A slightly lesser miracle than the oil that burned for 8 days…
The Set up
The regular chef on the LA side of our family, my nephew Max, was going out of town; so I volunteered to host Thanksgiving this year. Even though I’m totally disorganized; and I stress over entertaining large groups. (any number over 2)
The last time I made Thanksgiving dinner on my own, among the other glitches, we had to bake some stuff in the toaster oven; and my husband locked himself out of an apartment where our second turkey was cooking in the oven.
Knowing all this; and being an extremely thoughtful person, my daughter Alli wrote me an email a few months ago, suggesting that I allow her (with her boyfriend’s assistance) to take over the planning and cooking of the entire meal. She made her case with an explanation of why this was a good idea, how it would allow me to relax; how she was enjoying cooking lately; how she would practice every dish in advance so it would be perfect.
She had me at Dear Mom.
The lead up
My brother was coming from out of town; and he loves getting a rare opportunity to cook. (How did I get in this family? )
So Alli conferred with her uncle, and addressed the details with her typical military precision.
My brother Josh would cook the turkey and stuffing and one special casserole; Alli was in charge of planning and would cook everything else
My job? Just the pumpkin bread. Right in my comfort zone.
Alli also conferred with me in advance on every possible kitchen utensil she might need. With good reason. One box of pots and pans and condiments and silverware never showed up in LA when we moved. So I’ve mostly done without them ( a handy excuse not to cook.)
The arrival
My brother made the stuffing the night before and got the turkey in the oven Thanksgiving morning.
Alli lives an hour away; and drove up with the entire contents of her kitchen.
This made her strategy pretty clear. During the planning phase, she would ask me in advance if I had something, say olive oil. And even if I had said yes, she brought it anyway. Her own olive oil, her own butter, gourds to decorate the table, even her own menorah.
Should I be embarrassed that I set the bar so low?
Appetizers started coming out of the kitchen soon after she got there.
Daniel did his part flawlessly: eating. Although it was exhausting watching his sister who never stopped moving all day.
The meal
Everything was from scratch and everything was perfection.
Basil fresh enough?? Alli brought her own plant.
Most dishes had two versions—meat free, gluten free, carb free. She roasted a real pumpkin for the pie.
She even made a menu; and brought everyone See’s chocolate turkeys.
That reflects one thing she did learn from me: knowing no meal is complete without chocolate.
The Aftermath:
While the rest of us were in a serious food coma, Alli managed to get all the leftovers into one refrigerator, a minor miracle in itself since I don’t have any Tupperware.
PS Before she turned into Martha Stewart and drove up to our house to do all the above, Alli got up at 5 a.m. and ran 18 miles.
Moral of the story: Every parent thinks every child is a miracle. And they are.
Pam Biller Beloff says
Ali IS a miracle. I can assure you not all parents feel their kids are – and they’re right!
Just ask my mom about the incredibly succulent pork roast with apples I made the first time I hosted Rosh Hashanah.
And they’re so picky they turned their noses up at my salad because of a few bacon bits for Passover.
No wonder everyone’s a little nervous when they ask me to prepare something for the holidays.
And I guess it’s B’shert that I married someone who is even more observant than me: Sausage pizza for Passover. Got to celebrate his freedom from these silly dietary restrictions.
Connie McLeod says
I love this post. Your Thanksgiving and your family sound wonderful. I know how proud you are of your daughter (mine made some awesome desserts too).
Cindy says
Love the deviled eggs in the napping picture. Deviled eggs are an important dish at my family celebrations. Also, loved the menu. I started making and keeping holiday dinner menus a few years ago. Just one of our “memories” of holidays past.
I love that your Alli put so much thought, effort and planning into your family meal!
Darryle Pollack says
Pork roast for Rosh Hashanah–love it! Hilarious!! Thanks for sharing your stories.
Darryle Pollack says
So sweet of you, Connie. I couldn’t be more proud of Alli, and sure you are proud of your daughter, too. I’m a big appreciator of awesome desserts. Thanks so much for commenting.
Darryle Pollack says
Thanks, Cindy, for such a sweet comment. Funny that you noticed the deviled eggs–first time they have ever been in my home; I’ve never made them myself.
I would never have been organized enough to make a menu; but now that you mention it, I can see that saving menus is a great way to keep the memories. That would be a great tradition Alli could start.
Barbara Feldman says
Wow! What a treat. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Lupi Robinson says
It is a well-known fact that no matter how many deviled eggs you make, they will be eaten. I hope Alli ate some of that delicious food herself. She looks a bit on the thin side. Perhaps the 18 mile pre breakfast runs are responsible. My daughter is 33 and I am still trying to get her to eat more…
Sandra Sallin says
OK, it’s official, I’m adopting her. You can have her on alternate weekends and some holidays. Otherwise she’s mine! What a treasure. Hey, what a gift.
Darryle Pollack says
It was a huge treat! And thank YOU for commenting! xoxo
Darryle Pollack says
I’m not a deviled egg eater myself but you’re right; they disappeared instantly. And yes Alli ate even though I agree she’s very thin. Training for a marathon does that. Funny that no matter how old the kids get, moms can’t help worrying about whether their kids are eating enough. haha Happy Holidays, Lupi and thanks so much for reading and commenting.
Sandra Sallin says
Your daughter is invited over for all holidays!. What a winner.