Thanksgiving fête

This was the first time during our marriage that we missed Thanksgiving in America; and so, perhaps in compensation, I agreed to head a Thanksgiving feast at our school, à l'Américain.

We pressed the leaves from our Telavi trip and used them as decoration throughout the canteen.

It was, as one could imagine, a tremendous amount of work. We planned far in advance to order turkeys, cranberrys, and the correct herbs and spices. I selected tried and true recipes, as well as a few newbies. We also spent more than a month teaching harvest and Thanksgiving-themed vocabulary and history to our English classes, to culminate with the big feast.

And it went off beautifully. I was so pleased to be able to introduce American cuisine to the children (& adults) that didn't include hamburgers and pizza.

We arranged to have a US Marine join us from the Embassy. He handed out dessert to the awestruck children. We were also fortunate to have the US Ambassador dine with us.

Family and friends were invited; we served lunch to a full house.

All the Americans associated with the school (a grand total of 4) were in the kitchen the night before and morning of, getting the job done. And thanks to their contribution and the incredible full-time kitchen staff, I think it may have been the best Thanksgiving meal I've ever tasted.