You are here…that place where the page of the calendar is suddenly awash in shades of orange. Pumpkin spice, candied yams, coppery apple cider and the perfectly basted skin of the guest of honor…gobble gobble.
At least that’s been the tradition since forever…but lately, Americans of every ethnicity, color, and culture are injecting their own traditions into the mix and finding new meanings and ways to bring families to the feast. There is even, as our diets have become increasingly more diverse, life after turkey. More plant based. More willing to stray from the carved-in-stone prerequisite bird. And how did the bird win top billing on the traditional banquet?
When I was growing up, our family’s holiday meal of choice was, hands down, homemade ravioli; those tender doughy circles stuffed with creamy ricotta and spinach. And to seal the deal, and the ravioli, the kids’ job was to fork-press the edges of each puffy pie-let, which was your ticket to a seat at the table. But once seated… don’t try taking more than your share! Dad knew exactly how many went from pot to platter to plates. The man could count.
Of course, no matter what dish took center stage, there’s always room for your personal tradition. Potatoes, mashed or au gratin, Aunt Bess’ green beans, collards or coleslaw, turnips or yams. Lucky for you that Tucquan Acres will be here this Saturday with a groaning table of all the things. Make a list now! Last call. This is not a drill!
Of course, as we do each year, Lansdowne Farmers Market invites ALL the vendors of the season to set up their tents one last time. So make a list. Breads and brews, puddings and pound cakes, cookies and candles. Are you a guest for the big day? Bring a gift that the hostess can enjoy… after you all go home.
NOTE: Do NOT bring something that needs find space in the oven or the fridge or a vase to be found and filled. You’ve been warned.
Speaking of gifts, this may be the week to start checkin’ off that holiday list. And don’t forget, this is a great week to Shop Lansdowne. When the Market folds the last tent, the shops and activities along the Avenue will take you into the holidays and right on through the winter blahs. This is where I tell you to read the entire news letter.* First up, of course, just down the block at the 20th Century Club is the annual Bit of the Arts fair. Who needs to plan a Black Friday assault on some box store when you can jump right into the holiday free-fall right there. Or here…on this side of the bridge…Vinyl Revival’s Black Friday Record Store Day. And more…browse a bit. Window shop for ideas…gift cards for coffee, food, confections, art and activities. Live Music! Live theater!.
*More and more there are more and more things happening on our Avenue and around the corner…and and the only way to know is to stay informed…and to stay involved.
So, even if the crowd around the table has changed, if the family circle is just as likely to be a circle of friends that have become family.… hopefully we’ve helped you to make the very most of however and with whom you celebrate the change of seasons…and seasonings.
Welcome to Friendsgiving!
I’ll close here with my wish to everyone for a season of things to be thankful for…starting with “each other”.
Terry Baraldi