Eat, Drink and Be Merry: A Spanish-American Thanksgiving

Truth be told, as Thanksgiving crept closer this year, I began to feel a little sad.  You see, unfortunately I've only been able to spend two Thanksgivings with my family since I've been in college.  And its highly unfortunate that I spent last Thanksgiving working on a rather frustrating final exam project for a class in Buenos Aires.  So I've really missed having a traditional Thanksgiving with all the trimmings as the beginning of the holiday season.  But judging from Thursday night, I think that this is truly the beginning of what may be a wonderful holiday season; albeit one that's a little different than usual...

After debating on whether or not it was feasible, the other American girls and I decided to have a Thanksgiving dinner in Spain.  We invited our Spanish friends to join and experience an "authentic" American Thanksgiving (you know, since they're so intrigued by American "culture," as demonstrated by their vast knowledge gained from watching all six "American Pie" movies).  It was a potluck dinner, hosted by none other than yours truly.  Each person brought a dish, resulting in a rather eclectic mix of international cuisines.  The first hour served as a cocktail hour, complete with (several bottles of) wine and cerveza, and appetizers of the Spanish variety: embutido, croquetas, toasted almonds and sardines.  Miraculously, Corte Ingles (a famed department store here that stocks international items) had a few ingredients to aid in creating a traditional Thanksgiving feast.  The main course included two baked chickens, garlic mashed potatoes, homemade stuffing and mushroom gravy.  Finally, the meal culminated with several delicious dessert options: a variety of pastries from the panaderia, bizcocho and a chocolate caramel ice cream cake.  All this, plus good company and good conversation, were set to the back drop of classic dinner party music: Frank Sinatra.  My role as the hostess was to ensure that each course ran smoothly and that the night was filled with food, drinks and merriment.  And as a first time dinner party hostess, I did a fabulous job, if I do say so myself ;)  

At the end of the night, the American girls were happy that we could have an international, semi-traditional Thanksgiving, and the Spaniards were delighted to feel like authentic "American Pee-ays" for a night.  I hope all of you enjoyed Thanksgiving as much as we did!

The main course

Dessert: save the best for last

Happy Thanksgiving! Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias!

Besos, 

B