Turkey, the final episode.

I headed to suburbia for Thanksgiving - sometimes there is nothing better than going home.

So off to N.J. for some space, to eat, cook, bake and decorate.

There were 5 of us at Thanksgiving dinner and to help ease all possible confusion and chaos that usually surrounds seating a whopping 5 guests, I decided to make name cards.

I hand cut each card out of oak tag, drawing a thin boarded in black pen, for a little flare of course. I then combined a few fonts I found online, and wiggled the cards into a slit I made through the length of the cork.

To prop up the name plates I used a little wire from a paper clip - done and done!

You always need leftovers...

There was more dressing, but then we snacked...

I've said it before and I'll say it again - delicious!

We added a new tradition to this years Thanksgiving - sibling Bud Light chug off.

The 21 year old Birthday boy won, surprise surprise.

Pumpkin pie is a huge part of our Thanksgiving.

We have it for dessert, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, there isn't an inappropriate time to eat pie.

My brother has officially been dubbed, the Pie Man.

A great end to Thanksgiving 2010!

With my III and final Thanksgiving just around the corner I wanted to make a lighter dish, a "healthier" dish, and one that is an all time family favorite: Grilled Vegetables.

This is the best way to cut a pepper, especially for grilling.

Weird, but our "balcony" does not come equipped with a grill, so instead I'm destined to broil in the oven.

Olive oil, minced garlic, pepper, garlic salt, salt and cayenne pepper

Dinner is served!

Carmelized onions, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and garlic toast.

Shared with a roommate and a glass of white wine, this is the perfect pre-Thanksgiving meal

Grilled veggies: Monday.

Pupu Platter of left over deliciousness: Tuesday

You can't leave for Thanksgiving break with leftovers in the fridge - so we EAT.

I have had a can of chickpeas in my cabinet for what seems like forever. I actually believe this particular canned good traveled with me when I moved, clearly it's time I use it!

I drained the can, and then blended the chickpeas with olive oil, the juice of half a lemon, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

It was delicious!

Chickpea dip, olive tapenade, roasted red peppers, spicy sausage, garlic toast, peppered mozzarella, and carmelized onions. So tasty.

Bon appetite, it's almost Turkey time!

As the ladies started to arrive we prepped some congratulatory champagne for the recently engaged.

Congrats Susan!

Autumn Mac & Cheese, so very scrumptious!

This recipe was taken from another amazing blog Eat, Live, Run.

I never thought adding apples to macaroni and cheese would make so much sense.

Carrot soup.

The hostess had to cross state lines with this starter!

For additional buffet space we popped up the ironing board and draped it with a table cloth. A perfect fix.

Green chili corn bread, Scalloped Potatoes and sweet potato mash.

My dressing(s). Yum.

Brussel Sprouts

I don't care what anyone says, this cranberry sauce/jam/gelatinous mixture is essential for any Thanksgiving

These whoopie pies were perfect for dessert (and breakfast the next morning)

This recipe can be found on a super delicious blog, Browneyedbaker

Pecan dessert bars. Oh.my.goodness. AMAZING.

Ahh what an evening! Cheers ladies to a magnificent Thanksgiving Part 1.