Our Cup Runneth Over with Blessings in Abundance

The Menu:
• Rose Champagne
• Shrimp and Corn Chowder
• Mandarin Orange, Cranberry & Pecan Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette
• Maple-butter-glazed Turkey with Dijon Gravy
• Herbed Mashed Potatoes
• Saute Cabbage with Crispy Bacon and Caramelized Onions
• Pumpkin Custard with Cardamom Cream

Shrimp and Corn Chowder
A¼ cup olive or vegetable oil
1 cup finely-chopped onions
A½ cup finely-chopped carrots
A½cup finely-chopped celery
1 A½ tablespoons minced garlic
A¾ cup finely-chopped red bell peppers
3 cups fresh corn kernels (approximately four ears)
A¼ cup all-purpose flour
6 cups shrimp stock or canned low-sodium chicken broth
1 A½ cups cubed, peeled russet potatoes
2 A¼ teaspoons Tony Chachere's or Zatarain's Brand Creole Seasoning
1 A½ teaspoons kosher salt
A¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 A½ pounds un-cooked large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
A½ cup heavy cream, optional
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions: Place a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add four tablespoons of the oil. Add the onions, carrots and celery and cook, stirring often until vegetables are soft - about five minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant - about 30 seconds. Add the remaining oil, bell peppers, and corn to the pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the pot, stirring constantly; cook for two to three minutes. Add the shrimp stock or chicken stock to the pot and stir to combine. Add the potatoes. Add salt, Creole seasoning, thyme, and cayenne (if using), to the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and continue to cook for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are very tender. Next, add the shrimp and heavy cream (if using); stir to combine and cook for seven to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink. Stir in the chives, taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Garnish individual bowls with fresh parsley. Serves 10 to 12.
Menu and recipe courtesy of RSVP - The Catering Company 291-1155.

The Family Thanksgiving Table
As your first guest arrives for a Thanksgiving feast, the oven begins to expel a thick black smoke, indicating a charred victual nestled inside what was previously identifiable as a turkey; the cranberry mold failed to set and is oozing through the cracks of the refrigerator - and your makeup isn't even on yet. This holiday season, revolt against extravagant tidings and embrace customary Thanksgiving traditions that celebrate family and friends with simple, elegant and contemporary twists.

Set a table to be thankful for. During the holidays, families come together to celebrate and enjoy time with one another - which can be difficult to do while seated at a seemingly never-ending banquet-style table for 30. Keep family close by setting a grouping of round tables in a centrally-located area. This type of seating will encourage conversation within each table and creates an inviting family atmosphere.

Choose an inspired color scheme. Bring the rich colors of fall to your table and home by incorporating a deep rustic orange, cranberry and chocolate brown into your table dressings. For a non-traditional and contemporary look, integrate a color palette featuring gold, plum, orange and navy. If simple elegance is what you are looking for, showcase a modern palette of ivory and gold or silver.

Give many thanks. Keep in the spirit of a traditional Thanksgiving by writing each guest a "thank you" note to be placed at each place setting (doubling as a place card). Or consider using pictures of family and friends to anchor your table and remind everyone what we really should be thankful for - each other.
Tips courtesy of Stacie House of
A-1 Rentals & Event Services 273-6900.

The Center of Attention
A gorgeous centerpiece can make all the difference. Here are a few with a "twist..."

Take advantage of fall's bounty. Fill a cylinder vase with pomegranates, burying the base of a Manzanita branch. Add hanging candles for a twinkling touch of romance.

Light the night. Add texture and whimsy to the interior of the table by purchasing organza in a variety of fall colors. Place strings of holiday lights underneath so that the brightness shines through and illuminates the fabric. The coordinating centerpiece can be as simple as a grouping of candles.

Carry the theme through. A rustic centerpiece filled with fall foliage should be paired with place cards or napkin rings accented with dry fall leaves and acorns; attach them to a ribbon and wrap around the napkins to finish your look.
Tip courtesy of Myra Harbour, owner of Celebrate - Planning for an Event to Remember 259-8611.

More than Pumpkin Pie
Three Takes on Thanksgiving Desserts
"New versions of old favorites will be the most popular offerings on your dessert buffet table. Try Sweet Potato Cheesecake (a blend of sweet potato and creamy cheesecake floating above a layer of graham cracker , finished with whipped cream and caramel), Pumpkin Cobbler Bars (a buttery shortbread crust is layered with pecan and pumpkin pie filling, finished with a cinnamon-and-spice crunchy cobbler topping), Alisha's Stuffed Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes or Chocolate Mousse Pie (for a limited time only, try this velvety-smooth chocolate mousse atop a chocolate cookie crust, beautifully finished with chocolate leaves)," ~ Denise Kane of Babe's Dessert Bar 254-4770

"Thanksgiving has always been done 'with a twist' in my house. The holidays become so saturated with everything pumpkin (and turkey), I like to enjoy my family time with not-so-traditional foods. We always have something different for the main course - honeyed ham, dry-rubbed flank steak... Heck with tradition - go for the gusto and whip up a souffle. I could definitely see a hazelnut souffle with warm amaretto chocolate sauce and Chantilly cream in my Thanksgiving future. Or maybe an eggnog souffle glace with flambeed figs...," ~ Marni Singer of Posh Pastries 360-4949

"Try celebrating the attitude of gratitude by putting Thanksgiving Specialty Caramel Apples, handcrafted chocolate place mat favors, or molded Thanksgiving suckers on everyone's place setting. For a buffet-style dessert, have a plate of Pumpkin Fudge, holiday gourmet dessert platters, dipped strawberries and a bowl of Fall Harvest Caramel Rocky Pop (caramel popcorn, cranberries, a variety of nuts... yum!). If you've been invited to a Thanksgiving gathering, don't arrive empty handed - give the hosts a basket of little Chocolate Turkeys or bring a holiday gift basket," ~ Bobbi McFall of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory 291-1133

Here's a Real Twist - do Nothing
If hosting your family's Thanksgiving celebration this year means spending more time shopping, cleaning and cooking than enjoying your guests, then here's a twist - have someone else do the work. Professional event managers can create a unique Thanksgiving experience in your own home. While they tend to every detail - food, beverages, linens, china, and even entertainment - you do something almost unimaginable - relax and spend time with those you love," ~ John Pramik of Pramik Entertainment and Events 295-5578