Don’t let the cute faces fool you! (It’s the eyes… and the darn mustache pacifier!) These two turkeys are tough customers when it comes to Thanksgiving.

She complains if the turkey leg is too dry and the pie crust crumbles the wrong way. He won’t down more than a spoonful of pumpkin puree’ if it’s not just right for his tiny 5 month-old tastebuds (light on the cinnamon, no allspice, thankyouverymuch).The little ones can psyche you out! Oh, and do I need to remind you that my husband is a chef?

All this means that I could let Thanksgiving really stress me out. Instead of going to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the turkey baster and I could be tied to the oven, tending to the bird for eight hours. I might make one too many casseroles (self-worth should not be linked to number of creamy, cheesy casseroles produced!). Heaven forbid I forget to stock the wine fridge with really yummy pinot noir...

But I’ve got this.

For every creamy, cheesy casserole, I’m whipping up something fresh & easy. I’m forgetting the bird and buying a big turkey breast that will roast beautifully and evenly. Pie might be subbed out in favor of several cartons of Haagen-Dazs Artisan Collection Ice Cream (Hello, Ginger Molasses!). After the kids go down Wednesday night, I’m going to open a bottle of Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir and set the holiday table that I’ve always wanted to set while he dreams of football, football and, well, you know…

Cheers to a Thanksgiving free of stress and full of delicious food & wine!