thanksgiving

The Pike food truck at the Corwith Farmstand in Water Mill has a Thanksgiving menu of appetizers, soups, entrees, side dishes, and desserts. Appetizers offered by the dozen include pigs in a blanket for $14.50, barbecue pulled pork quesadillas for $18.95, and curried tuna cakes with mango salsa for $12.50. The entrees offered by the pound include citrus glazed ham for $14.99, herbed-rubbed turkey for $16.99, blackened sea bass for $17.99, and Cajun roasted pork tenderloin for $22.99.

Decades ago, the times were different — along with the cost of food, long-distance phone calls, rug cleaning, and table settings.

Make this the day before Thanksgiving and you will have only to add the drippings from the turkey on the great day when you're all hassled anyway. Refrigerate it and reheat it while the turkey is being carved.

A 12 to 14-pounder is the top weight for this treatment: Otherwise the grill cover won't close. Do some pre-measuring of your grill before selecting your bird to be sure it fits. Two days in advance wash the turkey inside and out in cold running water. Dry it well with a ton of paper towels. Rub it inside and out with the following "dry rub," which is less demanding than a brine.

Herewith a casserole of extreme simplicity but terrific flavor, suitable for entertaining the hungry on Saturday or Sunday after Thanksgiving (by which time one has presumably regained one's appetite). Not only will it make use of every last scrap of meat still clinging to the bones, but the very bones themselves can be simmered to make stock for the dish. A final advantage is that it does not come across as poultry particularly, but rather, something hearty and good.

Broccoli puree will not only keep for several days, but could be frozen until ready to use.