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I've never cooked a turkey for Thanksgiving, and the streak remained unbroken this year.

It sounds funny coming from a foodie and avid cook like me, but I'm intimidated cooking something so... big. Actually, that's inaccurate because I've made roast beef countless times, but roasting beef is different. All the marbled fat gives me confidence.

I don't have that built-in advantage with turkey. The skin is so thin compared to the rest of the bird which is so... big. I'm terrified that my turkey would turn out so dry I'll forever be remembered as the host who ruined Thanksgiving.

Fortunately, my family isn't big on turkey so I can get away with it. It's not like they end up hungry or anything. Besides, we've made a deal: if they get a craving for turkey, then it's Thanksgiving at my cousin's house.

This year, I made country-style beef ribs in a honey barbecue sauce, creamed corn, garlic mashed potatoes and green beans sautéed in almond butter.

It's been another rough year for our family. A young cousin who's been suffering from cancer died on the same day that an uncle died from a stroke.

Another reminder that life is precious, and that every chance to celebrate another Thanksgiving with those we love is a good Thanksgiving, turkey or no turkey.