www.sunnycovechef.com
  SUNNY COVE CHEF
  • Home
  • Food Philosophy
  • Recipe Index
    • Desserts
    • Seafood
    • Main Dish
    • Jam
    • Salad
    • Soup
    • Appetizers
    • Miscellaneous
    • Vegetables
    • Pasta
  • About
  • Contact
  • Wanderlust Blog

Thanksgiving 2016

11/18/2016

39 Comments

 
For the last three years, my husband and I have gone abroad for Thanksgiving. Our first trip was to Rome and it was fantastic. There were no lines at the Vatican or anywhere else. The next year, we went to Prague and had duck on Thanksgiving in a cozy restaurant. Last year, we had goose in Berlin. I choose to stay home this year, but with the recent election and family stuff, I wish I was back in Rome.
goose with dumplings
Goose with dumplings , chestnuts and red cabbage
Prague
Thanksgiving in Prague
I have a vivid imagination and I can picture some of you sitting around the table with family and friends and hopefully not discussing politics. That could end badly this year. Each family has their own recipes with some of them being passed down from generation to generation. The center piece is usually a turkey, if you are not a vegetarian. There also is cranberry sauce,  stuffing, rolls, and so much more.
Picture
A feast in my little cabin
I remember my first Thanksgiving when I was in Germany and my then American husband prepared a Thanksgiving meal while I was teaching. Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Germany. I can’t remember any of the food he prepared other than the turkey. The next year, I was living in Lowell, Massachusetts and I was invited to Thanksgiving by a Greek family.  I remember spinach spanakopita and a tasty stuffing. The years went by and many Thanksgivings have passed. My favorite Thanksgivings were the ones when we fed 90 people at our school. The children were dressed as Pilgrims and Indians, and recited little poems. We invited our friends from a nursing home and had a wonderful time. The children’s mothers cooked the turkey. We made instant mashed potatoes and instant gravy. Yes, you read correctly, this food blogger made instant mashed potatoes. There is no way we would be able to peel potatoes for 90 people, dress the kids and have them ready for the feast. I did bring some fresh herbs and spices for them to try. It was glorious!  This was not about fancy food, but it was about giving thanks, having compassion and sharing everything. This happened on a Wednesday and I would come home and prepare  another feast for my family and friends on Thursday. If you were a friend of mine, and you didn't have your own family to eat with, you were always welcome to join us. That’s what Thanksgiving is all about.
Picture
Over the years, I have made several vegetarian Thanksgiving meals with chestnut stuffing, mashed potatoes, and mushroom gravy. I lost the recipe for the best sweet potato yeast rolls ever, and I have not been able to reproduce it. Please let me know if you have some good recipes. These days, life has become simpler and I use the recipes that I have on my blog, but I’m still looking for that elusive sweet potato roll recipe! 
My turkey is moist, tender and juicy with a flavorful gravy. Rosemary, thyme, and sage add flavor to both. If you are too busy to read my posts, click on the photos for the recipe. 
Petit turkey
Click here for my turkey blog post.
For me the most important dishes for Thanksgiving dinner are the stuffing, the gravy and the cranberry sauce.  The cranberry ketchup is a new addition to my repertoire and I love it.
Cranberry Sauce
Chunky Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Ketchup
Cranberry Ketchup
Click here for my cranberry sauce and cranberry ketchup blog  post
Picture
Chestnut Shiitake Mushroom stuffing
click here for my mushroom, chestnut  stuffing  blog post
I wish you all a peaceful Thanksgiving with good food, good friends and family and a full belly.  And please, don't discuss politics, it is not good for digestion
39 Comments
Sippitysup.com
11/18/2016 10:52:09 am

THanks for the holiday inspiration I've been having trouble finding the thankful bones in my body. GREG

Reply
Gerlinde
11/19/2016 02:33:16 pm

I can understand Greg, I'm looking for the thankful bones myself.

Reply
Abbe@This is How I Cook link
11/18/2016 11:33:59 am

What wonderful memories you have! This year our Thanksgiving will be very quiet, but full of good food. I am grateful. At least we've almost gotten through the year!

Reply
Gerlinde
11/19/2016 02:35:49 pm

That's right Abbe, we've almost gotten through the year. For the last several years holidays have not been easy for me.

