I realize for some people Thanksgiving means a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Don't get me wrong; I like the traditional Thanksgiving feast with everyone on their best manners often picking up conversations that lay dormant for a year. I also like the tryptophan induced slumber that usually strikes in the third quarter of a lop-sided Detroit Lions game.
But all that is merely prelude to the highlight of the Thanksgiving experience, the delicious turkey sandwich later in the evening. Although you may see this as just leftovers, to me it takes just as much planning as the other Thanksgiving traditions. During the feast you have to make sure there are leftovers. Guarding the stuffing takes skill and daring. Making sure the cranberry sauce is not depleted may involve hiding the last vestiges of cranberry relish deep in the refrigerator. Proper planning requires shopping for necessary ingredients ahead of time: ripe tomatoes and mayonnaise are a must. Lettuce and cheese (cheddar for purists) are optional.That brings me to the subject of bread. A Thanksgiving turkey sandwich may be the last bastion of white bread, toasted or plain, although I personally favor a crispy crusted rye bread or a tasty multigrain.
Now I look forward to the Thanksgiving turkey sandwich, but I do not go to the lengths of my brother-in-law who starts making his first turkey sandwich during the feast. I may however start a new tradition, the pre-Thanksgiving turkey sandwich to be enjoyed during the ride over the meadow and through the woods to grandmother's house we go. Or maybe I'll just get an overstuffed pastrami instead. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
