We were invited over to a friend's home for Thanksgiving dinner yesterday. While bringing a dish wasn't required, I offered and brought a large salad, complete with home made dressing, plus a bottle of wine. Many hours of h'ordeuvres, wine, a HUGE meal and dessert later, we were driven home, sated and ready for bed (at least I was ready for bed!) For a wonderful day, I most heartily thank Tim and Susan for hosting, Katherine for bringing us there and Bari and Terry for taking us home.
Like in the US, turkey tends to be a once per year food in the UK, in their case at Christmas. And like here, one of the joys of cooking something so massive is leftovers. Spouse apologized for his presumption, but asked if he could take a little turkey home with him. Given that there was HALF a turkey left in a home with one meat eater, they happily obliged. He was looking forward to turkey sandwiches. "In England," he said, "we have them with sage and onion stuffing. Do we have any?" That last bit directed to me. Yes, they use packaged stuffing in England just like we do here, and no, I do not have any. What we do have at home is bread, sage (fresh and dried), onions, butter, celery, you get the idea.
So while everyone else in the country spent the fourth Thursday in November making stuffing, I made mine on the following Friday. One does hate to follow the crowd.
I made bread last Saturday and due to being rushed as we were going out to hear (be ushers for) the Brookline Chorus, the bread wasn't quite up to snuff. However, it made wonderful croutons for yesterday's salad, and the basis for today's stuffing.
A slow cooking dish, even one intended for sandwiches only, was just the activity I needed today. No frantic shopping, just a warm, cozy day at home.
Spouse has gone off to do come computer help, and I'm left in our little home, the scent of sage and onions (and loads of butter) wrapping around me. It smells like comfort and love.
Last night, after coming home we cuddled and remarked how much we loved each other and how happy we were to be making a life together. As I look around our tiny, cluttered apartment, I see home. Spouse has made his mark here, in the midst of so much stuff of mine that was here before him, and it truly seem our space, even if only one we rent. This feeling of comfort and of belonging is what I am thankful for this year.
Happy Thanksgiving and beginning to the long, cold days ahead. May your hearts and homes be full of warmth, light and love.
Like in the US, turkey tends to be a once per year food in the UK, in their case at Christmas. And like here, one of the joys of cooking something so massive is leftovers. Spouse apologized for his presumption, but asked if he could take a little turkey home with him. Given that there was HALF a turkey left in a home with one meat eater, they happily obliged. He was looking forward to turkey sandwiches. "In England," he said, "we have them with sage and onion stuffing. Do we have any?" That last bit directed to me. Yes, they use packaged stuffing in England just like we do here, and no, I do not have any. What we do have at home is bread, sage (fresh and dried), onions, butter, celery, you get the idea.
Bread drying in a hot pan
So while everyone else in the country spent the fourth Thursday in November making stuffing, I made mine on the following Friday. One does hate to follow the crowd.
Cup of tea whilst I cook
I made bread last Saturday and due to being rushed as we were going out to hear (be ushers for) the Brookline Chorus, the bread wasn't quite up to snuff. However, it made wonderful croutons for yesterday's salad, and the basis for today's stuffing.
Butter, celery and onions
A slow cooking dish, even one intended for sandwiches only, was just the activity I needed today. No frantic shopping, just a warm, cozy day at home.
Kitty enjoys warm and cozy too and finds a pile of clothes to groom in
Spouse has gone off to do come computer help, and I'm left in our little home, the scent of sage and onions (and loads of butter) wrapping around me. It smells like comfort and love.
sage, thyme, salt and pepper added
Last night, after coming home we cuddled and remarked how much we loved each other and how happy we were to be making a life together. As I look around our tiny, cluttered apartment, I see home. Spouse has made his mark here, in the midst of so much stuff of mine that was here before him, and it truly seem our space, even if only one we rent. This feeling of comfort and of belonging is what I am thankful for this year.
Happy Thanksgiving and beginning to the long, cold days ahead. May your hearts and homes be full of warmth, light and love.
Red sky at night, sailor's delight
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