A Not-So-Bland Thanksgiving

Happy holidays, everyone! I've been looking forward to writing this post for a while, but haven't had a chance to do it! We've had company here at the Bland/Smith household since November 18th! It's been great, but it left little to no time for blogging. But, here it is!

~ Thanksgiving 2010 ~

We started the day off by putting up the Christmas tree!

And now... onto the FOOD!

(how stunning are those carrots, btw?)

Thanksgiving Menu

Fusilli Pasta with Creamy Pumpkin Pancetta Sauce

Roasted Leg of Lamb

and

Cornbread Stuffing with

olives, pinenuts, pancetta, and fresh herbs

with

Cranberry, Apple, and Mint Chutney

and

Roasted Jewel Carrots

Curried Parsnip & Apple Mash

Collard Greens

and

Roasted Baby Artichokes

Pecan Pie

&

Mini Chocolate Eclairs

Baby artichokes - soaking in lemon water

The cornbread stuffing - ready to go inside the leg!

Mmmmm....

Holy moley... that's a beautiful leg. :)

(Thanks, Jamie Oliver, for the recipe)

Are you salivating yet?

The pumpkin pancetta sauce

(Ryan and I had a similar dish in Italy - I wanted to recreate it)

Dad made his famous collard greens :)

Dad carved the lamb and we ate it. For a few days.

Cranberry, apple, and mint chutney

Mmmmm... stuffing

My plate!

( wish I had one in front of me RIGHT now...)

Hope you enjoyed checking out the pictures! It was a wonderful day of food, family, and 80 degree weather. ;) Hope everyone else has the happiest of holidays!

~ Mari