Gobble
Highlights:
Three rises = beautifully light rolls with a fine, soft crumb (I use the Bread Bible recipe, mixed by hand - with a little extra flour today, it's so humid):
Sweet Potato and Pecan Gratin, waiting for the oven (layers of sliced parboiled sweets, chopped toasted pecans, brown sugar and unsalted butter in a greased pan. A little warm, cinnamon-y milk to moisten - into a 400 degree oven while the turkey rests, or until things are brown and melty and delicious and easily pierced by a paring knife):
Fields of Brussels sprouts, oiled and ready to go (these get snapped up like candy by kids and vegetable-hating adults alike. Trim a pint and a half of Brussels sprouts, halve them, spread in a single layer on a sheet and toss in olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast, stirring once in a while, at 350 - 400 degrees or so for 45 minutes. When the loose leaves crackle and the halves are ringed with caramel, they're ready. Crisp bacon is a nice garnish- but I like them best almost-naked and nutty-sweet):
Gingered carrots and parsnips (a ladleful of stock, a tiny drizzle of honey, plenty of minced ginger and garlic and crushed red pepper, simmered to a glaze) and glazed pearl onions (blanched onions shaken in a bubbling glaze of sugar, some rosemary and stock):
And pies, of course, a-cooling on the counter.
Also: thyme-y creamed corn; perfectly basic, basically perfect bread stuffing; green beans with vinegared shallots; pan gravy; mashed potatoes; cranberry sauce; ham; and a turkey.
Thanksgiving was odd for me this year - I had class right up until yesterday afternoon, and didn't get a chance to do anything in advance but shop and make the cranberry sauce (I added plenty of orange zest and a clove to the boiling berries this year - very nice). I was up at 4 today, cutting pastry dough, planning oven schedules and boiling lakes of water to blanch vegetables - worth it, though, to have everyone in one place and happy.
I am thankful, for sure.
Comments
Everything I had today pales in comparison! The brussels sprouts especially look (and sound) amazing.
I cannot fathom waking up at 4 to cook, though. It looks like it was definitely worth it.
Posted by: Amy | November 23, 2006 11:55 PM
no, no, no! can't look at any more food today.
I'l have to come back tomorrow to read your post...
Posted by: hPNY knits | November 24, 2006 12:06 AM
Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you had a lovely feast!
Posted by: seedless grape | November 24, 2006 12:23 AM
do you parboil the carrots and parsnips before cooking them in the glaze?
Posted by: beth | November 24, 2006 12:36 AM
Gorgeous. For next time, I heartily recommend Grand Marnier in the cranberry sauce, with the orange zest. Lovely. Cointreau works equally well - a bit sweeter but definitely more reasonably priced.
Posted by: Shannon B | November 24, 2006 01:02 AM
As wonderful and beautiful as your knitting :)
Posted by: Terry | November 24, 2006 01:35 AM
Wow....
Happy Thanksgiving, Eunny!
Posted by: yuvee | November 24, 2006 04:19 AM
My gosh, all these goodies - you have me drooling all over here! I think next year I'll have to fly over and eat all this yummy stuff before you can get hold of it;) Amazing photography too, as always!
Happy Thanksgiving, and all the very best to you!
Posted by: Dipsy D. | November 24, 2006 04:39 AM
hmmmmmm,
caroline
Posted by: caroline | November 24, 2006 06:41 AM
I've never before heard of anyone cooking Brussels sprouts this way (like I do). You are absolutely right that even vegetable haters gobble them up!
Sounds like a lovely meal--food wise and family wise.
Posted by: The Purloined Letter | November 24, 2006 08:11 AM
awesome midgie! I am thankful for you!
Posted by: mama-e | November 24, 2006 08:22 AM
Looks like a lovely day. Happy holidays to you and yours! BTW, i had a dream last night that you taught me how to do color work. Since I've never met you, it seems rather bizarre that you were in my dream, but there you have it.
Posted by: regina | November 24, 2006 08:54 AM
Oh, that food looks sooo tasty! Soon it's Christmas and thats the grand feast up here in Sweden. That's when we don't stop eating for several days...
Posted by: Elena | November 24, 2006 09:09 AM
Wow, that all looks so good! Despite my day-after-Thanksgiving food hangover, your pics made me think that I could eat again!
Posted by: Elinor | November 24, 2006 09:25 AM
Looks as though you cook with variety and skill, just like your knitting! The food looks fabulous and the photo of the table reminds me of all those warm and homey feelings.
Posted by: Amy | November 24, 2006 09:39 AM
A Beautiful Table, Eunny. And I really must try your brussels sprouts!! YUM!
Posted by: Laura | November 24, 2006 10:01 AM
It all looks and sounds absolutely wonderful! So good for you to have family together!!
Posted by: Barbp | November 24, 2006 10:14 AM
Yumm . . . I love brussels sprouts served that way, too, although I can't seem to convince the rest of my family . . .
Posted by: --Deb | November 24, 2006 10:27 AM
Love the Bread Bible!! Rolls look delicious. Isn't it amazing what we do for family??
