Gobbling up the Gratitude

Ten years of Thanksgiving at the Forster home.   My Forster home.  Oh, how my heart swells with gratitude for the man who made me a Forster and for all the blessings God has seen fit to dole out upon us along the way.

This is our tenth year of marriage and our tenth Thanksgiving meal to host together.  I didn't write down the first three, but here are the most recent six, if you're curious and you have 42 minutes to read them (though, I can't imagine that's what you want to do with your 42 minutes).  

2014
2013
 2012
2011
2010
2009

It is so very nice to look back and see what we did when -when I had energy and when I was tired; when we were traditional and when we were edgy; when I had lots of help and when I went it alone.

This year is different - they all are - but this one feels more different.  We very recently lost a dear, godly man, my step father, and so we are giving thanks in the midst of grief.  Even before this loss, we had decided to be a bit non traditional in menu this year, and now it seems even more fitting.  We will raise a glass to D, and eat good things as we give thanks to our Creator. 

To the menu: 



Appetizers
The stepmother, Carrie, is in charge, and that's so freeing.  No idea what she's bringing.  Hostess Protip (one that's taking me an embarrassingly long time to come upon):  Always delegate appetizers - that way, you aren't trying to get them out while people arrive and also tend to the rest of the meal.

Soup
Ada Brooks has found a roasted garlic and red pepper soup that she wants to try.  Frankly, looking at the recipe, I cannot imagine it will be anything less than perfect. So, she's going for it, bite untasted.  Side note - add soup to your Thanksgiving table.  It gives you all something to gather 'round while the buffet gets final arrangements, gives you an excuse to use another piece of the china, and all sorts of other grand benefits.  

Main Dish
Porchetta.  My baby brother mentioned it to my eldest child, and a cry went up for skipping the turkey this year.  So, I told them I was all in, but they needed to do it.  So, Pablo and Ada Bee are googling and planning and we'll see.  I am glad to let them take it on.  

Sides
We really are going non-traditional.  Most of the way.  As in, we're not having dressing. I know - but why have dressing without turkey?  And we always have dressing at Christmas, so we'll get there

Glazed Carrots - Ada Bee said so.  She's doing them with brown sugar and nutmeg.  I'm all like "Fine.  You do you." 

Tomato Tart - Told you we weren't traditional. Baby Brother request.  He's making the main dish; he gets to put in a request. 

Spinach and Artichoke Salad - good jazz. 

Twice Baked New Potatoes - a favorite

Creamed Corn - all of the pepper in the world. 

Poached Pears with cranberries and goat cheese -Why not? 

Garlic stuffed shrimp - who objects?  No one - that's who. 

On The Table

Gravy from porchetta drippings.  I'm thinking about just covering my whole plate in it.

Eason Family Hot Pickles

Canned Spiced Peaches.  I've quit apologizing; I might start evangelizing. 

Herbed butter.  In my monogrammed butter molds.  That Paul put in my stocking last year.  Booyah.  

Bread Basket - Sweet potato biscuits and homemade buttery yeast rolls.  We are the lovers of the gluten (and very thankful we have that option). 

Sweets

My Caramel Apple Cheesecake  - Every other year, forever, I think. 
Chocolate Pie - From Carrie, my sweet stepmother.
Ronnie Bean's Pumpkin Pie with Nutmeg Cream
Mama's Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting




May we all be filled with gratitude, spreading it thicker even than our butter. 

Cheers.