Saturday, November 20, 2010

Thinking of Thanksgiving

This is the hands-down favorite holiday in our family. Still adore Christmas, Easter is lovely, and Independence Day has its charms. But Thanksgiving has become our holiday. Of course, part of it is we all love to cook.  Plus, it's all about happiness and thanksgiving for the blessings in our lives...

For many years, I've been creating a special menu for Thanksgiving that includes recipes. The adventurous and willing are encouraged to make a dish to bring to the feast (or pitch in, if they're at the house). Last year, many of us were inspired by the movie Julie & Julia and thought it would be fun to have a French Thanksgiving. I even have a copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking from the early 60s, so I had that as a resource for our menu. And our A "Julia" Thanksgiving was really spectacular. Soups, appetizers, 2 (yes 2!) boneless ducks in pastry, a grand turkey stuffed with brioche & mushroom dressing, the most amazing garlic mashed potatoes I've ever eaten... but let's face it. That's a LOT of work.

So this year, instead of all of that decadence, we're having a bit simpler day. Of course, as it turns out, it really doesn't seem a lot more simple - but I'm sure it will be!! (honest!) I'll be enlisting my two nieces who love to cook/bake, plus a couple of brothers, well really, ... the whole crew. Plus we even have people bringing things - so it really will be simpler. So, here it is...

Farmhouse Cheddar & Stilton Terrine
Dorie's cheese-it-ish crackers

Roast Boneless Turkey with Cornbread Dressing
Garnet Yams with Maple-Sugar Stuesel
Peas with Pancetta
Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce with Port & Cinnamon
Grandma's Dinner Rolls

Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Pumpkin Pie with Cinnamon Crunch & Bourbon-Maple Whipped Cream

It should be lots of fun. How terrific is it to have a niece that specializes in cheesecake! Of course, we had to have a Dorie recipe too.

So, we'll have lots of opportunities to make memories, share stories, and remind ourselves how much love we share. And how blessed we are in every way.

My wish to you is that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Filled with peace and all the things you love!

No comments:

Post a Comment