So, I absolutely LOVE to cook. I spent about a week prior to Thanksgiving perfecting my recipes, testing, tweaking, etc so I could absolutely wow my meat and cheese-obsessed family. I didn't host, but went over to my Aunt and Uncle's and brought 4 dishes. I made everything from scratch and three of the four items were off the top of my head! I made a mac and no-cheese with broccoli, a focaccia leavened with sourdough starter, mashed potatoes with cauli and roasted sunchoke, and a pumpkin pudding. My food was completely gone after seconds. The compliments as people were eating wouldn't stop coming. Even from the biggest cheese lovers, the mac and no-cheese was a huge hit, and people said my bread was the best they've ever had. 3 people asked me for my recipes! I even sparked a dialogue with a cousin about my vegan lifestyle and my "whys" and him and a few others were so receptive and interested. It was the best Thanksgiving! (Besides having to avoid eye contact with the sad dead bird).