This year’s Thanksgiving was very similar to last year’s. It was the return of Orphan Thanksgiving, as paying for two plane tickets home in a three week span just doesn’t make sense – after all, I am a poor graduate student.
I started the day off with a turkey trot in Almaden, where I ran into Alisyn, who was running the 5k. [Race recap to come, as soon as I get photos.] It was so great to see you!
Once I got back from the race, it was time to tackle the main ordeal of Thanksgiving. Meet our 20-pound turkey, Felix (yes, I name my food).
Felix was rubbed with lemon juice on the inside, salt and pepper, and stuffed with parsley, celery and carrots. On the outside I massaged him with melted vegan earth balance, and seasoned him with salt, pepper, fresh thyme and fresh rosemary. He browned very nicely in a short 4 1/2 hours.
Me and Felix (and the bourbon we utilized for the evening’s manhattans)
Although I was the chef de jure, I passed off the carving to one of my cohort members. We utilized this video to get the most meat off of a bird that I think is possible.
Once the turkey was cut, the feast was served.
My plate – plus massive amounts of nibbling as the evening went on.
I also decided to make some non-traditional desserts. I had vegan lemon bars, vegan chocolate raspberry brownies and a vegan apple raspberry crisp (which somehow eluded all photos…)
Other delicious desserts included pecan pie and chocolate dipped pecan balls (amazing)
And with dessert served, our evening of good food and debauchery was just getting started.
I’m so thankful for my family, back home, who I sadly had to be without this Thanksgiving. I’m also thankful for my wonderful friends who I wasn’t able to see. And I’m extremely thankful for my fantastic cohort members and other friends who made this Thanksgiving one to remember. It wouldn’t have been the same without you!
How did you celebrate your thanksgiving? What are you thankful for?
What was your best Friday deal?
Your photos are so inviting – I feel like I can share Thanksgiving with you vicariously!
Don’t tell my parents (who live 100 meters away), but sometimes I wish I lived in another city so that I could have an orphan Thanksgiving with friends.
It was so awesome to see you again and what a great surprise! Your turkey and fest look amazing!!! You are truly Wonder Women. Age place runner by day, Gourmet chef by night! 😉
Looks like you had a nice time. Yum, the vegan lemon bars, vegan chocolate raspberry brownies, and a vegan apple raspberry crisp sound amazing. Although I didn’t buy anything on Black Friday, I did get to see the tree lighting ceremony at Union Square in San Francisco…that was fun. Happy Belated Thanksgiving 🙂