October is Thanksgiving month here in Canada. Unlike our American friends to the south who celebrate their safe arrival to the New World, for us, it’s an homage to The Harvest, a time to give thanks for our abundance of locally grown fruits and vegetables and livestock we are so fortunate to grow here. It’s a colourful, magical time to enjoy the changing leaves and distinct autumnal smells in the air walking the trails of our magnificent Edmonton River Valley.
Thanksgiving traditional gatherings will be very different this year, with Covid 19 still among us. While it’s tempting to throw caution to the wind and have our family and friends gather around, for the long-term safety of all, we must be vigilant and avoid transmission of the virus.
Thinking creatively is the new normal for 2020. So why not try something different this year? Here are some suggestions to spur on your imagination:
- You still want to cook a big turkey and all the trimmings to put you in the festive mood, go for it!
Once it’s all prepared, portion out Turkey “TV Dinners” for those family members that can’t be physically at your table this year. Use pretty containers, pumpkin pie or butter tarts, seasonal coloured napkins. Add a nice bottle of Pinot Noir, or Beaujolais (reds) or Viognier, or Pinot Gris (whites) wine which will compliment the various flavours in all your side dishes and, Voila! Thanksgiving Dinner on the go! If they’re really special people, a bottle of Prosecco bubbles adds a festive flair too. Include a card with an invitation for them to join you on a “Zoom” or “Face Time” Thanksgiving Celebration.
Then, at an appointed time on Thanksgiving Day, gather around the computer for a Zoom (Face Time) Thanksgiving – together, but safely apart, enjoying all the bounty you’ve prepared for them to enjoy.
- Order a gift basket from ALIGRA to suit the receiver. We can include some cheeses, charcuterie, crackers, preserves, favourite wines or whiskies, colourful napkins. A beautiful gift for friends and family who can’t be with you this year. Gift baskets are always appreciated and have been very popular this year.
- Someone have a Pumpkin Fetish? Perhaps a Thanksgiving basket with a small Pumpkin Pie, some Spice cookies, Bailey’s Pumpkin Spice Liqueur, Spiced Rum or whisky, even pumpkin spiced beer! Sure to please.
Another dessert basket idea might be an apple pie, Sortilege Maple Syrup Liqueur, Tawny Port or Ice Wine to enjoy. Let your imagination run free!
For sure, Thanksgiving will be different this year. How ever you choose to celebrate, remember the most important ingredients are love and gratitude. Share your abundance with others and feel the joy it will bring! Stay safe.