but instead, focus on what
can be. Find that vision and make it happen to the best of your ability.
We do some things traditional, but I'm an experimenter...and everyone who eats the results always enjoys it...because it's something new. The gravy was a creation from a year or two back, but it's a requested part of our Thanksgiving Day meals, now...traditional, with a twist or three...so, a new tradition was born. Another example is smoked prime rib for Christmas dinner: ever since I did my first one in a smoker, everyone wants it smoked...a new tradition was born.
On a side note: my oldest daughter was going to make traditional mashed potatoes...peel, cut and boil. She had to work, but came home early at around 12:30pm, if I recall...she would have had time, but was doing other dishes, as well. A couple days earlier, I asked her if I should smoke the taters, then, she wouldn't have to cook them...of course, she and I, among others in the family, love them smoked. She agreed, so, smoked it is. That's just one example of how you can expand on your original plan and incorporate more into your outdoor cooking. Don't set anything in stone...be flexible, within reason. It is easy to be tempted to overload yourself or your cookers by taking on too much...it's up to you to decide when enough is enough. Sometimes I forget that, and I get bit in the butt an have to really scramble to keep things rolling, and oddly, I seem to take it in stride when the pressure is on.
OK, I went a little deep in thought there...main point being: if you really want to try new things, just trust your instincts and go with the flow. If something blind-sides you, find another way to accomplish your goals. If you're not sure if it can be done with the resources you have at your disposal, just ask. Plenty of us here are more than willing to help...and we'll all learn something from it at the end of the day.
Lastly, don't be afraid to start new traditions...those are the moments in life that are worth sharing the most. Old family traditions should be honored and never be lost, but don't forget what defines who YOU are.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!
Eric