Postings from Germany

The Problem with Thanksgiving is ...

... it is only one day.  One meal. 

One of many good things about Thanksgiving is you do it over and over and have lots of chances to get it just right.  Or right lots of times. 

Once again, the usual crew gathered and once again a different pair were asked to join.  We were so lucky that Nicole and Jeremy were free to come from Berlin and that they are such easy, pleasing guests.  I get to discuss American stuff in general politics in particular with Jeremy - in English! - till we're blue in the face.  Werner and Nicole get to talk about (other stuff) - in German - till they're blue in the face.  And we all cook and eat like it's going out of style and have a wonderful time talking politics or whatever. 

So, back to Thanksgiving.  This year we opted to try the brined turkey.  Recipes for the brine are all over the place, but we had to consider where this bird would sit for 24 hours.  Those who've seen our fridge know that that was not an option.  Neighbors to the rescue - a tub of the proper proportions, supported by ice in bags and we have a mini-fridge.  It helps when the temp outside is in the low 40s and could act again as the ersatz fridge.

Of course Werner and I had done as much as possible beforehand, but Nicole is a happy cooker helper and we put her right to work. 

And after the work, she and Jeremy had a moment's respite before the others arrived. 

Guests were greeted at the door with the decorated pumpkin ....

and then greeted at table.....

and the we greeted the bird......

First of course was the first course, the mystery soup.  Lots of guesses combined finally landed on the right combination:  potato parsnip soup (with smoked salmon strips and a sprinkle of chives that was easy enough to recognize!).  After that, we satisfied ourselves on the turkey, sweet and mashed potatoes, beans, black-eyed peas, cornbread, cranberry sauce and turkey gravy. Comparisons are difficult when there's a year (or 15) between those being compared, but the consensus was that brining was a pretty good idea.  I have to agree.  The turkey was moist and tender and veryyyy tasty.  Definitely worth the effort.

Taking a walk along the harbor and river got us ready for dessert.  Pumpkin cheesecake and pecan pie.  Both were outstanding if I do say so myself. 

After another couple of hours nibbling and chatting, the locals left and we were left with the clean up. Eight hands made the work a lot easier.

The next morning after a big American-style breakfast, Nicole and Jeremy packed up and built a couple or three turkey sandwiches for sustenance along the way and left us after a short but wonderful and yummy time. 

Thanks again to all my German "family" for sitting as family for the family feast that means so much to me.