Retrospective: An UncAmman Thanksgiving

So, we really had the travel bug at the end of 2009 and booked a trip to Istanbul soon after returning from Cyprus. I realized, thought, after booking, that Thanksgiving fell right in the middle of the trip. At first, I thought that it would be fun to do an alternative Thanksgiving celebration while we were there. You know, find a cafe with white meat and overeat. About a week before we left, however, I had an attack of premature homesickness that I wasn't going to celebrate Thanksgiving in the TL tradition of cooking all day, eating all day, and celebrating with friends and family and far too many pies. SO - I talked to Hisham about it and he was game (though we had very limited time - bless him- the only night free was a work day and the night before we left for our trip). I e-mailed our America friends and admitted my attack-of-the-traditions (because, really, I think we get more into our traditions when we're away from home) and invited them. In hindsight, I do wish I'd included others, and not just the Americas, though, as it was, our little oven nearly died cranking out the meal for the six of us.

Speaking of the meal, it was a bit of a challenge primarily because only one burner works on the stove if the oven is on for a long time (which it was, due to the large bird inside) so that required some tactful timing. Next time I will make some of the dishes in advance. I am just spoiled by our Maryland kitchen that has two glorious ovens (not to mention two glorious sinks, and, both my parents who are experienced cooks in their own right).

All in all, I made my first turkey (thanks to www.cooksillustrated.com) and Hisham made to-die-for mashed potatoes and we joined forces on the rest (sweet potatoes, green beans, gravy, rolls - sadly the stuffing didn't make it...long story). Also, our guests brought delicious homemade cookies, and, carrot cake from Sugar Daddy's (www.sugardaddy'sbakery.com if you're in the amman area, and you haven't tried Sugar Daddy's, please do. Amazing cake and cupcakes) Thanks very much!

There's also an import lesson here: when you get an attack of the traditions, be sure to include your new partner in the attack and work together to make new, joint traditions. I got a bit rigid about the execution of this meal which really made it less fun for both of us. It made me realize I have to work on balancing my home yearnings with the importance of building new traditions in this, new home.

In closing, I have to give Hisham special thanks for doing the dishes - it was a MESS. See before and after below.