Breakfast: Gary had stayed up late continuing to prep for today’s feast. I was going to pick up my cousin Donna and her older daughter Kathryn at the airport. They had made a spontaneous decision on Monday to visit NYC for Thanksgiving. I was excited! Donna and I had spent many Thanksgivings together when we were little. They were having coffee at the airport and missed their early morning flight. I got a text that they would be coming in later. Gary and I could sleep in! I had Chai tea at 10:30am. Chai goes well with Thanksgiving with all the spices in it.
By noon we were ready to have breakfast – Rolled Oats with Pecans and Gary’s freshly made Cranberry Sauce (made with dried Apricots and Dates – no refined sugar).
I picked up my cousin and her daughter and we drove over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house. Actually it was through lots of traffic to my mom’s house. We thought we would see if we could visit the cemetery where my dad and Donna’s mom are buried. My dad died a year ago today. We miss him a lot! Especially on Thanksgiving. My mom was not ready for us, she had forgotten we were coming. We rushed over to the cemetery and it was closed. Then we braved the traffic back to the apartment where Gary was putting the final touches together for the big meal.
Dinner:
We sat down for the first course – Butternut Squash Lasagna, smothered in a rich Butternut Squash Cream Sauce.
Next, we went to the Buffet Table to put together our main plates. We had Pumpkin Seed Crusted Tofu, Turnip Cakes, Polenta Stuffing, Rich Garlic Mash Potatoes, Mushroom Gravy and Cranberry Sauce.
Here’s my plate. It looks like Thanksgiving to me.
We were stuffed! We sat down and chatted for a long while. Later we had slivers of each dessert, Tarte Aux Pommes, Purple Sweet Potato Pie with Caramel Marshmallow Topping, and Pecan Pie.
Evening: Cleanup was easy, thanks to Gary who was cleaning up all the time between each course. I am grateful for Gary!