Friday, November 23, 2012
Burp! Excuse me. I am still recovering from Thanksgiving and what a Thanksgiving it was. The day started rather early because we needed to get the turkey in the oven in time for hoped for 3:00 PM start time. Susan had spent a good deal of time yesterday getting things ready so that they just needed time either in the oven or the microwave. While she continued with this and that, I paid a visit to the supermarket to pick up some ice and other necessities. I would head out later in search of a meat thermometer because, as it turns out, the oven needs a bit of calibrating.
Vilma came by at 1:00 and helped peel potatoes for the mashed potatoes and then she worked on setting the table. Brian and Ofelia came by at 2:00 loaded with goodies. Two pumpkin pies, a pear upside down cake and some green beans were added to the groaning board. Juanjo was next to arrive and helped relocate the kitchen table to the dining room. The good news is that there was more than enough room for all around the table.
Little by little the other continued to arrive. In no particular order we greeted Mike and Santi, Klaus and Zahava, Paquito, Pepe and late to arrive was Jordi who came directly from lunch service at his restaurant. Nobody came empty handed and we were able to add more wine, champagne and dessert to yesterday’s offering.
While we waited for the turkey to finish cooking along with other elements of the meal, we toasted each other with a lovely concoction of champagne, cranberry juice and triple sec. We snacked on some homemade chopped liver, dried fruits, an assortment of salted nuts, pickled and olives. The turkey was taking its time, but everyone was so engaged in conversation nobody really cared that the turkey’s arrival at the table would be delayed. After all, it was a Spanish turkey.
Mike helped put the finishing touches on the cooking of the turkey and Jordi swung into action and did a masterful job cutting the turkey. Service was buffet style and everyone helped themselves to turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes with mandarin orange slices, acorn squash, green beans, stuffing, and lima bean loaf for the vegetarians in the crowd. There was cranberry relish, bread and wine set out on the table.
As is our tradition, we all joined hands and each of us said what we were thankful for. Some of us spoke in Spanish, others in English. Of the thirteen of us gathered around the table, five were from Spain, one from Germany, one from Canada, one from Scotland, one from Peru, one from Honduras and three from the USA. Just about everyone went back for seconds and after a brief pause we attacked the desserts.
We finished the meal with coffee and chupitos. Everyone pitched in when it came to clearing the table and washing the plates, as well as the pots and pans. The kitchen table was transported back to its usual space in the kitchen. Some of our guests had to leave early for a variety of reasons, but the party did not end until 9:00 PM. Susan did a bit more cleaning up. We were surprised to discover that there were not that many leftovers. In truth, there would be enough for one more meal for the two of us and that would be it. Interestingly enough, we have been invited to Brian and Ofelia’s tomorrow to help them and Olivia celebrate Thanksgiving.
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