Thanksgiving in Berlin

We're still basking in the afterglow of our Berlin Thanksgiving, celebrated at our apartment last Saturday with old friends and new. As other Americans who have lived oversees have experienced, assembling a traditional Thanksgiving dinner can be a challenge. Lucky for us, one of the few butchers that carries whole, fresh turkeys happened to be located in our neighborhood, so we ordered the smallest size they sold (a whopping 15 pounder). The Friday before our big feast, I rode my bike over to pick up my bird and strap him into my bike basket. The cranberries came from our local farmer's market, from our beloved blueberry guy. With no canned pumpkin to be found, Kyle and I roasted and pureed a Muscat pumpkin. American-style pie tins are also hard to come by here, so we used a deep spring-form pan, which yielded something akin to pumpkin pie. Our friends brought some of the usual suspects (stuffing and sweet potatoes) and added some new twists (delicious cream puffs, chipotle cornbread stuffing, and a bottle of Polish vodka). All together we were 10 at the table, with our most honored guest, 15-month old Anna, presiding over the banquet. (Anna and her parents Sarah and Chris, friends from New York, were visiting us from Lithuania and brought delicious local sausages and some very strong mead.) Despite being far from home and family, we celebrated a cozy and delicious Thanksgiving here in Berlin. It was a good opportunity to reflect on the adventures and new experiences of the last few months and to feel thankful for the unique experience we're sharing in Germany.

Our cranberry connection.

Kyle carving up his first Thanksgiving Day Truthahn.

A very thankful (and hungry) crew.