We're hosting our first ever Thanksgiving this year, and friends I think I'm ready... I think. We'll have my family + several dear friends for a total of 11 with the kiddos. I've planned the menu, made the shopping list, ordered the turkey, washed the wine glasses, and yes, even "practiced" the table setting (above) -- sad I know... it's my way, it can't be helped.I love the Thanksgiving meal in ways words can't even describe. In fact, I might go as far as to say it's my favorite meal. I took this pretty far as a child, when I requested "thanksgiving" for my birthday, which happens to fall a mere week and a half after turkey day. My mother is a good, good woman (or I was a bad, bad kid ;-)
My plan this year is to keep things pretty straightforward. My guests are bringing all the appetizers and desserts (although I am planning one simple appetizer of brie stuffed dates wrapped in bacon and baked...incredibly simple and ridiculously tasty) so we're focused on the core meal. Bryan's on turkey, and my mother, sister and I will turn out the stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberries. But to mix things up a bit, I'm going to start with the Alice Waters carrot soup and serve the celery, pecorino "salad" as a side.
I love the ritual of being in the kitchen, cooking together, with the parade on the background. Audrey and I have been talking about it for weeks and I'm so excited to share the experience with her...although she did inform me a few nights ago (while eating chicken for dinner I might add) that she wouldn't be eating the turkey, as it's just too, too sad. I didn't point out the feelings of the chicken she was currently consuming as I'm not ready yet to deal with a full-blown vegetarian.
So, what traditions do you have for the big meal? Do you cook anything special or unusual or just stick to the basics?
We are all about the basics and the core of the meal never changes (turkey, mashed potatoes, pan gravy, sweet potatoes with pecans and bread stuffing) but we play with the veggie side dishes.
ReplyDeleteHave fun being the hostess! And please share the date recipe eventually - it sounds amazing!
Sweet potato souffle is something I grew up with and continue to make every Thanksgiving. We will have brussel sprouts with almonds and apricots, cranberry/pomegranate sauce, stuffing, brined heritage turkey, homemade biscuits, and roasted pumpkin soup.
ReplyDeleteYour table looks great!
My mother's family is very Italian so we always started with two homemade ravioli in red sauce ("gravy") for all!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day! Hope it all goes exactly as you hope.
We'll be at my mother-in-law's, and I'll be making this disproportionately easy snack to tide us over while she does the serious stuff.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/sugar-and-nut-glazed-brie-recipe2/index.html
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! I enjoy your blogs!
ReplyDeleteCelery pecorino salad?? Yum!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand doing a test run on the decor...I do that too :). We have been taking a 3 sisters stew the last couple of years and/or an acorn squash quinoa pie. Most people probaly know this but the "3 sisters" are what the Native Americans called corn, squash, and beans. Anyway, it's delicious!!!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! The table looks incredible by the way!
ReplyDeletei thinks i should to host thanksgiving also !! It truely great to finish a year and thanks for those around you and had been helped you person .... i think that you did the good job and yum food !!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving...I'm so fond of your blog and look forward to many more visits.
ReplyDeletei am a follower of your simply lovely blog, which i love, and just noticed your food blog. fabulous, now following you on both!!!
ReplyDeletepeace,
laura
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Any milestones with the girls over Thanksgiving dinner?
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