Fall brings crisp, cool weather and with it, some of my most cherished holidays – Thanksgiving prominent among them. I love the idea of a day centered on taking time to pause and reflect (no, it’s really not just all about football). Some people I know object to the concept of a Thanksgiving holiday, given our nation’s checkered history regarding treatment of native people. I prefer to view the day outside its historical significance, as a time for folks of any and all shapes, sizes, races, religions and cultural traditions to come together, sharing a meal with thanks for the gifts in life, big and more often, small. Simple gifts – those we might sometimes take for granted – our persimmon tree laden with fruit; loving sisters and daughters; autumn leaves’ fiery burst of color; older parents still with us; summer thunderstorms that arrive out of nowhere; generous husbands; a flock of robins in the rain; golden sunflower fields; infectious giggles; hot tea shared with friends – the list is, of course, endless.
Hey Mom - looks what’s on the roof!
Not your average house cat...
Sometimes the gifts are unexpected and a bit out of the ordinary, like the four wayward, wild turkeys we spied early one morning last week, traversing our neighbor’s roof – going where, the week before Thanksgiving, we haven’t a clue. A few days before that we were treated to the joyful sight of three adolescent bobcats frolicking together in our backyard for over an hour, as carefree as kittens.
More often than not the simplest gifts, and those we overlook most, involve food. This year I am grateful for humanely raised eggs; fresh picked organic strawberries; leafy greens (yes, it’s true); a farmer’s market in every community nearby; victory over backyard gophers and the succulent, juicy tomatoes they didn’t eat. Of course, I can’t forget tender young summer corn, hot soup on a cold day, a well-dressed salad or cooking at home with friends and family. The fruits and vegetables grown on farms (and backyards) right here in our midst are among the “big” simple gifts – unadulterated by preservatives, unpronounceable additives and layer upon layer of packaging, not to mention shipping halfway across the world. These treasures feed us, nurture us and provide for our health day in and day out without fanfare. Thank goodness for fresh, picked at its peak, locally grown, CCOF and humanely raised food.
I hope that you enjoyed a happy, healthy and flavorful holiday. Here’s what this cross-cultural, mostly vegetarian family shared with our extended family and friends for Thanksgiving:
Cranberry Chutney (link to recipe)
Mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy
Roast sweet potatoes
Roast green beans with lemon and almonds
Cannellini beans sautéed with Swiss chard
Mixed green salad with persimmon and pomegranate seeds
Chole (Indian spiced chickpea stew)
Kaddu (Indian spiced pumpkin)
Naan (Indian flatbread) and old-fashioned rolls
