Savor Your Piece of Pie
Focus gratitude on quality over quantity
A couple of weeks ago, I announced to my husband, Andrea, that this Thanksgiving, I’m cooking much less than I usually do. Typically, there is an overabundance of leftovers. Leftovers that Andrea tries his best to consume, but I end up foisting on friends or freezing (never to be unfrozen again).
Considering that it’s just the three of us, I decided to reframe my entire approach, starting with making much less food overall and creating as little waste as possible. (I can always make more mashed potatoes for leftover turkey!) I don’t eat turkey, and our son Alessio isn’t a huge fan either, so I procured the smallest turkey I could find, at 11 pounds. He also skips dressing (how can that be?!), so I’ve cut the recipe in a third. Andrea is the only partaker of cranberries, so I’ve deleted them from the menu. Lastly, believe it or not, there won’t be a vegetable this year. Andrea usually scoops up a small amount only as a courtesy, and Alessio has his eyes set on the pie.
Additionally, reflecting on past Thanksgivings, I remember being uncomfortably full almost more than I remember how much I enjoyed the meal. That’s not a good thing! I plan to savor, not gobble. For instance, instead of two biscuits, I’ll delight in one. I’ll also forego the second helping of dressing and instead enjoy a small piece of pie with freshly whipped cream.
This perfectly dovetails with what I espoused in The Very Healthiest Thanksgiving, in which I advocate having the best quality, organic, whole-food, and—yes, full-fat—ingredients take center stage in homemade dishes. (Ok, I still buy mini marshmallows for the yams, my mom did that, and I have to keep at least one childhood tradition going!) I believe that the best and cleanest cream, butter, flour, and produce make the meal healthy and worth a splurge
Enjoy the highest quality ingredients in grateful moderation. This may become a new tradition!
As a side note, words cannot express how appreciative I am of your readership. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your health journey. I sincerely hope I’m able to impart a few pearls here and there that help you live well, age great.
I wish you a very delicious, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving with friends and family.