celebrating Thanksgiving with a Fall brunch . . .

 

Last year marked my 5th year hosting Thanksgiving Dinner in our home. 

I always felt like it was my biggest culinary accomplishment of the year. I lovingly made every single dish from scratch . . . and always felt it was an honor to prepare such an extravagant meal for my family every year. 

I will be far from home, and my extended family and friends, this year. My heart is saddened that I won't be celebrating my favorite holiday with my mom, oldest son and his fiance, extended family, and our dear friends. 

So . . . to lift my spirits, I thought it would be fun to prepare a fun and festive Fall Brunch for my little crew on Thanksgiving morning . . . and then enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner at a restaurant (which I've never done before!). 

For someone like me, it's hard to imagine NOT cooking on Thanksgiving; but because my spirits don't feel up to preparing a traditional meal this year, I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate my favorite holiday than by preparing the ultimate Fall brunch for my little crew, and inviting a few new friends to join in on the late morning feast. 

Here's a peak at my Fall brunch menu . . . .

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baked Pumpkin French Toast 

topped with cinnamon streusel and a cream cheese & maple glaze

.     .     .     .     .     .

Buttermilk Waffles 

with browned butter maple syrup & fresh whipped cream

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Farm Fresh Scrambled Eggs

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Chili & Brown Sugar Thick-Cut Bacon

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Fennel & Sage Sausage

.     .     .     .     .     .

Sweet Potato Hash 

with Caramelized Onions

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I hope this post finds that you're happily planning your Thanksgiving gatherings. I wish each of you a day filled with all the blessings of this beautiful holiday. 

Happy Thanksgiving! xxx

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Thanksgiving, 2015

"The greatest wealth is health." Virgil

While preparing for Thanksgiving this year I spent much time reflecting on the last year and my blessings. It was poetically therapeutic, and seemed to ease the stress of all the work and effort that goes into hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner.

It was only 6 short months ago that I was diagnosed with high insulin resistance. My health was at its lowest. I had been struggling with headaches and extremely low energy for two years; and with each passing month - my symptoms worsened.

It was on a "hunch" that my doctor ordered a blood test to check my blood sugar and insulin. For me, it was more than a "hunch." After months and months of steadfast prayers, God's tender voice whispered in my doctor's ear . . . and she listened.

The blood tests revealed so much of what was ailing my health. Since receiving the diagnosis in July, working 1:1 with a Nutritionist, and staying 100% committed to a strict diet . . . I've felt the incredible wealth of good health.

Although I am a work in progress, I feel leaps and bounds healthier than I have in last two (plus) years . . . and I am so grateful. My journey has been humbling, to say the least. 

While reflecting on the latter part of my year, I've felt overwhelming gratitude for my amazing mom and loving husband. For without their unwavering support and loving care, this journey towards stronger health would've been more difficult. My sweet mom still calls me daily to see how I'm feeling; and together, we recognize and express gratitude for our Heavenly Father's hand in this journey, too.

I remember expressing concern to my mom several months ago that I might not feel well enough to host Thanksgiving Dinner. Just the thought of it broke my heart. You see, I LOVE hosting Thanksgiving.

It is an incredible honor to prepare such a feast and table for my family and friends. To me, it is a gift . . . an act of pure love.

I hope you remember(ed) to take the time to count your blessings, however big - or small - they might be. "For gratitude makes everything turn into a gift" Fiona Childs.

As we head into a new, beautiful, and meaningful season . . . it is not without an incredibly grateful heart that I smile at the close of a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with those who I love and hold dear.

LET'S STAY in touch!

Simply Suzannes at Home

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Thanksgiving dinner . . . at home

I have been so incredibly blessed to host Thanksgiving Dinner in our home the last 3 years.

This year marks my 4th year hosting a completely home-made, traditional dinner for our family and extended family members.

My first year hosting was quite an under-taking . . . and I still remember feeling like I had conquered Mount Everest.  I was exhausted . . . and so very happy . . . all in one!

Four years later, I feel like I've perfected the menu, the timing, and all the preparation that goes into hosting Thanksgiving Dinner.

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Thanksgiving Dinner 2011, my first Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving Dinner 2012

Thanksgiving Dinner 2013

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The table centerpieces and decor change every year.  

Pumpkins and pansies are this year's theme!

These photos are actually from LAST year's Dinner. I had hoped to share them last November, but December rolled around so fast that I didn't have a chance to. So I thought I would sneak in a few photos before this Thanksgiving.

I love displaying one large, framed menu, or small menus at each place setting. Guests like to know what they'll be eating . . . and it also gives them something to look forward to.

I researched recipes for weeks and weeks before creating my menu, with the goal of preparing and serving (what I felt was) the perfect Thanksgiving dinner.

I have a binder dedicated to this very special meal, and it includes . . . .

my shopping list,

recipes with personal notes, 

a day-to-day schedule that starts the Sunday before Thanksgiving Thursday, 

and - of course - an hourly schedule that starts at 7 am on Thanksgiving Day

It might sound intense, but being organized is the key to pulling off a 'successful' Thanksgiving Dinner with little, to no, stress.

My menu was/is completely inspired by recipes from Cook's Illustrated and American's Test Kitchen. They're exceptional recipes and dishes!

