Thanksgiving

With the big holiday two weeks away, my thoughts have turned to festive food and drink. The main is a given: turducken. Three birds layered with two stuffings; no worries. It's a family tradition, a family project rooted in discussion of stuffing constructions that I wouldn't miss. Satisfyingly artistic as it may be to create the boneless trio, the true art lies in the sides; or side dishes. For it is in the sides that we draw family and culture to the table.

It's the pre-dinner beverage of Whiskey Sour punch that brings Nana within apron strings length. One sip and I hear her gentle but guarded laughter, eyes bright with a dainty punch cup in her hand. And of course, no one can make gravy like Nana. We've missed her gravy these past eight years. It's the cole slaw from Uncle Mike's Nanny. We're the only family I know that makes cole slaw on Thanksgiving, and it is delicious. It's the ten pounds of potatoes I can alway count on my mother to bring, and the squash -- which is already cooked and in her freezer awaiting the big day when it will be blessed with some of our maple syrup. It's the universal call for Green Bean Casserole, and canned cranberry sauce. What is it with that stuff? It's the girls eating all the baby gerkins and black olives before anyone else is sitting at the table. And Grampa proclaiming,"Apple pie without cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze."

Our trips to Plymouth have resulted in some cultural additions. We now make a pottage of cracked corn and spinach. Surprisingly enough the one who hates to eat anything new, loves this, and made sure it is on the feast day menu. She even picked out the official bag of milled corn when we were at the Plantation. It's the Indian Pudding quietly sitting next to the tradional bank of pies. Since emerging among the desserts, it's the only dessert for me.

This year we will have Turnip Soup on hand. A recipe from the Bosky Dell, to remind us of new friends far away. And Barley and Lentil casserole, a well loved recipe of my own connoction, for our beloved vegetarian, who will be well fed.

We will also have friends at our table bringing their family favorite sweet potato casserole. Rumor has it this dish is too fattening to prepare just for one's family. I can't wait to try it.

With two weeks to prepare I'm already putting together the shopping list. But more importantly, I can't wait to sitdown to a meal steeped in traditions, memories and love.