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A campfire Thanksgiving
Here in Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving the second weekend in October. Thanksgiving is a Big Deal in our family. We love the whole thing; the turkey, the cranberries, and especially the mashed potatoes.
So, it was with great reticence that Sandra agreed to try something a little different this year; Thanksgiving while camping.
I’m not sure how it’s going to go down, but it definitely requires a bit more organization.
On the menu right now:
Grilled Turkey Breast and Legs Butterflied Turkey
Scratching the original plan of turkey pieces, I’ve ordered a super-small organic turkey from Whole Foods, to be butterflied by the butcher before I pick it up. I should be able to grill it using some disposable foil pans for the bottom and top, so it doesn’t dry out. Will be brined ahead of time, just like last year, for extra juicy-ness!
Mashed Potatoes
Pre-cooked potato chunks, mashed and heated over the fire.
Grilled Corn
Assuming I can find some fresh corn in the market this week.
Sweet Potato Wedges
I think I’ll have to also cook these ahead of time, then grill.
Cranberry Relish
I want to can up a big batch of this anyhow this week, so it’ll be perfect to bring with.
Sparkling Niagara Riesling
We’ve been holding onto this bottle for awhile now, perfect time to open.
So, that’s the tentative plan. Decidedly less complicated than I usually cook, but I can whip out the big recipes for my annual American Thanksgiving Party in November. I haven’t yet decided about stuffing; I love it, Sandra thinks it’s just ok, and the best I could really do is to roast a batch the night before… wouldn’t keep well, though and would be tough to reheat. We may skip entirely.
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October 5th, 2010 at 10:50 am
That sounds great! We’ll be at an ex-pat Canadians (and assorted others) Thanksgiving this weekend. The assorted others are mostly Pakistani immigrants who work with my Canadian friend, and that means tandoori chicken and pakora and samosas- I get my traditional Thanksgiving with my American in-laws.
I’m making butter tarts this week!
October 5th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Wow, sounds tasty and fun!! Fingers crossed for excellent weather and all.
October 5th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
What a great plan!
We love Thanksgiving too. We’ll do the traditional bird in the oben and fixings this Sunday complete with homemade pumpkin pies.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving campout!!
October 5th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
I would go camping with that line up.
October 5th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
We have done the camping Thanksgiving and it was GREAT!!!! One of the best ones ever. Have fun!!!!
October 6th, 2010 at 6:43 am
Sounds just wonderful – delicious, well-planned menu, and hopefully the weather cooperates…
October 6th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Sounds amazing! You might try brining the turkey breast and legs – that way it won’t dry out at all on the fire. (If you’ve never done this it’s really easy, but you’ll need a container large enough to hold the turkey parts and a lot of water with a salt mix (maybe some sugar, too – can’t remember the exact mix for turkey/chicken right now). You might use a cooler with some ice so it stays cold (usually you brine meat in the refrigerator). Feel free to email me if you’re interested and not familiar with the process!
Yum!
October 7th, 2010 at 10:41 am
For the sweet potatoes, you can wrap them in foil and nestle them in the coals and that will bake them nicely. Dead easy too as you only have to check to see if they are softening every now and then.
Happy Thanksgiving!
October 7th, 2010 at 11:29 am
What?! No pie?
That does sound like a delicious menu, though.
November 18th, 2010 at 10:45 am
We had the same idea, except we will be having our feast at home in the afternoon and then head to the campgrounds with all our leftovers. The weather is going to be great here in Florida. Happy Thanksgiving!
October 14th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
Your menu sounds delicious! Is it too early being planning this season?
thank you!