Thanksgiving 2012

It is probable obvious by now that I have as much fun planning this event as I do sitting down with my friends and actually living it. The menu is a treat to prepare and setting up the table gets more enjoyable every year, as I accumulate a collection of props and dishes to choose from.  It's a bit OCD, I am aware.

As lovely as a pretty table can be, it does look even better with beautiful people around it (and some of my favourite people no less.)

Thanksgiving 2012 Menu

Kusshi Oysters 

Pear and Thyme Fizz

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Ottolenghi's Lettuce Salad with Radish, Capers and Sundried Tomatoes

Golden Beet and Orange Salad with Shallot and Sherry Vinaigrette

Green Beans with Thomas Keller's Mushroom Conserva

Ottolenghi's Winter Couscous

Edible Vancouver's Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin

Ottolenghi's Stuffed Onions

Pappardelle with Cabbage, Chanterelles, Chestnuts and Taleggio
Cornbread with Heidi Swanson's Dill Butter

Julia Child and Jacques Pepin's Turkey Roulade Stuffed with Pork Sausage

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Cheese Course

Pecorino Brinatta 

Cashel Blue

Gruyere

Salt Spring Island Goat Brie 

and

 Sticky Spoon Jams

Apricot and Vanilla Jam

Rhubarb Jam with Ginger

Spiced Autumn Plum Jam

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My Mother's Berry Tiramisu

Macrina Bakery's Upside Down Pear Cake (brought to us by Miss Caitlin)

I realize a big part of Thanksgiving is meant for us to stop for a day and be grateful for what we have, but these friends go over the top with gratitude. They bring amazing wines, bake cakes and each of them offers up help many times prior to the event. They are thankful for the work that goes into this crazy dinner we put together every year (though I think they made fun of my chart) and I am thankful that they knock on my door at 6pm every Thanksgiving, bottles of wine in hand and grace us with their fabulous presence. And even though I don't actually eat it, I am thankful for that bird that had to give its life in order for us to stuff our faces with turkey roulade. Cheers to all who showed up and to those who live too far away to attend. Happy belated Thanksgiving 2012.

(and of course it is now tradition to post a photo of our fireplace mantel lined with bottles. every year! Check out Thanksgiving 2011 and 2010.)