For the past four years we have spent Thanksgiving at my Dad and Stepmom's house. Our friends, Kurt and Scott, who just happen to be fantastic chef's at the Chateau Ste. Michele in Woodinville, WA come down and cook up the most fantastic Thanksgiving meals you can imagine! Our good friend Bill always brings wonderful cheeses and wines and champagne! This year there were sixteen of us, including my awesome brother and his roommate, Kevin.
These two wines were amazing! The Columbia Crest Reserve 2008 was so delicious, well balanced and flavorful. I'm a huge fan of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This particular bottle was from 2000 and was really peppery and rich. It's such a treat to get to share these incredible wines with people who know about wine! Educational and delicious!
My Stepmom, Nance, is the most amazing hostess. She always sets the table with uniquely made name tags and personalized gifts for each person who attends. My Dad likes to put in his "teeth" whenever people are coming over. Gwyneth was not quite sure about Pops. Later in the evening she took me aside and asked me if she was related to him.
Ham and blue cheese.
Triple Cream Brie.
My Dad. All dressed up for Thanksgiving dinner.
Lots of beer brought by Kyle from Double Mountain Brewery. My special place setting made by Nance.
Kurt and Scott wearing their place settings. Nance's bug collection.
Stuffing made by me and Kyle. It's so good. It has fresh herbs, pine nuts and craisins.
Butter and silky mashed potatoes. Technically they are riced potatoes since Bill used a ricer when preparing them.
Our heritage Turkey. Kurt gets this bird from his friends that have a farm. It was killed on Monday, picked up on Tuesday, brined on Wednesday and enjoyed on Thursday. Doesn't get much fresher or more organic than this!
The chefs.
Scott's amazing caramelized carrots and the expertly carved turkey.
I made this Salted Caramel Cheesecake for dessert. These are Nance's beautiful teacups for after dinner coffee.
Once we were finished eating we played games. Charades was... interesting. There was a very explicit acting out of the book/film The Firm as well as some other odd interpretations of things. We were in stitches throughout the game playing. Most people headed home around 10:30 but we were persuaded into gambling with Kurt, Nance, Scott, Ryan and Kevin. I've never gambled before and let me tell ya... I had way too much fun (even when I was losing). We finally threw in the dice and headed for home. We didn't get to bed until 1 in the morning!
We spent the rest of the weekend digging up the yard for raised beds (Kyle) and sewing (me) and sleeping (Gwynnie).
I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving and a wonderful weekend!
