Photo by Lis Parsons
While I acknowledge that, as a Brit, I have no authority to advise on what to make for Thanksgiving, I can’t stay away from the table entirely. It’s such a wonderful occasion - the feast that celebrates being able to feast - that I am drawn towards it even if I have no official invitation!
But I will keep my enthusiastic recommendations brief: it is dessert that is my focus here. It is hardly original to say that Pie is a requisite, and in particular my Pecan-Plus Pie, Honey Pie, or Salted Chocolate Tart - all of which earn repeat requests from my friends and family. And they are easily make-ahead and obligingly portable, so perfect for taking to someone’s house on the day itself: just leave them in the tin, cover with foil, and take a plate and cranked spatula with you so that you can unmold with ease in situ. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, then you could make the freezer your friend, and whip up either my gratifyingly-honest Girdlebuster Pie, or any one of my no-churn ice creams, but it would be remiss of me not to draw your particular attention to the seasonally-appropriate Brandied Pumpkin Ice Cream. (And do remember that my Pumpkin Bundt Cake pleasingly uses up the remaining canned pumpkin leftover from making the ice cream).
Photo by Keiko Oikawa
Photo by Lis Parsons
And I know it’s not exactly traditional, but when I celebrate with friends from the States, I also proffer - keeping the flavours in the North-American register - either my Pumpkin Cheesecake or my Gleaming Maple Cheesecake - both of which are baked cheesecakes. And I can’t help but mention, here, too, my Chestnut Cheesecake; chestnut may not belong to the traditional Thanksgiving table, but it is so essentially seasonally celebratory.
Photo by Lis Parsons
Those wanting a warm option should consider my Holiday Hotcake and the Eggnog Cream that goes alongside. I’d be delighted with a Sticky Toffee Pudding, too - and do consider serving it with Salted Caramel Ice Cream. It’s truly a combination to give thanks for.
Photo by Lis Parsons
A very Happy Thanksgiving to all those of you celebrating it. And I’m very grateful to be given a seat at the table, too.