Reply
Teagan R Geneviene link
11/18/2016 12:59:31 pm

Dear Gerlinde, I enjoyed your words very much in this post. You echoed my thoughts when you said it is about "giving thanks, having compassion and sharing". That is something so many seem to forget throughout the holidays. Wishing you a blessed, joyous Thanksgiving. Mega hugs

Reply
Gerlinde
11/19/2016 02:40:22 pm

Thanks Teagan, let's hope for the best. I hope you have a splendid Thanksgiving and finish your story.

Reply
Deb|EastofEdenCooking link
11/18/2016 01:28:46 pm

Politics is always an awful subject during the holidays, but yes, even more so this year. Those that voted for the winner are gloating and arrogant and those that did not are in shock. But we still have lots to be thankful for. After all we are able to celebrate Thanksgiving. We have food and peace. I hope I never take the ability to shop for the groceries I want and then make Thanksgiving dinner for granted. Many are not so fortunate.

Reply
Gerlinde
11/19/2016 02:41:37 pm

You are so right Deb. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving !

Reply
Jo Nell Huff link
11/18/2016 01:39:04 pm

Your photos make me ready for Thanksgiving! Yes, it is about giving thanks for what we have and for whatever food we choose to celebrate the day with. How wonderful to be able to run away abroad! Great memories. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! May we forget about politics for one day.

Reply
Gerlinde
11/19/2016 02:45:01 pm

Thank you Jo, I do hope we can forget about politics for a day and enjoy each others company. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Reply
Penny link
11/18/2016 03:03:17 pm

My mouth is watering, Gerlinde, and I am remembering your cranberry ketchup from last year. I have a cranberry relish I make that my family will never forgive me if I don't make it, but, I have extra cranberries this year and will hope to make the ketchup as well. Thank you, thank you for your recipes - and for your wishes, which echo mine, of giving thanks, compassion and sharing.
We always had my Greek grandmother's stuffing as I grew up. I have Yia Yia's recipe, and have made it, but, it is hard to replicate our childhood flavors sometime. She made it with roasted chestnuts, ground round that was grounded three times, herbs, and she used Romano cheese. I could never quite figure out a Greek using Romano, but, it gave this stuffing the best flavors imaginable.
I'm hopeful that we will be able to navigate the political waters.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Reply
Gerlinde
11/19/2016 02:55:27 pm

I would love to get the recipe of your Yia Yia's stuffing. People in those days prepared hearty food because they more often preformed physical labor and needed all the calories they could get. My grandfather thought butter and fat were healthy and good for you. He lived to be 90 years old.
Have a healthy and happy Thanksgiving

Reply
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert link
11/18/2016 05:39:49 pm

Happy Thanksgiving to you Gerlinde. All your recipes look wonderful but that turkey is gorgeous! My family won't let me try new recipes - they like their once a year favorites. I'm making less of everything this year - they said I make too much. We always have invited "strays" to spend the holidays with us. If there is someone working, or without family close by - they come to our house. Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Gerlinde
11/19/2016 03:02:26 pm

Tricia , I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy all the "strays" and your family. I know, Thanksgiving is all about family tradition. My husband liked his mom's oyster stuffing but I had to change that when I needed a vegetarian dish.

Reply
Kathryn Rocheleau
11/18/2016 07:13:43 pm

What a lovely post Gerlinde! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving this year! xoxoxo

Reply
Gerlinde
11/19/2016 03:03:45 pm

Thanks Kathryn, have a great one yourself .xoxoxo

Reply
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen link
11/19/2016 05:14:31 am

I totally agree Gerlinde, politics is NOT good for digestion!
Sounds like you have had many wonderful Thanksgiving meals over the years in many beautiful places Gerlinde! I remember doing the Thanksgiving meals at my boys grammar schools when they were growing up. Time has flown by so fast, but those memories are ones I'll always cherish! I'm so glad I've gotten to know you through our blogs and hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving! Prost!

Reply
Gerlinde
11/19/2016 03:32:34 pm

Mary Ann, it has been a pleasure to get to know you through our blogs. Communicating with my blogger friends has become very important to me, almost more than my own blog. I have met so many interesting people all over the world.
I was teaching first grade when we did those school Thanksgivings. It was so much fun but a lot of work.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy.

Reply
Mimi link
11/19/2016 06:01:35 am

This is so funny because yesterday on NPR they were discussing what might happen next Thursday when the subject of the president elect comes up. So I texted one daughter to remind her that the other daughter is still upset and ready to fight. I don't want to witness any kind of debate!! Beautiful food, Gerlinde.

