We don't do turkey on Thanksgiving. We have a large nuclear family, with now 16 grandchildren. In past years we've served slow roast venison, fish (dependent upon which fish are running), suckling pigs, mystery meat and poultry pies, side dishes from an assortment of root vegetables, plenty of green vegetables, pureed, baked, steamed, blanched, whatever, another assortment of squash dishes and casseroles, salads, nuts, fresh fruit and poached fruit and berries in ciders, beers and wines, local cheeses and some not so local, fresh home baked breads, assorted pies and cakes, cookies and pastries, plenty of fresh ciders, fruit juices, lemonade and coffee. Beers and wines, including fresh mead, are always part of the celebration. Of course some of it is pot luck because everyone who comes likes to bring something they prepared. And yes, older teenagers and some of the younger have been known to "sneak" a share of alcoholic beverages. All in quantities for everyone to go home with leftovers.
This year, my elder son and his wife are hosting. Their backyard is a 1/3 of an acre, and he owns a tent from an old army surplus tent which covers almost the entire backyard, so if the weather requires, it will be up for the holiday. Between immediate family, he has three married siblings with kids, 4 of his own, invited aunts and uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors, he is expecting to host about 150-170 people including the youngsters and anyone else who tags along. We don't count the visiting dogs. We're a musical family, with just about everyone including the kids, making for the entertainment. For us that may be the most important part of the holiday. He and his wife are focusing with a side of beef this year, and a plenty of roasted fresh fish, dependent upon what the local fish store supplies. His wife is hoping for North Atlantic Char, which is similar to salmon, but lighter and not as fatty. I'll be baking a variety of fresh breads, and I'm a decent baker, not the best, but decent.
Whatever leftovers my wife and I take home, I'll be happy. Thinking back on the family gathering is the best of the leftovers for me.
