Happy Thanksgiving

As everyone prepares for their long weekend with family in the States, I can’t help but think of my family who will gather at our house for Thanksgiving this year. Not to worry though… I had myself a Thanksgiving last weekend.

Knowing I might not have Thanksgiving this year, I decided I’d invite the few Americans I know in Paris to our place for dinner. I’d never hosted a holiday dinner. To be honest I was a little worried I’d be more like Amelia Bedelia than Martha Stewart.

I haven’t had too many troubles cooking in Paris. But making a Thanksgiving dinner is different. I haven’t seen a Turkey since I’ve been here. I’ve been offered a reason for this that I particularly like but find hard to believe: Turkeys are too big to fit in Parisian apartments (small refrigerators and ovens don’t make them easier to have). I suppose for whatever reason they just aren’t popular here and thus we had to go with chicken. I’ve also never made stuffing and in reading recipes thought it might be a little too difficult for me. But my dear friend Google solved my problem! I thought searching “Thanksgiving in Paris” would yield recipes for Americans living in Paris. But what I found was so much better: a store called Thanksgiving that’s in Paris. Lucky for me this little slice of heaven is a mere 15-minute walk from home!

If you’re ever in Paris for a decent amount of time, you really have to check this place out. The quaint shop is full of everything you would ever need for Thanksgiving (and more). From fluff to cranberries to measuring cups in units I miss, Thanksgiving has it (of course for a fairly hefty price). It wasn’t easy but John and I made it out of the store with a small bag of groceries. Between you me, I think we’re both working on reasons to go back already!

We wound up with more than enough food for six. I must say I was quite impressed that we pulled it off. We successfully offered: baked camembert, salad, chicken, cranberry sauce, green beans with mushrooms, stuffing and pumpkin pie. As if it weren’t enough our guests brought even more: pecan pie, apple crumble and plenty of wine. The only things missing were family and the Macy’s Parade.

I have so much to be thankful for this year. Okay so I might not be Martha or Betty but I’m doing pretty well for myself and for that I’m thankful! I’m thankful I’ve been able to make Paris home and that I was able to have a thanksgiving dinner with friends.

Though I’ll miss not being home with my family tomorrow, I’ll be thinking of them.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Click here to check out pictures from our Thanksgiving!