Tradition! Thanksgiving has its roots in historical traditions: when the indigenous peoples held feasts to give thanks for their harvest. And then, in 1578, English explorer, Martin Frobisher, celebrated and gave thanks on arriving in Newfoundland with his ship and crew intact. His Thanksgiving dinner consisted of salt beef, biscuits and mushy peas. We've come a long way since then! By 1879, in response to the controversy of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species, the nascent Government of Canada declared a day to thank God for the harvest: November 6th. However, the date was not fixed, and in 1908 the holiday was moved to a Monday to appeal to railway workers who lobbied for a long weekend for visiting family. It was not until 1957 that the Canadian Parliament finally declared the second Monday in October to be a National Holiday, for families and friends to reflect with gratitude, and give thanks for the good harvest and the good we have in our lives. Tradition!
Turkey. To brine or not to brine? That is the question. Pumpkin pie. To make from scratch or buy? Cocktails. Here are a few of my recommendations for cocktails and drinks before, during and after dinner that will, without question delight my guests, and yours.
Have your cake and drink it too! Baileys Birthday Cake isn't just for birthdays. This is the perfect weekend to try something new, something luscious. Adding a shot to an after-dinner espresso is divine. Serve it on ice, as a celebratory shot, or replace some of the liquid in your favourite cake recipe with a 1/4 cup as a secret ingredient. The flavour is a blend of vanilla cake and Baileys Original Irish Cream. A little research into its origins tells me that Baileys partners with dairy farmers in Ireland who believe in the highest levels of animal care. In fact, they say that one farmer even plays music to his cows to help them relax.
Cheers! Happy Thanksgiving!