11.23.11 Heartfelt Thanks

Leaves 790 xxx
photo by george billard
I threw my back out. Had a fabulous massage on Monday night and by yesterday afternoon I felt that weird incipient wobbliness (this has happened before) and soon enough I was in full-on crisis mode. I have to lie on the ground and put my legs up the wall for 30 minutes at a time—not the best position for cooking, or anything else for that matter—and thus far it hasn't helped much, so the first thing I'm grateful for is that I'm at my sister-in-law's house and not welcoming the hoards into my own. Tomorrow I'll be thankful when I look around at this wonderful family I married into, complete with adorable nephews and a mother-in-law who likes my cooking, not to mention for the gargantuan feast that will be laid out in all its aromatic glory. Our menu? Since you asked:Devils on Horseback (Dates stuffed with Parmesan & Wrapped in Bacon)Pigs in BlanketsSalami Chips with Spicy MustardCheese with Pickled RampsChicken Consommé with Mushroom RavioliTurkey Two Ways, Deep-Fried & RoastedBrandied CranberriesGingered Green BeansShaved Fennel & Brussels Sprouts SaladClassic Billard Stuffing2 kinds of GravySpicy Yams with PancettaMashed Potatoes & Celery RootApple-Cranberry PiePumpkin Custard with Candied Pumpkin SeedsVanilla Panna Cotta with Wine-Poached Apples (Winos)Chocolate Cake (for the kids)3 kinds of Cookies (brought by Mum)Life is short, life is sweet, we're so lucky to have plenty to eat. Seems excesssive, no? Hopefully no one will slip into a food coma. In case I do, let me say thanks to you now, gentle reader, for your support and encouragement. I picture you out there, clutching your morning latte or evening glass of red wine, maybe stealing a moment at your desk or while the baby's napping, and I am inspired to keep sharing with you all the things for which I am grateful so that together we can make every moment count.  I wish you all a happy, healthy Thanksgiving!
 
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19 Comments

and thank you, gentle writer, for making each day a bit richer with your lovely posts -- happy thanksgiving xo
stephanie on November 23, 2011 at 8:16 am —
Thankful for you as well!
Mily on November 23, 2011 at 8:27 am —
and add to that list, a pear-cranberry tart, a blueberry pie and cupcakes from Sprinkles.
BB on November 23, 2011 at 8:57 am —
Hey Laura - thank you for your endlessly inspiring posts, wealth of knowledge and tireless creativity with your blog. We must indeed savour every moment of every day. Have a great holiday!
Rob on November 23, 2011 at 9:46 am —
So very sorry to hear about your back--that stinks. But it does sound like you're surrounded by love--and what a feast you're having. Golly! Hope your back mends itself VERY soon.
Margot Herrera on November 23, 2011 at 11:13 am —
Back atcha, Rob! xo
laura on November 23, 2011 at 11:31 am —
Thanks, Margolian! xo
laura on November 23, 2011 at 11:31 am —
Without you, I'm nothing. xo
laura on November 23, 2011 at 11:31 am —
So great to be connected to you here, old pal! xo
laura on November 23, 2011 at 11:32 am —
A great Thanksgiving to you and G. Your menu is sumptuous, now I am afraid I have not enough...
Josée on November 23, 2011 at 12:46 pm —
Josée, I'm sure your table will be overflowing—enjoy!!
laura on November 23, 2011 at 1:06 pm —
Sorry to hear about your back, Laura. Hope your'e still able to enjoy all the good food. Thanks for your heartfelt blog posts and wonderful pictures- has certainly inspired me and made life richer. As always, I'm thankful a series of very chance incidents led to us meeting- I couldn't have made it through the book without your acerbic voice in my head! ("Too much sweat") Will be good to see you in NYC soon.
Amin Ahmad on November 23, 2011 at 5:18 pm —
Thank you Laura for sharing you gluttony of life! Every single one of your posts makes me want to live harder. As crazy as it may seem I'm thankfull for the internet though which I have discovered so many incredible people. And you and your world are definetly what i'm talking about! Tognight we'll be having a simple meal with just a few friends but I'm looking forward to it Even I can't always imagine you writing while cooking and living such a full life I can imagine you on your back with your feet up because so many times I've been there and done that! I'm sorry to hear you're in pain!! I hope you'll wake up feeling much much better!
alwayshungry on November 23, 2011 at 8:14 pm —
Thank you, for the inspiration and encouragement you have offered me in all my endeavors!
laura on November 24, 2011 at 4:02 am —
Alwayshungry, your comment makes it all worthwhile! Bon Thanksgeeving! xo
laura on November 24, 2011 at 4:03 am —
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and a speedy recovery on your back. I love your blog and refer to it when I need a dose of creative passion for food, cooking and life. Be well.xxoo
Lisa Sabah on November 24, 2011 at 6:47 am —
Thanks, Lisa! (So great to see you here.) Love to you and yours.
laura on November 24, 2011 at 7:35 am —
I've just recently started following you here, although I've tried several of your recipes on Food52 in the past, and loved them. I'm so thankful for finding your blog now. So, thank you for your beautiful writing and photography and food. I've thrown my back out in the past and know how you feel. I hope you're on the mend soon!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian on November 24, 2011 at 7:59 pm —
Thanks for the kind words! I, too, am glad to have discovered your lovely blog.
laura on November 25, 2011 at 3:44 am —