Another Thanksgiving has come and gone on Mendenhall Street. This year, as predicted, was full of food and family. My grandfather and his wife, Donna, joined my parents and me for the holiday weekend. It was extra special to have my grandfather in Greensboro – to see my stomping grounds, my little house and the home that I’ve created in-between spaces, places and people. With much insight – from years of living, traveling, reading and family making – my grandfather lended an additional perspective to the world around us and the places we’ve come from.  With that said, he brought new light to my approaching birthday and the traditions passed and created between Florida and my new home in North Carolina. The forth Thanksgiving photo on Mendenhall above is a testimony to the traditions in the making and I’m happy to have shared them with him this year.

Between reflections on War and Peace (which my Grandfather is currently reading), long visits (and vino!) by the fireplace and field trips to Replacements – we enjoyed a number of homemade meals together.  Wednesday night we cheated and enjoyed a big spread of Italian treats from Giacomos (I’ll report this on Wednesday with my N&R column), followed by a Thanksgiving brunch and big Thanksgiving dinner with local Massey Creek Farm lamb shanks, decadent side dishes and two really amazing homemade desserts. I have to admit the desserts were the best part of the menu this year – many kudos to my Mom for helping and my grandfather’s sweet tooth for helping to devour!

I hope your Thanksgiving holiday was as sweet as mine. Our Thanksgiving menu is below – I’ll have recipes and photos in the days to come.

Thanksgiving 2012 Menu: 

• TFM Smoked Trout Dip and Crackers
• Massey Creek Farm Lamb Shanks over Cheesy Polenta
• Citrus Glazed Carrots
• Brussels Sprouts with Country Ham and Dried Apricots
• Dark Chocolate Pecan Tart
• Orange-Cranberry Cheesecake