Thanksgiving is a week away; that means it's about time for me to start cooking. As usual around chez VM, I'm whipping up a 7-course Thanksgiving meal for 12 people. Or is it a 12- course meal for 7 people? Ah, who cares as long as the Cabernet Sauvignon holds out and, believe me, there's plenty though I'm still working on the wine list.
I cook part-time for a week and full-time from Tuesday through when we sit down. I make my own chicken stock. I bake pumpkin bread from scratch for the turkey stuffing. All this effort results in a dinner that's hours long and, for me, the family highlight of the year though I'm usually too tired to do more than graze. We'll also use it as a birthday celebration for Tri-Daughter #4 who was born on Thanksgiving day 18 short years ago. That's right, she's turning 18. Holy banana cakes.
Here's what I'm thinking:
- Appetizers (probably 3): Pear & goat cheese bruschetta; prosciutto-wrapped hearts of palm; vegetable crudites with a yellow pepper & garlic dipping sauce.
- Soup: Carrot, ginger & jalapeno with thyme and creme fraiche.
- Intermezzo: a cranberry & raspberry sorbet...if I can find an ice cream maker.
- Main course: Roasted turkey glazed with maple & Calvados; pumpkin bread, herb & wild mushroom stuffing; cranberry-orange salsa; creamy mashed potatoes; caramelized shallots; green beans with a honey-mustard glaze. Probably a few more. I haven't decided.
- Salad: Arugula & red onions with oranges and a raspberry vinaigrette.
- Desserts (probably 3): Mom's apple pie; pumpkin cheesecake with Frangelico; something chocolate for those of us who can't do without.
- Later in front of the fire once the stupor wears off: Selection of vintage cheeses and fresh fruit with a nice, vintage port.
This year, damn the torpedos, I'm serving something chocolate for dessert whether they like it or not. Thank God someone else does the dishes.
11 comments:
oMG that sounds so delicious.
What an awesome menu! Having been born on Thanksgiving myself, I have to say it's my favorite holiday.
i have a french ice cream maker with a sleeve that you freeze, works great. nice menu where is the wine list?
The wine list is still developing. Either a chardonnay or champagne with appetizers, maybe a zinfandel with the soup, 2 different cabs with the main course, a muscat or reisling with dessert, port and armagnac with the after-dinner cheeses, etc.
And several bottles for me to drink while I cook!
Inspirational...how do you finish this vertically?!?
Great run times too.
Oh, how cool is that!!? Trifuel Shane is here!
And VM, did I ever tell you that I love that you can cook? Probably one of your greatest traits.
Good gawd!! Can I come over too?
Wow. I'm having Thanksgiving dinner at your house this year!
Holy Crap, can I come? I think I will start my Thanksgiving with a turkey tri and then head to dinner with family. A nice dinner with teh old favorites. This years goal, no seconds. That's right, I'm gonna get a huge first plate!
If you post your wine list including vintage/label I won't ask to come to your house...though the Hungry Man's look a little bleak after that menu :) That's why I need good wine ;)
hey!!!
No report on your feast yet? Get to VM, enquiring minds must know?
Post a Comment