The only recipe that's original to me are the home-made bread rolls. Bread baking was passed down to me by my mom shortly after I got married. A recipe and method that she learned from her grandmother shortly after she married my dad more than 45 years ago. It is quite an honor to bake bread for my family on this special day.

I haven't swayed much from my original menu, with the exception of a new dessert that I added last year . . . Pumpkin Cheesecake with a sweet sour cream topping.

And although I still prepare a Classic Herb Roasted Turkey, I baste it in Chardonnay now. A new method that I learned from a dear friend. It involves basting the turkey every 20 minutes during the cooking process. It yields a tender, and slightly sweet turkey. It's amazing!

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roasted brussel sprouts with shaved Parmesan

haricots verts almondine

haricots jaunes with shallots and lemon

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I make every. single. dish. from scratch . . . even this amazing Apricot Ginger Cranberry Sauce (photo below). It's a little bit of sweet, spicy, and tart . . . yum! A delicious compliment to turkey and stuffing.

I wish I had photos of all the side dishes to share with you in this post, but I lost many of them a few months ago when my computer crashed (Yikes!). We were able to recover 90% of my photos; but sadly, I lost several from last year's Dinner. 

My hope is to take more photos of this year's Thanksgiving side dishes, so that I can share the recipes (and photos) with you next year.

Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving Dinner, or attending dinner at someone else's home . . . I send you warm and happy wishes that your day is filled with love, family and friends, and exceptional food.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Suzanne

Thanksgiving,

to be truly Thanksgiving,

is first Thanks,

then giving . . . 

LET'S STAY in touch!

Simply Suzannes at Home

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. . . a unique and special Thanksgiving

We hosted a formal, intimate dinner for six . . . and then opened our home for a Thanksgiving Open House, of sorts.  

We welcomed friends through the afternoon and evening for dessert and egg nog.  Friends came, and went, bringing their family and friends . . . It was a holiday full of delicious food, family, friends, and laughter. My husband even snuck a nap in after dinner . . . just before friends started stopping by . . . a highlight for him, I'm sure (smile!).

What made THIS Thanksgiving so special was that my 4 1/2 and 3 1/2-year-old daughter and son were so very interested in this holiday. I think we watched "Happy Thanksgiving, Charlie Brown" a dozen times! They learned simple facts about the Mayflower, Pilgrims, and the FIRST Thanksgiving dinner.  Their interest also prompted a desire to help me with Thanksgiving dinner, especially my daughter ~ Charley. 

Charley excitedly helped me bake bread & Pie Crust Sugar Cookie TURKEYS . . . and decorate our Thanksgiving dinner table. She so sweetly placed petite pears and apples, eggplants, and pomegranates on our table . . . and eagerly learned about proper place settings. I loved her interest and help that day! It sure made this wonderful holiday extra special!

Although I did not grow up celebrating Thanksgiving over formal dinners, my husband and I  appreciate that we celebrate OURS over a formal dinner with family and friends. Much time, energy, and love goes into the menu and table setting . . . and our meal always begins with a beautiful prayer of gratitude.  This year's Thanksgiving was unique and special . . . leaving me with happy thoughts about what next Thanksgiving might bring our family. 

Thanksgiving,

to be truly Thanksgiving,

is first Thanks, 

then giving . . . 

A peak into our Thanksgiving dinner . . .

~ Our menu ~

 

~ Centerpiece of bright sunflowers and bupleurum in a white Cinderella pumpkin ~

 

~ Fall Jacquard Tablecloth ~

~ White dishes, white linens, and silver ~

~ Food is more vibrant and attractive on a white palette ~

 

   

~ Pomegranate Seeds dance in bubbly beverages ~

~ So pretty and festive ~

~ I LOVE these petite bottles of Martinelli's Sparkling Cider ~

~ Apricot Ginger Cranberry Sauce ~

~ Sweet & Savory toppings ~

~ Sliced butter for honey whole-wheat rolls ~

~ home-made honey whole-wheat rolls ~

~ a family tradition ~

~ Classic Butter Roasted Turkey ~

~ Sage leaves add a warm Fall flavor ~

~ I snapped a quick photo of my dinner plate ~

~ Dark Chocolate After Dinner Mints ~

~ A light after dinner treat ~

~ Dessert Menu ~

home-made Ginger Pecan Streusel Pumpkin Pie

with warm Caramel sauce

Cocoa Truffles

TURKEY and PUMPKIN-shape Pie Crust Sugar Cookies

with Vanilla Bean ice cream

~ I trimmed the pie with maple leaf cut-outs and acorns ~

I dressed up the acorns with orange & yellow sanding sugar before baking.  

This pie was a pretty compliment to the the Turkey & Pumpkin Pie Crust Sugar Cookies.

~ Cocoa Truffles  ~

~ My favorite dessert of the evening ~

~ TURKEY Pie Crust Sugar Cookie perched atop ice cream ~

~ These cookies were a HIT with the kids and adults! ~

~ This beautiful scalloped, gold-leaf platter was made by my late grandma ~

~ I used it to serve the Apricot Ginger Cranberry Sauce and toppings ~

~ Elegant and beautiful, I love that it is a family heirloom ~

I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

LET'S STAY in touch!

Simply Suzannes at Home

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