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Thanksgiving at my House

by on ‎11-24-2014 02:46 PM

 


Thanksgiving has always been a major event in my family. Tons of food, and of course lots of friends and family. I tend to invite pretty much everyone I know, the more the merrier! Joan always opened her home to literally dozens on this day and I follow her example.


We usually take turns having the big day at my place or my sister Kathy’s house in Maryland. I am thrilled this year to be having everyone to my place in Pennsylvania (not far from QVC!), and so far we are about 14 adults and (yay!!) 6 kids. Kids mean a really fun KID’S TABLE and I will be sure to share pictures on my Facebook page soon.


Two years ago we celebrated Thanksgiving at my loft in New York City, which was a real treat. Joan pulled some strings and got VIP tickets for everyone to attend the Macy’s Day Parade that morning. It was the kind of gesture Joan was famous for. We all froze but had so much fun!


Here are some pictures from my dinner in NYC two years ago:



My NYC loft actually held 24 people seated. Wow!



I’ve never been very good at Thanksgiving themed table settings. What I usually do is go to the famous NYC wholesale flower market near my apartment and select whatever catches my eye. It’s not very traditional but I think it looks great!



My friend and colleague, Susan, with her little buddy Roscoe!



A familiar face! My good friend Lori Goldstein came with her delightful Mom.



Love these two cuties! All of these pictures were taken by their Mom, my dear friend Mishi.



Crazy fun with Roscoe, family and friends.


 


I thought I would share a few recipes of favorites I like to serve on this day.


I like to put out these delicious Spicy Nuts as guests are arriving with Bloody Marys or Prosecco. They are a family favorite and if we didn’t serve them, folks would not be happy! (This recipe was originally from the Silver Palate Cookbook. If you don’t know it, it’s a classic!!)



  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

  • ½ teaspoon celery salt

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt

  • 1½ cups mixed unsalted roasted nuts

  • 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt


Directions


1. Preheat oven to 325°F.


2. Melt the butter in a medium-size saucepan over low heat. Add the remaining ingredients except the nuts and coarse salt. Simmer over low heat for several minutes to combine flavors.


3. Add the nuts and stir until evenly coated. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.


 4. Toss the nuts with the coarse salt and let cool. Store in an airtight container.


 


Another traditional recipe that my family really adores is Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup and Walnut Vinaigrette (again thank you to the Silver Palate!)



  • 4 cups Brussels sprouts

  • 4 tablespoons sherry vinegar

  • 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard

  • ½ cup walnut oil

  • Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts


Directions


1. Cut an X in the bottom of each Brussels sprout. Steam until tender but still firm.


2. Meanwhile, whisk the vinegar, maple syrup, and mustard together. Gradually whisk in the oil. Season with the nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste.


3. Toss the hot Brussels sprouts with the walnuts and vinaigrette. Serve immediately.


Joan always spent Thanksgiving morning delivering meals for her charity God’s Love We Deliver. I hope we all think of others on this day and do something, no matter how small, to help folks not as fortunate as we all are.


 


Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I will see you all soon at the Q!


 


Be sure to join me in December:


 


Friday, December 12


9-10am    Joan Rivers Classics Collection


5-6pm    Joan Rivers Classics Collection


10-midnight   A Lisa Robertson Christmas - Lisa's Posh Presents


 


Follow Joan’s FACEBOOK at www.facebook.com/joanrivers


Or INSTAGRAM at www.instagram.com/joanrivers


 


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Or on INSTAGRAM at www.instagram.com/daviddangle


Or on TOGATHER at http://qvc.co/DDprofile


 


www.joanrivers.com