Another Thanksgiving has come and gone and it’s hard to believe that my little house on a hill is decorated for the Christmas holidays. Our 6th annual Thanksgiving celebration included my great friend Margaret and her parents, Sally and Ed. We combined family traditions – bringing together the Thompson family anti-turkey-rib-roast with a Massey Creek Farm Heritage turkey from the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market.

We started the (very cold) evening in my backyard with a fire pit, a crate of NC oysters and bowl of very special Florida stone crabs. And, lots of butter and bourbon. I’m hesitant to mention the claimed “delicacy” of the baby crab surprise inside the oysters – it was something I couldn’t stomach but was a hit with the Winslow eaters.

In addition to turkey and beef, we had my favorite brussel sprouts, Margaret’s signature collard greens and Sally’s sweet and tart cranberry relish. My mom, the dessert queen, prepared a very unique Bonet which mocked a caramel flan with a rich chocolate flavor.

It was a Thanksgiving rich friends and tradition, both new and old. I hope you had a wonderful holiday, too. I look forward to sharing a couple recipes this week!

Thanksgiving on Mendenhall 2014 Menu

• NC Oysters and Florida Stone Crabs
• Tapenade Crusted Standing Rib Roast
• Heritage Turkey from Massey Creek Farm
• Savory Mushroom and Gruyere Cheese Bread Pudding
• Margaret’s Famous Greens
• Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans
• Cranberry Relish
• Chocolate Bonet