HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM LONDON

It is something about the fact that Thanksgiving is purely about the thanks and the receiving and enjoying  food, about the gathering as a family for the meal that it so appeals to me and I envy the Americans having such a holiday to celebrate.

There is none of the commercialism to be found (I don’t know anything about Black Friday, thank you) or concerns about religions and political correctness but just the opportunity to gather together at table.

 We were fortunate to have spent six years living in New York and since our return to London, have each year managed to continue the celebrate our version of Thanksgiving, sharing it with family or friends with American links.

My Anglicised effort  at celebrating the day  is to begin by  to gracing the table with turkey and stuffing..

I think back to my US days and of the fare in the shops.

Maybe we start with some New England crab cakes cakes or beets.

I consider I give it a  Southern feel by adding sweet potatoes, squash, corn on the cob  or cornbread (for this I have to thank Wholefoods  http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/list/uk

Pecan pie or apple pie keep the calories up.

This year I have chosen for my favourite turkey adjunct my aunt’s  Cranberry and Orange relish, which is so quick and easy to knock up and there should still be  enough (all being well) to last us through Christmas.

CRANBERRY AND ORANGE RELISH

450 (1lb)cranberries, 1 large orange, 225g (1/2lb) sugar.

Makes about two 1lb jars

Cut orange, remove pips, and put through mincer (or blender) with cranberries; put in pan, add sugar, stirring till dissolved; bring to boil, simmer 10min.

Pot and cover in sterilised jars immediately.

(This relish can be potted without actual cooking for short-term use)

I have prepared the  cooked and uncooked versions over the years and the joy is that both ways can be prepared in what seems not much  longer than an episode of The Archers (15mins).

Beryl has a total 12 other recipes using cranberries as an ingredient to choose from  including cranberry jam, jelly, sauce, ketchup and chutney.

NIGELLA’S PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

Then I spied Nigella’s stunning pumpkin cheesecake and so that is what this English family will enjoy this year.

http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/pumpkin-cheesecake-6032

Happy Thanksgiving

Pippa

And I look forward hearing comments from both sides of the pond!!