Turkey Memories

Today is Thanksgiving for those of you in the States and those Americas strewn around the world. Since Hubby and I have been abroad, we have found ourselves rather disconnected with this holiday. Even before moving to India it was never really a banner day for us – I usually had to work the next day, and a proper turkey dinner was beyond our personal culinary skills, which meant that we always spent the holiday with other people – usually his family.

This is now our third Thanksgiving abroad (Hubby edit: and my fourth!). Our first was spent at the Duke’s home in Jor Bagh. Thanks to the Duke and the Embassy, we had a turkey and everyone else brought side dishes and desserts. Since we didn’t have an oven, I was unable to make my famous pumpkin pie but the maple-glazed carrots I made turned out quite nicely. All in all, it was a lovely evening with great food and company.

Last year, despite being posted in Kenya, we managed to once again spend Thanksgiving in Delhi. This time, we found ourselves in Bird’s house with a collection of locals and other expats – many of whom we recognized. Between Bird and her visiting mother, we had a fabulous dinner with all the trimmings. Since we were staying in a hotel, our contribution this time was a bottle of red wine that we purchased at the duty free in Dubai. That night, with its yummy food and pleasant company, was one of our best Thanksgivings ever.

This year, we don’t have anyone to mooch off. At least, no one has invited us over for a perfectly cooked turkey with pan gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. (Not that I’m pouty or bitter about it.) Thus I’m not sure what we’ll be having for supper tonight, but I’m fairly sure that none of those things are on the menu.

Lest any of you comic geniuses decide to pipe up and say that I could make this dinner myself – get real! Do you know where they wanted me to put my hand to clean that bird?! Yes, well, it wasn’t going to happen. Ewww!

Finally, I want to take this day of thanksgiving to thank my mother for cooking my family countless (Canadian) Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings. There wasn’t a single year when it wasn’t decidedly delicious and perfect, which is a memory I learned to cherish during my years of American Thanksgivings spent with Hubby’s family. So, thanks Mum. (And, if you feel like flying here and making us dinner tonight, we won’t object!)

Last minute edit: We just decided to make risotto with spicy baked squash, sage, and pancetta. Since squash and sage are both Turkey Day ingredients, this seemed like a reasonable compromise.

Happy Thanksgiving from Kenya!