Posted by: britt | November 24, 2006 10:38 AM
If you are cooking as finely as spinning or knitting, for sure you had a nice supper: I wish you a happy thanksgiving time (from France, where such things do not exist)!
Posted by: fleur | November 24, 2006 10:49 AM
Looks fabulous. Try maple syrup in the cranberries next time, delicious.
Hope you had a good one.
Posted by: Jewel of Montreal | November 24, 2006 11:29 AM
Oh, I love brussel sprouts the same way! I actually heard of them from Ruth Reichl's memoir Garlic and Sapphires. The last time I made them for friends people were moaning while eating them. Definitely no leftovers there...
Posted by: leo | November 24, 2006 11:37 AM
What wonderful food! Next time I see Brussel sprouts in the store I'm trying your way!
Posted by: kmkat | November 24, 2006 12:35 PM
thank you thank you for the brussel sprout recipe. I love them and i would love to try it this way. Your table and your family look wonderful.
Posted by: Diane | November 24, 2006 12:44 PM
I've been reading your blog for a while now ... and I'm absolutely blown away by your knitting. It is just so gorgeous and inventive. And the food!
Posted by: katie | November 24, 2006 01:09 PM
I'm noticing a theme here, as everything is sweet! Perhaps I can even get my ultra-picky five year old to go for your brussels sprouts.
I'm glad you had a wonderful time as a family together, Eunny, 4am or not :)
Posted by: amyh | November 24, 2006 01:30 PM
It all looks so delicious. I'm hungry now.
Posted by: Dorothy B | November 24, 2006 01:33 PM
I am in China. I can eat none of the foods you mentioned. I really love looking at them on your blog though! Thanks for sharing your brussel sprouts recipe; in my family we never eat them, so I was in high school before I figured out what they were and that everyone hates them. I've never actually had them on a plate before, but your recipe makes them sound so nice that I might try some day.
Posted by: Susan | November 24, 2006 01:34 PM
It all looks delicious! Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving, I'm sure it was wonderful :)
Posted by: Adam | November 24, 2006 02:00 PM
Wow-What a feast! A Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Posted by: Carol | November 24, 2006 02:16 PM
Everything you do is beautiful and your cooking is no exception.Wow some must try recipes: sounds scrumptious.
Will try brussel sprout recipe on my anti-veggie (will only eat potatoes- roasted)granddaughter!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yourloved ones. [A little wave and warm thoughts to all Americans reading this]
Hope you find time for a well earned rest... although no doubt a rest to you is spinning and knitting and designing.
When she sees me knitting, one of my friends often says - jokingly: knit me a 'three piece suite' by next week (I'm talking furniture/ upholstery, not clothes! Dont know if this makes sense in USA)
Now, I have taken to saying: Well, I know I won't be able to do that but Eunny can!!Your name has become synonymous with superhuman feats!
Posted by: hookiemama | November 24, 2006 02:29 PM
Absolutely fantastic. I wish for only a smidgen of your talents.
Thanks for all the instruction and wonderful blog.
Posted by: Lois | November 24, 2006 03:13 PM
Good heavens girl!! You cook - you knit - you spin - - Your Thanksgiving table looks absolutely beautiful!!
Be happy - along with being thankful.
A Happy Holiday to ALL.
Posted by: Sheila Mayhew | November 24, 2006 06:10 PM
You are not just a great knitter you are also a fantastic cook!!! Everything looks yummy.
Posted by: Ana | November 24, 2006 06:30 PM
I am in awe of you. You have such a marvelous writing ability, your knitting is sublime and inspirational, and now it is revealed that you are also a genius cook. Wow. You are a lovely woman as well. I am not only awed, but a bit intimidated by your many talents. Thank you for allowing us lesser mortals a glimpse into a world of such beauty.
Posted by: Eve | November 24, 2006 09:09 PM
HUNGRY!!! ME HUNGRY!!! NOW!!!
Just looking at the food is making me salivate. I never thought to put pecans in the sweet potatoes—must try that! You're invited to my house next year as long as you bring that dish! *wink*
Posted by: Jeanne Berry | November 24, 2006 10:00 PM
Yummm.... I'll have to try your brussels sprouts recipe. I've never had them any way but steamed or boiled, and really don't like them. But I trust you on this recipe!
Posted by: janna | November 24, 2006 11:26 PM
hmm, YUM!!! we have thanksgiving on friday for the third time in a row, so i just finished cooking a feast and stuff myself silly! love your pictures as always, hope you've had a good holiday!
Posted by: blossom | November 24, 2006 11:39 PM
Looks delicious, Eunnie! You have so much to be thankful for! You have a wonderful knitting talent that so many people would love to have.
Your bread looks good. Have you tried the Jim Lahey "No-Knead Bread" yet?
Posted by: Brad A. Turner | November 25, 2006 12:51 AM
Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for sharing your beautiful recipes. :)
Posted by: gilraen | November 25, 2006 03:36 AM
Mmm. The brussel sprouts look delicious!
