Thinking about the big T-Day. My favorite holiday!

Ideas on meals, food and entertaining……..

As we would love to experience the ability to spend luxurious days and endless evenings growing, raising, nurturing, harvesting and preparing our own meals while looking fabulous and staying fit…………it is an ominous and almost impossible goal for today’s adults, one which I have been blessed to actually attempt yet failed. I spent hours growing, planning, executing and enjoying my own creative recipes for myself, husband and loved ones. I even attempted a few careers in the food industry……….It is great when money, time and energy allow the old world food values on which we were once raised to follow. Those days are few and far between when we actually plan and create nightly and even weekly family meals that do not include fast food or packaged food alternatives to the real deal. Few are the meals we share together with those whom we love. The one connecting bond families and friends once shared is a challenge for even the most culinary geniuses and multi-taskers. I consider myself a good gardener and cook with a knack of bringing people together in a moment of bonding and eating. What is missing is the ability to do it fully……..all parties involved. Thanksgiving is a day devoted to just this, with gratitude.

First we must find a date on the calendar, Thanksgiving, for the chosen group of people to come together, break bread, sip wine and enjoy one others company. Then the menu plan ensues based on what is fresh and in season that week or day in the garden and at market OR food we have "put up' during the growing season. One must be open to adapting recipes when certain foods are not available. Then the right occasion must be matched to the event (holiday, birthday etc) which then sets the theme, location and attire. After invitations are sent and RSVP's received the planning and list making begins. Each person brings one thing to share. There is always one person who is good for store bought flowers, bread, wine or candles which is equally as desired as a dish, yet I love it when each person prepares a specialty of their own. It is fun to taste little bites of many tasty morsels, share recipes and tricks. It is a strong bond we share.

Shopping and budget are the most challenging. Inevitably two or three people will be unable to attend and one person will bring an unexpected guest so I plan for a little extra. "Weather"? I have had dinners postponed for two hours due to heavy rain storms and have given different times to guests, answering the door in my PJ's with a toothbrush hanging out of my mouth. That is when good advanced prep is a blessing. The pre-made platters of appetizers and bowls of olives and nuts are ready to set out with a variety of wine glasses ready for the pick of the guest. Sometimes dog friends enter in a flurry, tails wagging, wet paws spoiling white carpet, but hey, we have to include our furry friends. After all gather usually one hour past the pre set dinner time we begin the line to the kitchen. People grab a chair or stand and chat, of course right in the kitchen where the cook is working while glasses flow with lots of laughs, musical changes and always a sigh when everyone feels full and happily satisfied. On occasion we have been known to experience complete silence. That is a good thing. It is the goal of every home cook and most restaurant chefs; that moment of pure delight and exhalations. I also like having paper and pen available to exchange recipes. When ultimate gastronomic bliss has left us in an altered state and conversation is flowing I can sit back and enjoy watching my husband washing dishes and dishing the dirt after another well planned event pulled off like a pro. Coffee anyone?