This time last year, Mike and I had just returned from our trip to the Amalfi Coast.  We landed home and the sickness hit; we were both ridden with colds and, therefore, had to keep it low key for Thanksgiving.  This year, I was determined to make up for last and  hosted a small Thanksgiving dinner.  Our Friendsgiving tradition was back on!

This event marked our first official sit-down dinner on our new table and with our new plate wear.  The plates coordinated, the cutlery matched, and the glasses were all the same size; major adulting was taking place.  To add to the table decor, I kept it simple with a floral centre piece of locally grown blooms, green tapered candles, and mini pumpkins.

As Mike prepped in the kitchen, I fussed over the table settings and manned the desserts; our usual hosting duties were in full full force.  Before we knew it, our guests were here and dinner was served.   Since I didn’t get the pleasure last year, I am happy to share with you the details from this year’s Thanksgiving dinner including a quick + easy mixed berry tart recipe.

O N  T H E  M E N U . . .

Butternut squash + fennel salad topped with citrus, a balsamic + apple cider dressing, candied pecans, and parm

Gnocchi poutine garnished with green onions and crisp fried sage 

Turkey!!!! [served with a chestnut bread stuffing]

F O R  D E S S E R T . . .

Gone the way of the gnocchi poutine, these pumpkin spice macarons are officially a Thanksgiving tradition.  I have baked them every year and will continue to do so as they are one of my fave flavours!.

Pumpkin Spice Macaron recipe

Mixed Berry Tarts

This tart recipe can be used for any shell but the portions are specific to this baking tray

Berry Filling 
[enough to fill 12 tart shells]

• 1/2c cranberries
• 1 1/2c mixed berries [I used a frozen berry mix that I had on hand]
• 1/4c white sugar
• 1tbsp cornstarch
• fresh mint for garnish

combine berries [thawed if frozen] + sugar + cornstarch in a bowl and gently toss 
let sit for about 15 mins
preheat oven to 375º

spoon berry mixture into tart shells | do not completely fill tarts as the berries will cook down and may bubble over
bake for 25-30 mins or until shells are golden brown
remove from oven and cool
top with a piece of fresh mint
serve as is or with a bowl of vanilla ice cream!!!

In a world where the craziness around us feels as though it never ends, there are still things to be thankful for.  I say it each year, but I mean it each year, I am truly thankful for my family [near and far] + friends [old and new] and our health.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!