So, it's the night before the "Big Show." Thanksgiving. Feast Day. Day of Thanks. A time to celebrate family and friends and people you may not know yet. It's such a wonderful time for me, but I know it's not for others--some people hate the obligations of cooking or of having to gather with family because it's not a "happy" event or of not having someone to share this holiday with.
My get-pushed this week is "Thanksgiving." I experience this holiday by cooking and entertaining others. I really do relish this part of my life--wanting for people to gather at a table and enjoy life so fully with a meal that they know how to make the world a better place. I'm reminded of one of my favorite movies: Babette's Feast. That's what I like to think I do when I prepare a meal for others--something about the experience brings some type of epiphany (for all involved). Of course, that's not reality, but it's the sensation I get.
As part of our 3 or 4 days of preparation for our feast tomorrow, we construct a gingerbread house from scratch (no box kits for us), but this year, my husband, who has overseen this operation from its inception, has been working about seven days a week. Gingerbread house baking and frosting and decoration have come under my very, very uncomfortable umbrella. I am NOT a baker. I cook. I can cook just about anything, but I don't bake. So I've been grumpy a bit today (that's also part of the holiday--angst).
So while my kids, my father, and my best friend Collin decorated a part of this year's gingerbread house, I made some fresh cranberry relish (this photo!), turkey stock from the turkey neck and giblets (will use to make the gravy tomorrow), and grilled brussel sprouts. If you want to see some of the construction projects, see these:
http://365project.org/darylo/didn-t-make-cut/2013-11
http://365project.org/darylo/album3/2013-11-27
Oh, and my photos tomorrow...I hope they happen. Like I said, it's been a bit crazy with hubby working so much and me trying to hold down the fort while working too. My goal is to show you the table, the turkey, and the food. And our togetherness. I'll provide a proper Wiki link on this holiday I love (not the old Pilgrim/American Indian feast--that's just insulting really), but the idea of a day of Thanksgiving. ONE day to be thankful for friends, family, pets, imagination, connection, and best of all 365. I truly am thankful for you all.
HOTDOG!