thanksgiving

You might recall that we took on a gourmet Thanksgiving menu last year. It was ambitious. Yes, it was. Last year involved roasting and peeling chestnuts by hand, mountains of meringue, a turkey stuffed with every fresh herb imaginable and a new appreciation for brussel sprouts (such a pretty little vegetable to be as underrated as it is).

Well, we pulled it off with such great success that we've decided to give it a second go, with a few repeats items from last year's menu.

Behold the Ambitious Thanksgiving Menu, Part Two:

Lemon-herb turkey
Butternut squash gratin with goat cheese and hazelnuts
Brussel sprouts with pancetta and chestnuts
Martha's mother's mashed potatoes (and I do mean That Martha)
Sausage-pecan stuffing (also by Martha)
Cranberry and blood orange sauce
Mixed green salad
Swiss bread
Sweet potato pie with marshmallow meringue
Pumpkin cheesecake


My parents are hosting this year. Curiously, our Thanksgiving table increases in number every time I talk to my mother. There will be Tim of course. Carlye and Steve and the nephews and niece. Also Carlye's mom and dad. Oh, and our friend Chris, who will has timed his visit from South Africa just in time for thanksgiving (coincedence?). And well, the Spencers, too. And Nancy Spencer's sister and brother-in-law.

16.

I think that's the final number. But who knows who else might show up on the doorstep next Thursday? But I am, in no way, complaining. There is nothing better than a house full of family and friends, sharing a lovely meal.