Don't come to me for traditional Thanksgiving tips

posted on: Wednesday, November 17, 2010


Enzo has been able to claim the Holiday longer than I have. I've only been a US citizen for two years. I'm a newbie. I don't particularly like pumpkin pie. Turkey is my least favorite meat. Last month I received a box full of Betty Crocker instant mashed potatoes mix and was personally offended. I only eat mashed potatoes made by yours truly with real potatoes and a substantial amount of heavy cream.  I've had one good stuffing my whole entire life. It was made by my sis-in-law Amy, who doesn't even check her e-mails so there's no way you're getting a recipe out of her.

But I do enjoy the Holiday.

I love the abundance of food and cooking. I love the fact that gifts aren't a distraction and that it's all about family, friends, and good company. Except when it's not, and those stories are always fun to tell.

This past Sunday we helped organize an early Thanksgiving dinner that fed over 150 people.  For the last 4 years we've helped organize this dinner for the residents who live at Family Student Housing up at the UCSC campus. We have residents from China, Japan, India, Korea, Mexico, Argentina, to name a few. Oh, and of course Brazil. Holla!

So we serve your traditional Thanksgiving dinner with some variation. Our friend Danny made teriyaki turkey and I don't think I can ever go back to plain old turkey. Ever.

This year we hired a group of Chinese Lion Dancers to do the entertainment. Lion dancers pairs perfectly with  turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Who would of thunk it?

Baby Maria and her friend Baby Bella wanted to crawl up on stage the whole time. Enzo ran to the back of the dinning hall and curled up in a ball. He hates loud noises. You would never have guessed if you've ever heard him speak in his one volume. Loud.

Next week we're driving up to Christian's aunts house. It will be lovely because it always is. We'll eat too much and then we'll jump on the trampoline to get the full effect. I can't wait.

I  wish I could give you tips on how to perfectly make your turkey. If you really want my mashed potato recipe I can share but keep in mind that it screams FAT. I did however, get the chance to have a phone conference interview with Melissa d'Arabian from the food network show Ten  Dollar Dinners who had some awesome Thanksgiving tips to share. There's a reason why these people are stars. When another blogger asked her what was the most expensive food she had in her pantry she replied "the most expensive food anyone has in their pantry is the one they throw away." I immediately called out to christian, "Dude, your best friend is on the phone"

I'll share her Thanksgiving tips with you soon.
Promise.

8 comments:

  1. ive been following your blog for a little while, but only recently realized you live in santa cruz! me too! hi neighbor!

    my dad immigrated here from iran in the late 70s. He doesn't really like all the food that typically is associated with Thanksgiving, but LOVES the fact that it's another excuse for all the family to get together. well, except this year. my mom is boycotting cooking so they are going to their local casino. ;)

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  2. hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving!!!

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  3. 150 people? That's impressive!
    My brother and I were discussing yesterday how much we'd like to do away with the turkey this year and have a vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner. Just for a change of pace. It's nice to do something different and unexpected now and then I think. I'm up for any un-traditional Thanksgiving tips you might have.

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  4. looking forward to your interview - i do like her show!

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  5. your too cool for plain ol' turkey anyway....

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  6. Teriyaki turkey??? MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

    I can't wait to hear her tips (Melissa, that is).

    Watched her on Next Food Network Star and DVR her shows. Love her down-to-earth attitude and 'next-door-neighbor' tips, and budget-friendly dinners.

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  7. What a great idea of serving dinner for everyone! It looked like all had a great time.

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  8. Ha! I would be personally offended if anyone sent me instant mash potatoes- AS IF!!

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