150 Years of Fine Feasting: Fellow's 12 Days of T'giving

WARNING: While you may expect fantastic Thanksgiving tips here - forthcoming very shortly - you're learning something historical first!

That first Thanksgiving we base our traditions on today happened in 1621, a autumn harvest meal shared between Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians. So, while the customs of Thanksgiving have been around for hundreds of years, it wasn't official until 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the national holiday would be celebrated each November.

Ready to 'show your know' and share this tidbit of wisdom at the office or around the dinner table? Good. You're welcome. Now let's get onto the good stuff.

Thanksgiving is often an afterthought because of the retail rush of Christmas. My dad's seasonal saying comes to mind..."Looks like the stores put up their Christmas decorations. Yep. Must be Halloween." Sadly, this becomes truer every year.

Ho-ho-horrible. But true. Never, ever test an elf.

I come off my Halloween candy hangover just in time to start courting Thanksgiving. I have a true love affair with the season and the sight of family and friends around the table. On Thanksgiving, everyone is family! And, when your family gets on your nerves, the customary two, three or thirteen glasses of wine is totally acceptable. It's a covert lush's dream day.

Because Thanksgiving can get sidetracked, I found it only fair to give it a '12 Days of' celebration like it's Christmas cousin, if only for a year. Today and for the next 11 days, I'll post an idea, tip or trick to make your Thanksgiving a hit. (Partridges in pear trees need not apply.)

An easy, great app idea
When guests arrive for marathon feasting, offer a few bites to warm them up for the main event. I reconstructed this recipe after having it at a tapas restaurant in London. It's quick, easy, and goes great with wine.

ROASTED GRAPE CANAPE

Roasted Grapes:
2 cups red grapes (approx. 1lb)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt & pepper

Remaining ingredients:
Olive oil
1 small baguette
1 small log (4 oz) goat cheese
Honey for drizzling






Slice baguette and brush pieces with olive oil. Toast in a 450 degree oven for 5 - 10 minutes until just browned. While bread bakes, combine ingredients for roasted grapes and spread on a foil-lined baking sheet. Remove bread and roast grapes at the same temp for 20 minutes. Spread a layer of goat cheese on each baguette slice. After grapes cool slightly, spoon on top of baguette. Drizzle each piece with honey & serve.

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It's been 150 years and counting, Thanksgiving...thanks for all of the memories.
Here's to 11 more days of celebrating you!