Thanksgiving: part I of IV

J.'s younger brother (who also happens to be a J.) hosted a group at his apartment tonight, promising Hickory Farms and turducken roll. There were also cheesy appetizer-y squares ("cheesy poofs!"), mashed potatoes, stuffing, maple-cranberry-pear casserole, and pies--both pumpkin, and J.'s famous apple pie.

Later on, there were also brownies, Guitar Hero, and a guest appearance by Christopher Walken. A grand time was had by all.

Last year, I had three Thanksgivings--one with friends, one with my family, one with A.'s family--and it was interesting to compare & contrast them. I fell into a slightly different role at each, whether as support staff (Twainsgiving with the friends), in charge (with my family, as I cooked the turkey), or guest (with the other side of family). There are really different expectations in each sphere.

There are a lot of similarities, though. Disaster is narrowly averted in every Thanksgiving celebration; I'm convinced. Last night, we started thawing the turducken at five pm, and had to make several trips out to the store for forgotten/suddenly needed ingredients. The puppy peed on the floor. Our host was cleaning up his apartment around party guests. But instead of these things taking away from our fun, they were just accepted as part of the holiday, and chuckled off. So we ate dinner at eight!--more time for the Hickory Farms, mulled cider, and YouTube videos.

Twainsgiving (part two of the four-part series of gluttony) is Wednesday night--more on Thanksgiving observations then.

Mulled Cider
2 quarts apple cider
One whole, small orange
Orange slices
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
2 teaspoons whole cloves
1 cup spiced rum (optional)

Stud the whole orange with the cloves (this is so you aren't picking cloves out of your drink later). Combine all ingredients except rum in large pot, and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes; add rum, and simmer 5 more. Serve immediately. Turn heat off, and put a lid on the pot to keep cider warm.

One recipe serves about eight, but you'll probably want to double it when shopping for ingredients...otherwise you'll have to go out shopping again halfway through dinner, like we did tonight.