Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Thanksgiving Countdown - 59 days to go



I am so excited to host some of my husband's family for Thanksgiving this year. The count is 10 adults, 8 kids. I've never cooked Thanksgiving dinner before, but have been thinking a lot about the first Thanksgiving and what it meant to those who were present. They didn't eat what we eat today; I'm pretty sure they didn't have access to marshmellows to top their yams. They ate what they had, what they grew and what they caught. I'd really like to capture that same spirit by cooking what we have, what we have grown and what we can catch. My guests might initially be grossed out by the can of pickled jalapenos, green tomatoes, and roasted squirel on the table, but then will realize they have a unique opportunity to really walk in the shoes of those original Thanksgiving pilgrims. And when I stun them with dessert, an authentic FURMENTY, gratitude will abound. It's going to be a special and memorable Thanksgiving.

11 comments:

Elizabeth said...

I think I will have to cook my own Thanksgiving too...but my count seems to be a little smaller 2 adults. You will have to send me some of your recipies for your wild dishes...we have a lot of coyote - can you incorporate that?

jordan said...

If you don't cook normal food we're not coming. Also, If there is any Jack Johnson played during the meal we'll walk out.

Anonymous said...

erin i can't wait for a rad meal!(that's a veiled threat - don't mess this meal up OR ELSE! CURTAINS!) And Jordan I'm working on an unplugged set for the post-meal entertainment; to go along with my care-free, happy-go-lucky theme i was planning on playing a LOT of JJ so i hope you'll stay, I'm a JJ tribute performer, even better than the real thing.

Jenni said...

why not treat them to a nice tofurkey??!! for any vegetarians, you know.

Gabrielle of Design Mom said...

If I don't like Erin's cooking, there's always the Cougareat.

Mumsy said...

I know where you can get a few squirrels to roast. I kind of think that pudding thing sounds good. Along the lines of some English desserts.

Liz Stanley said...

erin, don't joke about food. i'm bringing my own marshmellows to top the yams just in case...

Kathryn said...

Squirrel is a real delicacy in Lousiana. I was offered it several times.

As part of my recipe organization, I put all my Thanksgiving recipes in the same sheet protector. Yeah!
Maybe now I will have time to go to the Macy's parade.

Anonymous said...

That dessert sounds interesting, but I think you ought to have a pie for those who aren't impressed. What do you do about pies? As I recall you don't care much for pumpkin pie???? Is Thanksgiving on your birthday this year? All you Stanleys are really lucky!

Anonymous said...

I think the Stanelys who are eating at Erin's are very lucky but I still don't think squirrel would taste good in a pie.

Tania said...

In the past 8 years (since moving to NY), I have made the entire Thanksgiving dinner all but once. (That year we got together with friends & I just made the turkey!) This year, I wanted to go to Rick's parents house - but alas, no frequent flyer tickets avaiable (in Feb, when we tried to book.) SO, this year to make it more interesting, I'm going to try brining the tukey for the 1st time. I already bought the bags, brining mix and flavor injector from Wlliams-Sonoma. If it doesn't work out, maybe we'll just head over to your place for some squirrel!