Homecoming
Hey, you!
I hope you are well. My week has been fantastic, but required a lot of extra energy. This morning I am pooped. On Wednesday I attended a gathering of entrepreneurs, many of whom I hadn’t seen in a long time. Trying to have meaningful catch-up conversations with so many folks was an impossible task, but it was fun to try. On Friday morning I met a friend at Black Hand Gorge for our monthly walk and talk. We covered seven miles, and many topics. After the hike, I needed to do leaf collection because my Saturday would be spent with friends from college, attending the Ohio State football game. Friday night I met seldom seen friends for food and friendship in Dublin. We all spent much of yesterday at Ohio State's main campus, culminating in last night's tromping of Michigan State. So, so fun, but today is mostly about re-charging my battery.
In less than a week, our oldest child will return home for Thanksgiving, followed soon thereafter by his younger brother. We are hosting this year, so I am planning the menu in earnest now. For the first time ever, both of our boys have stayed put at school for the entire semester prior to Thanksgiving. It's going to be a real family reunion. It’s wonderful to see them so fully engaged in their lives.
For Thanksgiving dinner, I’m torn between purchasing one of Copia Farms’ great turkeys, and just buying some smoked turkey breast from Ray Ray’s (they also have some wonderful looking side items for sales). Ordering deadlines for both are coming up soon.
For sides, the mandatory items include my mom’s fresh cranberry sauce. It uses the same ingredients as this recipe, but instead of bringing everything to a boil and simmering for a while, we throw it all into a food processor, blending it together (we simply throw the whole orange in…the bitterness of the rind is balanced by the sourness of the cranberries and the sugar). It's almost like a chutney. A classic Sage & Sausage stuffing is really hard to beat (I’ll use 7/10 Bread if I can get some). Green Bean Casserole is a must. This Brown Butter Mashed Potato recipe seems like a fine thing to try…not too avant garde for this traditional meal. Remember, friends - don’t experiment on Thanksgiving, or Auntie Carmel will be mad at you (this humorous video contains some strong language).
For dessert, I’m going with fresh-baked apple and cherry hand pies, topped with Jeni’s Vanilla ice cream. The recipe I use freezes extremely well, making it easy to prep them in advance, popping them in the oven just as you sit down for the main meal. Then they are hot and ready for dessert. I have not tested the freezability of a gluten-free version, so I will either prep a few gluten-free hand pies Thanksgiving day, or possibly make a Gluten-Free Apple Crisp instead. Hopefully you find some of these recipes helpful in your own menu planning.
As I was blowing leaves on Friday, I noticed that the smallest rock of a little rock sculpture that my mother created years ago had fallen off the top of the sculpture. This happens often, as the rocks are merely balanced on one another and not glued or anything. Always on the lookout for my little buddy (the rock), I made sure to put him back in his proper place. And every time that I do, I think of Mom. So many little reminders of those that are no longer around, but still with us.
As we enter the holiday season, I hope that you are able to reconnect with old friends, enjoy some good meals, and have fond memories of lost loved ones warm you on cold evenings.
Sunday Supper
Before we slide into traditional American foods, like those enjoyed by the pilgrims who celebrated the first Thanksgiving gathering, I offer this Spicy Tuna Salad on Crispy Rice for Sunday Supper, along with this Korean Cucumber Salad.
Sunday Music
This Sunday I share with you this wonderful 3-song set performed by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald. Enjoy!
Have a great week ahead! Offer support to others. Make good use of this day. And let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,
Neal