Cranberry Relish by darylo

Cranberry Relish

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!
It is a day of thanks and family time for me as well. We are fortunate to have families where everyone gets along and there are a lot of great cooks. It is also a time of prayer for some serious health issues, so family support makes me even more thankful. I look forward to your story and photos.
November 28th, 2013  
@rvwalker I hope that the serious health issues find a resolution. I'm glad you are with family. Happy Thanksgiving Ross. I am ever mindful of being thankful of your 365 friendship. Best wishes to you and your entire family. :)
November 28th, 2013  
Super yum!
November 28th, 2013  
@darylo Thanks, Daryl. I am fine, but others not so much. You might be relieved to hear that I talked to my son today, and he isn't cooking, so there is no roasting pan issue this year. This will be his first Thansgiving with his new wife's family, so I am very thankful for him. I hope your Thanksgiving is as wonderful as you expect it to be.
November 28th, 2013  
@rvwalker Big Sigh of Relief for your son! First thanksgivings...ah, I remember them well. :) I will certainly hope for improved health for the others in your family. Thank you very much Ross for your kind comments. :)
November 28th, 2013  
November 28th, 2013  
enjoy your thanksgiving, love the cranberry shot
November 28th, 2013  
You are a great cook too! Hope your day is blessed and full of fun. Love this shot! Happy Thanksgiving!
November 28th, 2013  
I can feel the busy you from here! so wonderful to make everything from scratch, really makes you appreciate it when it is real food cooked with love. great series I love this view into your thanksgiving celebration :)
November 28th, 2013  
This is really fun to follow. Have a wonderful day and meaningful time with your family. Happy holiday!
November 28th, 2013  
Have a great Thanksgiving and don't overfeed everyone! :o)
November 28th, 2013  
awesome pov in this shot! and how amazing you do so much cooking, it all sounds so lovely!!
November 28th, 2013  
Happy Thanksgiving, Daryl. You have such wonderful traditions.
November 28th, 2013  
Enjoy your day. I am very envious of the American Thanksgiving Holiday. We have no such thing in the UK, and I think we should. A daya in the year where we are thankful for our families, our community, our lives.
November 29th, 2013  
I hope your day went well. This looks like top notch cranberry relish xx
November 29th, 2013  
Great "foodie" shot
November 29th, 2013  
captured nicely, freshly red, and happy thanksgiving
November 29th, 2013  
Fabulous pov and colour. I can't get over everything you do...wow!
November 30th, 2013  
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