As American As Apple....Taart?

So hello readers! And Happy Thanksgiving!

For all of you how haven't taken the time to put two and two together--or maybe you just aren't the brightest crayon in the box today--we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in the Netherlands... (Thanksgiving is an American holiday. )

But oh, that didn't stop me from getting festive!

In true "Catherine-style", I decided last minute--last night--that I was going to to prepare a Thanksgiving feast for my family here. Why sit around, salivating, looking at everyone's turkey-related Facebook statuses when I could just go ahead and make my own meal?! I mean who cares that I have not actually seen turkey here? .... Or that I had never made anything remotely like it before in my life?!

So I did what anyone else of my awesomeness, intelligence, and creativity would have done... Called every good cook I know. And improvised.

So instead of a turkey, we had a chicken. Instead of Stouffer's stuffing in a box, I actually made my own using bread, celery, onion, butter, and spices. Instead of green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, etc., I "camp fire"-roasted my favorite veggies: potatoes, carrots*, and corn on the cob. And last, but not least, instead of pumpkin pie, I bought the closest dessert to "American" I could find pre-made in the store: Appel Taart. (Oh how I would have loved to make--and even more so eat--a pumpkin pie, but I just couldn't find the ingredients! Ingredients meaning pumpkin filling in a can.)
*Not actually one of my favorite vegetables.


And what is the good feast of Thanksgiving without a little history to go along?! So in honor of my American heritage, I briefly told the kids how Thanksgiving came about and we proceeded to wear Indian headdresses and pilgrim bonnets. Well actually, the pilgrims weren't as thrilled with there hats, so they opted to go hat-less. ...But "Running Bear", "Eagle Eye", and "Hunting Fox"* totally rocked their Native American garb! And then we, of course, went around the table and told what we were thankful for...
*Me, Ian, and Rahel.

So I am very, very proud to say that dinner was great! Even I surprised myself at just how good my completely inexperienced cooking can be! Why, of why do I ever doubt myself?!

..In reflection of this past day--the past week, the past month, the past year--I am truly blessed! I am so lucky to have so many (of you) wonderful people in my life. And I left family at home only to come here and find more (family). :) Who could ask for more?!

So readers, I hope your Turkey Day is just as enjoyable!