11.28.2008

A Bourbon Spiked Thanksgiving








Yesterday we hosted Thanksgiving for the first time. We had a lot of reasons to celebrate. We got married this year! And, my parents are getting married after 29 years of being together! (I like to think we inspired them.) We finished our new dining room!!! And it is beautiful, Thanks Brian. It was a good time to take a break and celebrate the upswings of this so-called life.

So, I super-geeked out, eyes glued to cookbooks – real life and virtual – to nail down the perfect recipes. I had a lot of people to please, ya know. Most of all my Dad. He's the picky one and well, I am a Daddy's girl, I aim to please. I always have to encourage him to try things he so quickly dismisses based on previous experiences. And when I do, he gulps it down very appreciatively. But I also have to appeal to my foodie-friends who appreciate an unexpected and new spin on the typical Thanksgiving meal. I love a good challenge. Joy!

The Menu
Roasted Turkey & Gravy - Thanks Beth!
Ham with Bourbon, Molasses and Pecan Glaze
Smashed Cream & Butter Potatoes
Cooks Illustrated Green Bean Casserole
Apple-Chestnut Stuffing
Nikki's Sweet Potatoes
Homemade Rolls - Thanks Cheryl!
Cranberry & Orange Relish
Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake

There is a lot to be thankful for. Everyone raved about the food and dining room. We ate together. We cleaned up together. And then we played Rock Band. That's right. My parents are pretty sweet and both rocked multiple instruments. We ended the night with Sara & Steve playing Scene It. I got my ass handed to me. It was a great day.

A few things I am thankful for this year:
My Dad's stable health.
A clean basement.
Pulling off an over ambitious wedding.
Taking my first motorcycle ride with Brian.
Reconnecting with old close friends.
Opening my heart to new friends.
A new phone.
Two fat cats to cuddle me.
My parents are getting married after almost 30 years together!!!

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© 2007 All writing and photography is owned by Lollya.