This past year has been a roller-coaster of mixed emotions and changes for my family.
And when I volunteered to host Thanksgiving dinner this year I was nervous as to what it would mean for us and whether I'd be able to meet the expectations of what used to be my favorite holiday before the passing of my grandmother.
Unlike prior years where I make my dishes the day of, this year I prepped everything the night before. Giving me enough time to do some shopping thanksgiving day.For the menu we focused on old favorites (vegetarian style) :
Lasagna
Sweet Potato pecan casserole
Collard Greens- the secret's in the smoked paprika
Arroz con Guandules (rice and beans)
Dominican pastelon
Cranberry and herb stuffing
Scallop potatoes (thanks to Brent!)
Broccoli Salad w/soy based bacon
Pastel en ojas
My mom was in charge of the desert which consisted of:
-Sweet potato-coconut souffle
-Almond Biscotti, Cranberry white chocolate cookies, mini carrot cakes, apple jam and cheese crackers, tres leche (yum!), Apple Pie (courtesy of Brent)
For the Birds my mom bought a stuffed turkey, hubs did a fall-off-the-bone turkey which was a huge hit and I KILLED a Tofurky roast!
My first time (about 2 years ago) making the roast was a bust-but this year I figured out the trick!
This year I seasoned it and let it sit for a day and a half. Then I tossed some orange jam and orange slices and BAM. It was juicy and tender- so good my mom scooped some up herself!
In a long, cut out white and gold dress I felt like a 1920's holiday party hostess (cue the Nat King Cole and Ole Louis).
My family always dresses up and we all happened to wear sparkling gold which complimented our mood lighting, laughter, post-food coma-itis, and jazz music beautifully. It was good food and good energy.
When everyone was gone, and our house was still a moment of overwhelming vulnerability overtook me. And all that was left was hubs and I, dancing to Frank Sinatra at the end of our Gatsby-perfect Thanksgiving night.
