Thanksgiving Memories |
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As the fall foliage takes shape and each passing breeze gets chillier, hunger growls in our stomach and nostalgia tugs at our heart because Thanksgiving is near.
Thanksgiving is an official start to a season of reflection, celebration and appreciation. And while the feast receives most of the attention, Thanksgiving is a time for connecting past and present.
Generation gaps close over a shared meal full of family recipes and traditions. Dishes awaken the spirit of loved ones no longer at the table. Customs pass from old to young literally through cooking and eating.
Here are some of my fondest Thanksgiving memories:
The dramatic unveiling of the turkey with everyone in full awe as it marches toward the table.
A right-of-first-reservation by the chef to designate portions of the turkey for personal leftovers.
Rightfully using pumpkin in more ways than just pie.
The scent of cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg throughout the house.
When leftovers may outshine the original dishes.
The puckered face of some unwitting guest that pops a few fresh and tart cranberries in their mouth.
A serious discussion on the difference between yams and sweet potatoes.
Fusing ethnic family dishes with Thanksgiving staples.
Warmth from the all-day burning stoves and ovens to the cluster of people throughout the house.
Dishes that remain perennially on the menu despite, at best, token interest.
A new found cooking method, flavor combination or preparation trick due to malfunctioning equipment or ingredient scarcity.
When dessert precedes another round of main courses and side dishes followed by another helping of sweets.
How the time spent eating ends up being so short compared to the preparation and anticipation.
Nibbling on enough food to count as a full meal while cleaning plates and packing leftovers.
Finding an excuse to have a few more bites because it is the only way to fit the leftovers into a container.
Watching as guests get rowdy picking their leftovers to take home.
Secretly making the executive decision that some leftovers are not for sharing.
Privately enjoying the meal all over the next day. And the day after that. And, if lucky, the day after that.
What are your favorite memories of the Thanksgiving feast?
Thanksgiving is an official start to a season of reflection, celebration and appreciation. And while the feast receives most of the attention, Thanksgiving is a time for connecting past and present.
Generation gaps close over a shared meal full of family recipes and traditions. Dishes awaken the spirit of loved ones no longer at the table. Customs pass from old to young literally through cooking and eating.
Here are some of my fondest Thanksgiving memories:
The dramatic unveiling of the turkey with everyone in full awe as it marches toward the table.
A right-of-first-reservation by the chef to designate portions of the turkey for personal leftovers.
Rightfully using pumpkin in more ways than just pie.
The scent of cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg throughout the house.
When leftovers may outshine the original dishes.
The puckered face of some unwitting guest that pops a few fresh and tart cranberries in their mouth.
A serious discussion on the difference between yams and sweet potatoes.
Fusing ethnic family dishes with Thanksgiving staples.
Warmth from the all-day burning stoves and ovens to the cluster of people throughout the house.
Dishes that remain perennially on the menu despite, at best, token interest.
A new found cooking method, flavor combination or preparation trick due to malfunctioning equipment or ingredient scarcity.
When dessert precedes another round of main courses and side dishes followed by another helping of sweets.
How the time spent eating ends up being so short compared to the preparation and anticipation.
Nibbling on enough food to count as a full meal while cleaning plates and packing leftovers.
Finding an excuse to have a few more bites because it is the only way to fit the leftovers into a container.
Watching as guests get rowdy picking their leftovers to take home.
Secretly making the executive decision that some leftovers are not for sharing.
Privately enjoying the meal all over the next day. And the day after that. And, if lucky, the day after that.
What are your favorite memories of the Thanksgiving feast?
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