Posted by: Katie | November 25, 2006 08:40 AM
The picture at the end brings it all home. I LOVE it. Thanks for sharing your Thanksgiving with us!
Posted by: Daphne | November 25, 2006 12:53 PM
Lovely, lovely dinner. I must try this way of making sprouts. I love them but am rarely allowed to cook them because the family hates the smell of steamed ones.
How on earth did you time everything? Either you rest the bird a long time, or you have a very big oven. Serious technical question here.
Posted by: Marie | November 26, 2006 03:53 AM
Is there ANYTHING that you do badly? Or even mediocrely? What a FEAST!
Posted by: roxie | November 26, 2006 10:52 AM
We don't do thanksgiving in Australia. Basically, Christmas is the only "feast" time. I love the ideas for the sweet potato and Brussel sprouts, both of which I love. I've never tried the sprouts done anyway but boiled, so I will have to give your way a go. The carrot and parsnip will have to be on the menu too. Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Sue Hird | November 26, 2006 02:39 PM
Looks like a scrumptious Thanksgiving meal. Did you make it all? That's a lot of work. I got off easy this year: all I had to do was bake bread (shallot/potato) and get myself to my parent's house. Also, I'm curious about the timing. The only way I can make a Thanksgiving dinner is to start three days early (baking ahead) since I have only one oven.
(I love hand-kneading bread.)
Posted by: jennifer | November 26, 2006 06:55 PM
What a beautiful labor of love for your family. I agree, plenty to be thankful for in my life.
Posted by: Birdsong | November 26, 2006 08:18 PM
Everything looks quite tasty! What a wonderful spread for your family!
Posted by: AJ | November 26, 2006 10:11 PM
Hmmm, that Thanksgiving dinner looks really delightful! You're so organized to be able to make all that on the same day!
Your family can be thankful for having you!
Posted by: Noémie | November 27, 2006 09:40 AM
Hi Eunny, I finally got my InterKnits and have to say I love both the sweater and the article.
Karin
Posted by: Karin | November 27, 2006 11:19 AM
Happy thanksgiving! What a wonderful day, and wonderful food :) Absolutely makes getting up at 4am worth it!
Posted by: Sarah | November 27, 2006 02:51 PM
A gorgeous Thanksgiving spread and you're very dedicated to get up so early. I do appreciate it when we can do things ahead of time, but it looks like you made it work marvelously.
Posted by: Stephanie | November 27, 2006 03:44 PM
I won't insult you with any Martha Stewart comparisons, but man, you are one multi-talented girl. And on the knitting front, I was pretty cocky about my knitting ability but I have to say that I've learned a thing or two from you. Thanks so much!
Posted by: Heather | November 27, 2006 03:48 PM
What a beautiful Thanksgiving for your family. I'm sure it was a very special day for all!
Posted by: Cathy | November 27, 2006 06:59 PM
Wow, Eunny, those sprouts are excellent! Tried them tonight with some salmon, and they had a really unique nutty flavor I didn't realize they could have! Delicious, thanks for posting it!
Posted by: Mindi | November 28, 2006 01:24 AM
Looks like you had a great day filled with family and great food! I love brussel sprouts done like that also - simple and wonderful! YuM!
Posted by: stacey | November 28, 2006 09:39 AM
What an excellent hostess rising at 4 to do the cooking. Your feast looks very yummy indeed.
Posted by: Sue | November 28, 2006 03:31 PM
Everything looks so delicious! I love brussel sprouts too, especially with bacon. I can't believe you had ham and turkey. Definitely looks like some kitchen counter space & oven planning was involved in cooking up that meal!
Posted by: Evelyn | November 28, 2006 04:10 PM
A beautiful Thanksgiving feast. I'm glad you had such a wonderful holiday!
Posted by: Catherine | November 28, 2006 10:09 PM
OK, that does it, I'm going up to get something to eat!
Li
Posted by: Li_B | November 29, 2006 03:33 AM
I made the brussel sprouts last night. I don't think a brussel sprout has passed my lips in over 20 years, but your recipe sounded so good, I thought I'd give them another try. I ate them all! (except for the ones I let me husband have!) Thanks!
Posted by: Lauren | November 29, 2006 07:20 AM
Spectacular! What a gorgeous Thanksgiving table!
Posted by: Magatha | November 30, 2006 07:48 PM
Looks like you had a great Thanksgiving!
I am just knitting the endpaper fingerless mitts.. in Rowan 4ply soft with the colors espresso and irish cream, for my Mom the coffee lover.
Thanks for publishing the pattern!
Posted by: Petra | December 1, 2006 12:12 AM
Yummy dinner! I saw you "visiting" over at Mama-E's new studio. I want your hair! Okay, so technically I want my hair to look like yours, I don't really want "your hair". Hope your December is going well.
Posted by: Heide | December 4, 2006 07:36 PM
I have a package of Brussels Sprouts in my fridge that I just didn't feel like steaming. I'm so going to try this tonight!
Posted by: Jennifer | December 5, 2006 04:42 PM