From Thanksgiving '05
The first few years I've lived in L.A., I never really celebrated Thanksgiving. My relatives sort of celebrated but not really (there was turkey and other dishes but no homemade cranberry sauce or traditional sides). So, I never really got the full experience until one year when my friends invited me to go to Mammoth Mountain on a snowboarding trip on a Thanksgiving weekend. We stayed at this cozy bed and breakfast. On Thanksgiving night - after a full day of tumbling, falling and balancing on a snowboard and not to mention the snow storm - we got back and were invited by the innkeepers to join them for dinner. There was roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and other delicious side dishes. The dining area of this inn was set on a corner with almost- floor-to-ceiling windows. Outside, it was snowing and the ground was covered thick with snow. It felt like it was Christmas; it was perfect!
This is my fifth year of cooking dinner for family and friends. I must admit that I enjoy hosting a Thanksgiving gathering. Year after year, I learn a few things or tricks here and there:
- The first time I cooked a meal for three, all the sides were cold except the turkey. This has been a challenge for me every year as we only have a small oven with space only big enough to roast a single turkey so no sides can be cooked at the same time. I finally decided to buy a tiered rack so I can warm all side dishes including appetizers at the same time.
- As the party size got bigger, it helps to prep some side dishes ahead of time so I can enjoy a little bit of mingling around when guests arrive and not get stuck in the kitchen waiting for everything to come together.
- Brining the turkey is my favorite trick! It works every time and the result is a succulent moist bird meat:)
Although it doesn't snow in Pasadena, I try to make our Thanksgiving dinner enjoyable for my family and friends just like my experience in Mammoth Mountain.
Happy Thanksgiving!
