Have I ever told you guys that my dad really knows how to cook? I’m not talking about the by-the-recipe kind of stuff, either. It’s the mouth-watering, knock your socks off shenanigans as he has my mother running around the kitchen looking for the various items that he needs to complete his dishes. They say that some people cook with love, my dad cooks with soul and lots and lots of flavor. He loves to push the envelope with his various dishes and we still about his infamous cheese salad. Good lord, don’t even get me started on the cheese salad.

I haven’t shared Thanksgiving with my family in years for various uninteresting reasons but this year, I was newly back in town and Vivian’s invitation came with a LOT of excitement. There was a whole menu, starting with bloody marys! I was intrigued and my mouth was watering immediately because, well, my dad can do no harm in the kitchen.

I arrived in the early afternoon with camera equipment in tow. Too much of it, probably, but there is really nothing like documenting the yummy that would ensue.

We started the day with Bloody Marys, as promised.

(Technical notes for photographers who are reading since part of the reason for me bringing this much gear was to test OCF limitations; the following equipment was utilized : 5D3 camera + 70-200 2.8 IS lens with a Pocket Wizard TT1 on camera and a 580 v2 flash. Two 580 v1 flashes placed diagonally, triggered by two Pocket Wizards TT5s. The Pocket Wizards worked flawlessly triggering the 580 v1 flashes and with the 580 v2 on camera. The sync issues that I had been seeing with the TT1 + PW1 combination were completely gone this way. And I would like to send a shout out to Michelle Peyronet for letting me steal these suckers!!) ♥

A late breakfast followed, consisting of home-made smoked salmon (yes, they cured it themselves for days!) and corresponding accoutrements. How do you not droll all over your keyboard?

There was also a course of home-made La Madeline’s tomato basil soup, served in some lovely hand-painted (no, not by my family, we are not THAT amazing) china.

Vivie also whipped up some apple cider and this incredible pumpkin pecan pie and key lime pie (not pictured, but equally lovely).

The pièce de résistance was definitely my dad’s turkey. Lovingly smoked in his Big Green Egg, it was everything you would want in a turkey, and more : melt in your mouth yummy, with oodles of flavor.

I didn’t take a shot of the table before it was attacked by all of the hungry peeps, but here’s what my plate looked like. So much yummy that I am rubbing my tummy and smiling.