Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays.  I love it because I not only get to be around those that I care most about, but I also get to nosh on some of my favorite traditional Thanksgiving dishes like baked macaroni and cheese, yams, dressing, etc.  This year I volunteered to host Thanksgiving for the first time EVER.  Now, deciding to do this wasn't  hard at all but I have to admit, there has been some anxiety since I've made the decision.  Majority of the dishes I will be preparing will be my first time doing so so there's a lot of pressure (self imposed) for things to turn out wonderful.  Being that cooking comes so naturally to me, there are very few times where I become nervous at the prospect of preparing a new dish.  Surprisingly, creating the menu was extremely easy; the ideas came to me as if I had prepared them several times over.  I've finally gotten pass the nerves and I am looking at this as an opportunity to express to my family how thankful I am for them.

What about you, what are your plans for Thanksgiving 2011?  Have you hosted a holiday on your own, what was your experience?  Do you have recipes you'd like to share?  Be sure to leave your comments/words of encouragement (lol).  Below I've included my 2011 Thanksgiving menu.


Thanksgiving 2011 Menu

• Dressing w/ baked in chicken
• Buttered Rosemary Lamb
• Baked Yams
• Green Beans w/ Smoked Turkey
• Truffle Macaroni & Cheese
• Creamed Spinach
• Ham w/ a sweet & savory glaze
• Brandy spiked Cranberry Sauce
• Cake w/ homemade Caramel frosting

To do: Soulard Chili Festival

The season is changing and we are inching our way into cooler weather.  The changing of seasons brings about the change in seasonal cooking; for example, the warm weather of Summer made way for barbecues and dining al fresca.  Now, with Autumn here, many of us find ourselves in the mood for more warming/comfort foods such as pot roasts, soups, and chili!

On October 15th Soulard will be hosting it's 1st annual Chili Festival.  There will be chili tasting and judging, along with musical entertainment and a wine and beer garden.  There will also be crafts and a children's area for kids to enjoy, so bring the whole family!

What: 1st Annual Soulard Chili Festival
When: October 15, 2011; 11am-5pm
Where: Lift for Life Academy (across from Soulard Market)
Cost: Unknown

1,000+

Woohoo, I just noticed that my blog has reached 1,000 views, 1,030 to be exact.  Thank you to every one of you that have taken an interest in TheMinimalistPalate, I appreciate your support and look forward to sharing more with you through the medium of food!