I am sure you would agree that this year went by too quickly. I wasn’t ready for Thanksgiving and I’m not all that motivated to cook twenty dishes again this year….I haven’t been myself…I am probably very ill. By this time every year, I would have already released my page-long Thanksgiving menu.So unlike Cooking with Ria!
[Actual menu from last year]
I phoned the “Canadians”…my family who has been making the annual trip for over a decade, to enjoy my food and company–I think, to attempt to convey the message that I am not hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year. My Uncle accused me of trying to cancel his “Christmas”(too funny)……….and took me on a guilt trip, the length of the Great Wall of China….which forced me to end the conversation with, “see you guys soon”. Yes, Aye Caramba is right..For the love of family!! :-
Immediately after that call, I had an immense “craving” for turkey , a behavior which probably had a correlation to “emotional eating”. I assured and reassured my concerned husband that I am not “with child”, I just had to have some turkey with all the sides and trimmings to accompany it–ASAP…I drafted a menu which included a few new recipes and a few new ingredients–because I love a challenge, invited some great folks to come critique my cooking, went to the supermarket and prepared the meal below in four hours and for about $200……and so my early Thanksgiving Dinner came to fruition…
As you can see, I only craved a “few” things…
Cornbread Stuffing Made with veggies, home-made buttermilk cornbread, home-made chicken stock and freshly made breadcrumbs.
Cauliflower Gratin
Cauliflower drizzled with a cheesy bechamel, topped with more gruyere and homemade breadcrumbs.
Corn Casserole
Made with delicious whole and cream style corn.
Citrus Cranberry Sauce
Made with fresh cranberries and flavored with freshly squeezed orange juice and a hint of cinnamon.
Maple Glazed Carrots
Thinly sliced carrots coated with a glaze of maple syrup, fresh orange juice and spices.
Carrot Rice
The rice that disappeared before the night was over..
Find this recipe here.
Potato and Celery Root Gratin
with Leeks and Gruyere
Awesome dish. I used celery root, leeks and gruyere for the first time..
I will definitely make again for a special occasion.
Candied Yams
This is an absolutely comforting and easy dish to make.
A great accompaniment to any Thanksgiving dinner.
and for dessert….
Cranberry Spiced Cake
with a Lemon Drizzle
Made with fresh cranberries, orange and lemon zests and spices.
Upside Down Pear Cake
An elegant twist on the pineapple classic.
Another new recipe I tried. Delicious.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Very labor-intensive but a favorite amongst the kids.
The crust was made with home-made gingersnap cookies.
I love desserts…..DON’T YOU?
FOOD, FAMILY/FRIENDS and FUN…that’s what it’s all about….hope you are now motivated to get into the kitchen and cook with LOVE this THANKSGIVING…..and hopefully, I will be ready again when the day comes!…………Coming to think of it, my Uncle did mention that he was going to do all the cooking……hmmmmm…will keep you posted…
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and A Thanksgiving Message pour toi…….
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire….
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something….
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times…
during those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations…
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge…
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes…
they will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary…
because it means you’ve made a difference.
It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are..
…also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles..
…and they can become your blessings
Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude to God, our Creator and Provider,
whose guidance and care go before us…
…and whose love is with us forever.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the changes,
to remember that we, too, grow and change…
….from one season of life to another.
Let us remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
As we see the beauty of Autumn,
let us acknowledge the many blessings which are ours…
Let us think of our families and friends..
and let us give thanks in our hearts.
-Author Unknown
Happy Thanksgiving Dear Friends!!Best Wishes and Fabulous Dishes,
Ria
Looks delicious!