Giving Thanks
They always say that the times leading up to holidays fly by, but it seems more true now than ever! We can’t believe it’s been a month since Hurricane Sandy and a full week since Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is Erin’s favorite holiday by far (a holiday devoted to food, at which she alone receives presents (for her birthday)? perfection!) and we’ve hosted at our apartment for three years now. Our Thanksgivings in New York have always been for our “New York family,” our closest friends who also don’t travel for this holiday. But this year, because it was Erin’s parents’ first T-day back in the States, we invited them to join us. In all we were due to have 11 adults and 1 kiddo at the table, and food assignments went out early so everyone could chip in.
We were in charge of a few things besides the turkey, of course. We had to make Lindsay‘s stuffing, a tradition for all of us now that we keep up while Lindsay lives in Beirut. We also made the gravy, mashed potatoes, roasted yams, cranberry relish, pumpkin pie and apple pie. The menu was rounded out with wine and beer and these food additions from the guests: Nanda’s homemade cranberry sauce, Holly’s green bean casserole and appetizers, Tania’s Brussels sprouts and appetizers. Plus biscuits, ice cream, and whipped cream and cool whip from Heather.
Our day on Wednesday started early, with stuffing and pie prep well underway before lunch. Thursday was dominated by the turkey and stock, of course. We used Martha Stewart’s years-old method of soaking cheesecloth in butter and white wine to baste the bird. Folks started to arrive around 3pm and because of all the help in the kitchen, we were ALL able to sit at the table and enjoy some appetizers. (Adding Mom to the kitchen to cook and Dad to help with dishes meant everything went amazingly smoothly.) Everything came out great, even the un-brined turkey (though it was a touch dry). Sadly, we got late word that the McKee family were plagued with a stomach bug, so we were down two.
The rest of us gathered around our makeshift table (made up of our table plus a desk) and ate until we were full to bursting. We had a house full of dear friends and family, a table full of food, and a room buzzing with conversation. What more is there to be thankful for?
[left: Erin’s plate, including a bit of everything; right: Jason’s plate of nearly all stuffing.]
It’s my dream to join you for American Thanksgiving. It’s totally a different holiday than Canadian TG. I feel so heartbroken for your friends who couldn’t join.
But, but, how will Jason eat efficiently if he doesn’t have small bits of every dish on his plate? Efficient Thanksgiving eating is a must so you will be fair to all of the foods!
Love it! And Jason has the right idea with a plate full of stuffing. So glad you guys have carried on the tradition. I wish I could have been there to celebrate with all of you and of course the Minty Rents!
@specs: @specs: True, EXCEPT when you are dealing with this stuffing. It definitely deserves a starring role on the plate.
What a wonderful Thanks Giving you all had Erin!
We were blessed to have been invited to be part of the NY Family Thanksgiving. Fun to be in the kitchen again to cook together with Erin. We had a great visit after being away for five years.
Psh. Jason, Grandma’s stuffing is still the best. You know you miss it. 😉
@Michelle: Pshh, until you’ve had this stuffing you’ll never know. Besides, I never had (nor like) bread based stuffings.