Thanksgiving

We're going to the States visiting family - 3 weeks today!!!

Us, too! Exactly 3 weeks from today! 

Last year was my first Thanksgiving in UK, and I cooked the same meal my family usually has (my mom sent me a few things for it) and took it over to my mother-in-law's house and invited my new family over (2 brother-in-laws, their wives and kids, plus my MIL and FIL). We had a great time, and everyone really enjoyed themselves. They had fun trying all the "weird" foods like sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and pumpkin pie. We did it on the actual day, but only because I took time off from work last year like I would normally get in the states. 

We'll be at my mom's this year. But we did get invited to two other Thanksgiving celebrations here in the UK, so we would've had those options if we had been staying here. 

I have essays due and presentations to make the day after Thanksgiving so my actual Thanksgiving Day is going to suck, but I plan on doing something that Saturday or Sunday.  I also like to think of Thanksgiving as Mashed Potato Day.

This year, for the 2nd year in a row, we'll be with my family in the States for Thanksgiving (we leave in 13 days eek!)...though my first year here (2007) I did a little Thanksgiving dinner for myself & hubby who also took the day off from work - when they asked him why he needed that day off he said 'It's Thanksgiving and its a holiday'. My Mom sent me the Rainbow stuffing mix that she uses for her stuffing (since the dawn of time) and we had mash, gravy, stuffing, rolls, turkey breast crown and cranberry sauce (also from mom).

I also like to think of Thanksgiving as Mashed Potato Day.

LOL! I think every day is Mashed Potato Day at our house. DH doesn't seem to think a meal is complete without them! 

LOL! I think every day is Mashed Potato Day at our house. DH doesn't seem to think a meal is complete without them! 

I think he's onto something there!

Last year I'd been in London less than a week and was unbelievably depressed.  I ended up going to Whole Foods and spending a stupid amount of money on dinner.  But I ended up with a little pre-cooked turkey breast, potatoes, beans, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.  When my husband got home from work, he was pretty surprised and I ended up not feeling quite as awful.

This year, we're going out to a "traditional" dinner with a big group of americans.  On the weekend, I'll do a little turkey breast and the "usual" fixings just for us.  

Because we're not 'real Americans,' we didn't celebrate Thanksgiving when I lived in the US - unless we were invited to a friend's house. But this year I'm looking for any excuse to fire up my new cooker and use the new kitchen, so I'm hoping to invite a couple of people over! 

The husband and I were invited to Edinburgh to spend Thanksgiving with another American (and her German boyfriend) plus a bunch of Brits. Will  be the most interesting Thanksgiving I've had in ages!

I love Thanksgiving! I actually much prefer it to Christmas - no pressure to give gifts and still quite "feel good" in terms of reflecting on what you're thankful for, etc. We're going to the US this year and we'll be at my brother's, but when we've stayed home I've always had people over and made a big dinner and it's been really fun! 

I think I'm still undecided. It always falls so close to my B-Day so if anything I'll do a Thanksgiving/B-day dinner. Also if I cant find everything I need we my not be doing the traditional dinner. I do OK in the kitchen but I have to have Libby's canned pumpkin or it will be a disaster! Might be more of a Sunday Roast then Thanksgiving.  

I do OK in the kitchen but I have to have Libby's canned pumpkin  

Try Sainsbury's or Tesco. I've seen it there.

Because we're not 'real Americans,' we didn't celebrate Thanksgiving when I lived in the US

Same for me. After being forced to cook 20lb turkeys (for 3 adults, 1 child and 1 baby!) when we lived with my granddad despite hating turkey herself, my Brasilian mum announced that she would never do it again once we had our own house, and usually made Arab food (her mother was Lebanese) instead. We also didn't have much family near us, so I never had any sentimental attachment to Thanksgiving. Plus I hate pumpkin pie! All in all, it's a holiday I'm fairly unconcerned to be shot of My Scottish partner, however, had a good American friend from uni who always used to make big Thanksgiving dinners when she lived here, and I think he wishes I was more interested in making a Thanksgiving dinner!

Try Sainsbury's or Tesco. I've seen it there.

I've heard from a few people on UKY it's around but haven't had the chance to find it yet. We live in a small village and only shop is the Co op (they don't have it). Were going shopping tonight in the "big city" about 30 min away. I will have a wonder round and see if I can get my hands on a few cans tonight.

The only high street store I have seen Libby's in is Waitrose and I have looked a lot, all the time. 

The only high street store I have seen Libby's in is Waitrose and I have looked a lot, all the time.  

And I didn't find it this year -- they're carrying a brand called "Paula."  

ETA:  I just re-checked Ocado and they have it!!!!