Annual "Friendsgiving"

We've been able to continue our tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving in France, but in a slightly different way from what we're used to growing up. We don't get any weekdays off, so the third Thursday in November is just the third Thursday in November. We normally have a big meal on the Saturday after with Paul's family, but his parents were out of town, so we had our friends the Sanders over. This is the 3rd or 4th time we've celebrated Thanksgiving over here with them, so definitely an annual event now!

We hosted, so I took on the task of cooking some turkey (I found some separated turkey legs and breast and popped them in the slow cooker that morning--best ever, and will now be doing this every year), mashed potatoes, stuffing, veggie sides (I ended up just doing corn) and a pie. Now normally I love a standard apple pie, but a friend left me a can of pumpkin puree, so I volunteered to make a pumpkin pie this time. The Sanders brought the green bean casserole, bread (fresh roles from Marks and Spencers!), wine, and an apple pie. So we we were set!

We ate late in the day, so the kids mostly played and bounced around while we adults dug in and marveled over how well we can cook delicious food. Really, everything turned out amazing (except my gravy, something didn't go right there...). The real tie were our pies. Everyone had a bit of both, and then seconds of both, proclaiming they were the best pies they've ever tasted. So all our efforts were worth it! :) 

 

 

Now the Christmas season is officially kicked off, although Paul protests it shouldn't start until December 1st, I think we're wearing him down. As is Paris, as decorations are up everywhere and temperatures are in the low 40s. Let the fun begin!