Thanks Giving 2002-2008

I was introduced to this favorite holiday by my host mother back when I was still confused teenager. I was an exchange student living with American Family for 6 months.

Since my program started from January, very generous host mother made Thanks Giving Dinner in February so that we can taste what it is.

All I remember was it was too delicious and with my friend we were eating over 3 hours and said very boldly

" You can leave the table if you want!" to my host mother!

I was very hungry and rude18 years old. (Not typical Japanese already!)

Since I came to Boston in 1998, I had 10 Thanks Giving dinner so far.

First 4, I didn't meet anyone who I wanted to bake turkey with yet, so I was invited to generous people's houses and enjoyed the meal so much.

Last 6, I found someone who I really wanted to bake turkey with so we started our tradition of Thanks Giving Dinner at JP's Kitchen!

2002 We didn't know the power of Turkey Bag.

We baked and baked but didn't cook inside but top got burnt.

2003 We used turkey bag this year and it came out great

2004 I made too much Cranberries sauce!

I didn't know what to do with them so I created some appetizer with it

and that became tradition ever since.

Cranberry, Mashed Sweet potato and

Cream Cheese Wantan Wrap (Deep Fried)

2005 First time we met cute Roan Family.

2006 My cousin came to America for his first time.

He never cooked in his life but

he was forced to help me in the kitchen from 10 AM.

He has not visited me since...

(Used Apple juice over night soaking turkey)

2007 Epic 24 Dishes meal! Trying to impress

my future Japanese sister in-law then. 2008 18 Dishes. Used Brining for the first time. My cooking started Wednesday afternoon by soaking Turkey in apple juice. Then around 10 PM started to bake bread for stuffing and my husband did brining for the first time!

The turkey came out the best this year!

Brining is super recommended since it got rid of Turkey's unique smell

and moisturized perfect! Gravy had so much flavor by it as well. My 18 dishes includes some appetizer

that was introduced at Rachel Ray show.

(How American Girl I became!)

Shrimp sage cheddar cheese wrapped with Prosciutto

Sauteed with olive oil and garlic

Final presentation

Wantan Wraps Cranberry sauce, Mashed Sweet potato and Cream cheese Wantan Wrap Cream cheese, Tuna, Mayo, Soy sauce and caper

Deep fry after you wrap them

Dinner Roll (Sauteed Onion and cheddar cheese)

Everything came out great and I am very pleased with what I cooked and I am thankful I have wonderful friends, husband and dog that I can share my happiness with!