Our First Turkey Feast at "Friendsgiving"

I've been meaning to post the story of our first homegrown, home harvested turkey experience, but I've not had time to sit down & scratch it out over the past week. Last weekend our friends Charlie & Jose graciously hosted our annual "Friendsgiving" celebration. Josh & I provided our homegrown turkey "Hank" for the meal. I know it will sound strange to some, it will likely disturb others & it might make total sense to many on my friend list, but this was one of the most rewarding meals I've ever eaten. I raised this bird, gave him a place to roam freely & happily, he feasted on wild berries, garden fresh veggies & whatever grubs & other earthy goodies he could find. From the beginning to the end, to the dinner table, I had a hand in the entire process. For this I am beyond grateful. It was truly a dream come true for me & I am so proud of this slow shift toward health & sustainability we are attempting to make in our lives. I'm overjoyed to have shared this meal with my Virginia family.

ABOVE: Fresh squeezed orange juice for the brine.

ABOVE: Brine - lemons, oranges, garlic, red onion, fresh thyme & Rosemary, salt - soaked bird for about 12 hours.

ABOVE: Wee morning hours - hung bird from clothes line to remove any additional feathers we missed during harvest.

ABOVE: All 28(is) pounds of bird, prepped & ready to share with friends.

ABOVE: Joshy carving our first homegrown, home harvested bird.

ABOVE: Our dear friend Alice agreed to make the gravy from the drippings & it was truly the very best gravy I've ever tasted!

ABOVE: The aftermath of our turkey throw-down!

ABOVE: Friendsgiving! 2015!

ABOVE: Our dream is happening! And yes... I realize we look Grandma & Grandpa(ish) in this photo. ;)