Thanksgiving in Germany

After 11 years of marriage, Dave and I hosted our first Thanksgiving.  We like to entertain and held baptisms, post Christmas brunches, and Father's Day BBQs.   Until Emily arrived, our Thanksgivings consisted of large meals at each in-laws' house.  Post kids, we attended only one feast.  Who knew we had to move to Germany - and Dave's Cousin had to hold a wedding nearby - to push us into planning, preparing, and serving the iconic turkey.

With two full time careers and two kids requiring most of our energy, we "hired" out the main aspects of the meal.  We found a chef to prepare the turkey and wild boar for the main course.  Knowing we were leaving for the wedding on Friday, we ordered food for 10 instead of the full 15 guests.  Of course, I awoke Thanksgiving morning in a panic and rushed to a market to buy more appetizers as I feared growling bellies.  We served French Brie with apples, artichoke dip, three loaves of fresh breads, Italian Salamis, sliced cucumber with two cheeses, fresh pears, and my favorite, pastry puff with pesto appetizer.  For the main course, we combined German and American traditions  - mash potoaes, spaetzel, cabbage, broccoli, stuffing and more.  I made pumpkin bread, an apple tarte, and brownies and ordered two pies and a cake.  Needless to say, no one left hungry.

Fabian's parents anticipated experiencing an American Thanksgiving and asked questions about all the food choices.  Emily overheard them talking in German and asked, "Why are all the Germans here?"

Dave picked Bob up at the airport and he jumped right into the kitchen.

 

The bride and groom

Plenty of food

Very serious....