Thanksgiving in celebration of good friends and good health

By all indicators, my first Thanksgiving dinner "flying solo" without a mother in the kitchen to assist was a great success. Happy guests powered though an enormous amount of food and kept the conversation going 'til past midnight. The turkey, roasted to perfection, came out on time and all the recipes ... both traditional and experimental ... were successful. This morning it took me three hours to clean up, and I carted 10 empty wine bottles to the recycling bin. Clearly, my six guests were full of cheer last night, though this morning might have brought a painful awakening.
I'm relieved I didn't attempt this without taking time off work. I was cooking almost all day yesterday, and recovering most of today. And worth every minute.

I love the whole concept of this holiday ... a time to gather with those nearest and dearest and think about what you have to be thankful for. Gathered around my table last night were four of us who've had serious health issues in the past year; three with life-threatening cancers. All are recovered or recovering, and I think we've all gained a new respect for what's really important in life. It felt good to have these old, dear friends around me at such a special time. Far, far better than past years where I've met friends for a meal at one of the American restaurants in town.

I may just have to establish my own Thanksgiving tradition on this side of the pond.

ELLEN'S THANKSGIVING MENU
Appetisers:

• Cucumber slices with sour cream and caviar
• antipasto platter
• Olives & stuffed peppers

First Course:

• Chicken broth with tortellini

Main Course:

• Maple & peppercorn glazed turkey
• Stuffing with sausage, wild rice and water chestnuts
• Sweet potato crisp
• Braised fennel & chestnuts
• Chicory & orange salad

Pumpkin Pie

Coffee, Tea and Austrian Chocolates