Reply
Gerlinde
11/20/2016 02:08:50 pm

Thanks Mimi, like I said I wish I was in Rome.

Reply
bamskitchen.com link
11/19/2016 05:38:19 pm

Gerlinde, that is one gorgeous dinner and so nice to hear about your memories. I remember while living in Japan how I was going to cook a turkey in my 20cm x 20 cm fish oven.. LOL We had turkey wings!!

Reply
Gerlinde
11/20/2016 02:10:30 pm

I bet those turkey wings were delicious.Have a great Thanksgiving.

Reply
cheri link
11/20/2016 09:14:27 am

Hi Gerlinde, thank you for sharing your beautiful memories with us, so well said. Lovely recipes you have here, your turkey looks perfectly cooked.

Reply
Gerlinde
11/21/2016 10:06:49 am

Thank you for your comment. I appreciate all the feedback. I made my turkey like this for many years with minor adjustments. Melissa Clark just published an interesting way of cooking the turkey. It's called the Splayed Turkey.

Reply
Anna link
11/21/2016 08:30:11 pm

Great post Gerlinde,
The recipe looks very delicious.

Reply
Gerlinde
11/21/2016 08:36:00 pm

Thank you Anna

Reply
Gerlinde in Washington link
11/22/2016 07:44:39 am

I've wondered if there will be a heated political debate at the Thanksgiving dinner I will be attending this year. Such strange times.

Your dinner looks amazing. Wishing you a very lovely Thanksgiving!

Reply
Gerlinde
11/22/2016 08:48:56 am

These are strange and scary times for me. Despite all the heated discussions I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Reply
John / Kitchen Riffs link
11/23/2016 08:46:46 am

This has been a tough year, hasn't it? I've gained new appreciation for that ancient Chinese curse about living in interesting times. Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving!

Reply
Gerlinde
11/23/2016 09:00:05 am

Happy Thanksgiving to you John, indeed we live in interesting times.

Reply
Tara F
11/23/2016 07:22:22 pm

Thanks for the wonderful day! I enjoyed it! And thanks for letting me try your wonderful cranberry sauce!

Reply
Gerlinde
11/25/2016 07:58:57 am

Thank you for spending the day with us I had a wonderful time .

Reply
David link
11/25/2016 08:24:55 am

I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving, Gerlinde. It was especially hard this year, hoping that we can still be thankful, and worrying for so many who live in fear. We were a small group of four, and that was just perfect... all simpatico.

Reply
Gerlinde
11/25/2016 08:46:56 am

I did have a lovely Thanksgiving and no politics were discussed. We enjoyed the young children and ate to much.

Reply
Teresa Blackburn link
12/5/2016 11:33:00 am

I love reading about your Thanksgiving meals abroad...wonderful cities and I understand about just needing to stay home and nest this year. Your recipes look delicious and cozy and have a Happy December.

Reply
Gerlinde
12/5/2016 01:08:44 pm

Thank you Theresa. This year I am enjoying staying home but I miss my German family.

Reply
Liz link
12/23/2016 06:49:46 pm

It's so fun to reminisce about all the Thanksgiving dinners gone by.I have forgotten most of the menus, but do remember the joy and comfort of being with dear family and friends. Wishing you a most joyous holiday!

Reply
Gerlinde
12/24/2016 07:12:43 am

I agree Liz, we remember the joy and comfort of family and home. Happy Holidays to you and your family .

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  It means a lot to me and I would love to hear from you .
    Comments in English and German are welcome!
    
    Picture

    Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Appetizers
    Desserts
    German Food
    Holiday Cooking
    Ice Cream
    Jam
    Main Dish
    Miscellaneous
    Pasta
    Salads
    Seafood
    Seasonal Cooking
    Soup
    Stories
    Travel
    Vegetables

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013

    Blogroll:


    the chef mimi blog
    food52
    East of Eden Cooking
    Marie Gabrielle
    Dorie Greenspan
    roughwighting
    The Wednesdaychef
    David Lebovitz
    The Kitchen Lioness
    lifeonthecutoff
    mamangerie
    Chocolate and Zucchini
    ​Cocoa and Lavender
    TheBeachHouseKitchen
    Memoriediangelina
    ​Sippitysub


    COPYRIGHT © 2013- 2021
    Sunnycovechef blog.
    ​All rights reserved.
Proudly powered by Weebly