We could go back and check, I guess, though if you have to rely entirely on my memory, I don't know if the count would stand. BUT, we think this is the 24th Thanksgiving dinner we've shared with friends here in Germany. We've lived here 25 Thanksgivings, but I'm pretty sure we didn't do anything the first year. And I'm sure I was sad.
This year, we celebrated a bit early since Ulli and Ilsemarie had other obligations next weekend and it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without them. No problem. Thanksgiving early.
Invitations went out some weeks ago. I really like sending a personal invitation though somethymes the inspiration is late in coming. This was a good one, IMHO.
Prep, prep, prep. This dinner doesn't happen overnight and our tradition here is that we do it all - no side dishes brought by the guests. I'm not sure it's a science, but it has become a kind of routine putting this all together.
After the invite, plan the menu. It varies less and less. The soup always changes, but we all love sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes. Exotic black-eyed peas have a place on the table along with cornbread dressing. Green bean casserole has become a favorite.
Soup this year: pumpkin from this lovely specimen, a Muskatkürbis (nutmeg pumpkin - is that right?) We added fresh turmeric and ginger and chili pepper. Yum. We'll add some cream to the leftovers for tomorrow's lunch.
The table has to be done the day before - along with pies - because there is way too much to do from getting up in the morning to having dinner at 2:30 in the afternoon.
The table hasn't changed in years now - the old grandma china, doilies under the plates, every chair we have in the house! It's definitely snug around the table.
The turkey got spatchcocked again - ugly but tasty, and at 11.5 pounds, one of the smaller birds, historically speaking. But still plenty for a cold turkey sandwich the next day and some pot pies later on.
(Ignore the clock on the wall. We don't keep that one wound.)
Eating is serious business!
Afterwards a walk in the crispy, sunny air and then dessert. It ain't T'giving without pecan pie, and what everyone loves just as much is Key lime pie. I strive to please.
But then it is finally over. The guests leave and we clean up. It takes a while, but like with the prep, the clean up has become a science, more or less. Before you know it, everything is shiny clean and ready to go back into storage. Really, we need to find another day during the year to get out the grandma dishes.
Kitchen peace.
Sunday is of course a bit quiet after so much the days before. Simple breakfast, another walk, and a walk along the river is tonic for the soul. We've often walked UP these stairs, but seldom down.
Thinking already of next year and our 25th Thanksgiving Anniversary. Suggestions of something special to commemorate this occasion are welcome!
No comments:
Post a Comment