Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thanksgiving Preparations

This is just a quick, short post to say Happy Thanksgiving as I am knee deep in turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberries and the like. I started all my prep work today and finished some of my make-ahead items (i.e. the apple cranberry chutney and a couple of desserts). Tomorrow will be quite hectic, but I look forward to everyone gathering at our house for some good food, good drinks and above all, good company.


Our "feast" will start off with some appetizers: tzulamas (a pork, currant and pistachio pie); kopanisti (a gorgonzola, feta and roasted tomato spread) with toasted pita triangles; mini pancetta cornbreads with a cranberry apple chutney; marinated artichokes; sliced cured chorizo; and cheeses. We'll then move onto the roasted turkey, of course; my family's traditional rice, ground meat and pine nut stuffing; some sauteed broccoli rabe; glazed carrots; beef bourguignon; and thyme roasted potatoes.


These are the days I am happiest: when our big family is gathered in one place to eat, drink, talk, laugh, reminisce of the past and hope for the future. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a healthy and joyous start to this year's holiday season to everyone, all across the globe.









A Butternut Squash Pie (instead of the usual pumpkin pie) I made early this morning (6:00 a.m. to be exact) for my daughter's class to enjoy at their Thanksgiving "party."




That one butternut squash went a long way ... a panna cotta of butternut squash, ginger and coconut milk for our guests to enjoy after dinner tomorrow.

10 comments:

Peter M said...

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a stress-free one!

Laurie Constantino said...

Maria, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. It sounds like an amazing meal! (And continuing my parallel food life, I just finished making kopanisti for one of our appetizers.)

Peter G | Souvlaki For The Soul said...

Enjoy Thanksgiving Maria! You have created a wonderful menu for everyone to enjoy!

Rosie said...

Happy Thanksgiving have a wonderful day :)

Rosie x

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Maria!!!!

Ivy said...

Maria, Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Birthday to your son. I think you said it was today.
All youf food sound and look delicious. I am waiting to see them posted. I made tyrokafteri a few days ago, which is similar to kopanisti and I would like to see how you made yours, as I don't use roasted tomato. Filakia

Núria said...

Happy ThanksGiving dear Maria!!! Hope you had a wonderful and joyous time with all your family :D :D.

The menu sounds super... will we have some pictures later on?

Maria said...

Thank you all for your kind wishes! I'm still recoverng from a week of non stop cooking and baking, but as of tomorrow I will be posting and visiting all your sites again.

Anonymous said...

Very nice blog.
Greetings from Greece.

Maria said...

Thank you for visiting panole8riambos. Hope to see you here again soon!