Thanksgiving 2014

I love fall.  It's not so muggy hot and of course the changing colours of the leaves are a free art show in themselves.  Every year for many years when we were kids, we went away this weekend to look at the leaves.  As a result we've been all over the Eastern United States and Canada as well.  It was one of those family bonding moments.  I wanted to continue this tradition with my son now that my parents are gone.  However, I didn't take into account that my son might not feel the same way.  He's a big fan of Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings - not to mention Sunday afternoon football.  In other words despite the fact that there is only two of us.  I find myself out buying a turkey and everything else.  My wanderlust at this time of year appears to have skipped him.  He'd rather snuggle up at home on this long weekend and apparently wasn't keen on the prospect of sitting in a car for long hours with his mother looking at leaves.  So once more I'm searching for Thanksgiving recipes and wondering what I'll do with all the left overs.  The fridge and freezers are stocked and the dog is following me around drooling and looking forward to my hours in the kitchen.  The leaves will have to do without me this year.

 

 

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

 

The American Thanksgiving - another count down to Christmas

It's that time of year for my American friends and I'm wishing them a great holiday weekend.  Take it easy out there - I hear the weather doesn't plan on cooperating.

Image - Camillestyles.com

A Strange Reaction

I rarely drink except for the odd glass of wine or mixed drink, sometimes a small apertif after dinner, but this weekend something strange happened.  A few sips from a glass of wine and my face turned red and it felt like my face was on fire.  I needed ice to cool myself down and eventually took an allergy pill we keep on hand for my niece who is allergic to our cat.  I thought it was just a bad reaction to that type of wine - except I had been drinking that wine in the past with no reaction.  Then the next evening I decided to try a mixed drink - same reaction.  Not good.  What a strange reaction. 

 

To all my Canadian friends out there. 

 

Happy Thanksgiving

American Thanksgiving & Camille Styles

Thanksgiving is over here in Canada, but the American Thanksgiving in two weeks is ramping up.  That makes it a football weekend which Canadians get to enjoy as well but without all the turkey.

I love checking out the American Thanksgiving articles though since it gives me ideas for next year.  After viewing this video from Camille Styles, I've got a whole list for next year.  Check it out.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Today I'm going to attempt something I've never done before.  Thanksgiving Dinner for the entire family.  My reputation as a lousy cook has had its perks.  I didn't have to do this and we usually had dinner at my parents' house and recently my sisters.  However, this year it's my turn.  I've compiled my recipes.  Gulp.  Wish me luck.

Roast Turkey with Wild Mushroom Stuffing - Good Housekeeping

Brussels sprouts with Pancetta and Rosemary - Good Housekeeping

New Green Bean Casserole - Good Housekeeping

Classic Mashed Potatoes with Gravy - Williams Sonoma

Caramelized Carrots - Good Housekeeping

Pumpkin Pie - Williams Sonoma

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Prep

So this year it's been decided that I will host the traditional family Thanksgiving Dinner instead of my sister.  Her place is so much bigger than mine and more comfortable, so it's always been there.  This plan might change, but if it doesn't I better get cracking and see what needs to be done.  I've begun quizzing everyone I know and doing my online research.  Thanks to the Pottery Barn people for their step-by-step guidelines.

Pottery Barn Thanksgiving Guide