A Pennsylvania Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving filled with food and love. Since we’ve spent the past several turkey days in New York City, we decided to travel to my hometown in Pennsylvania this year for the celebratory holiday duo of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah.  I grew up in Berks County, just outside Reading, about 125 miles from Manhattan. Rather than cooking in my mom’s tiny kitchen, we opted for dinner out at the historic 1801 Yellow House Hotel in the rolling farmlands of the Oley Valley, a world away from our home base in suburban Reading, yet a mere 15-minute drive away. 

The Yellow House Hotel

Our candlelit dinner was delicious, yet almost too much to handle, but we somehow managed to clean our plates! After devouring traditional turkey with sides of stuffing, cranberries, sweet potatoes, dried corn, and mixed veggies, plus some filet mignon, we somehow saved an inch or two for dessert. Rather than eating sweets at Yellow House, we took a breather from food for about 30 minutes until we returned home.

We lit the menorah after which we indulged in pumpkin pie with whipped cream and coconut custard. By this time, our pants were definitely put to the test and we were ready for a good old-fashioned pair of sweats. But, I guess eating at least a bit more than what’s typical is part of the fun on this food-filled holiday.

Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a cold turkey sandwich the next day, so Mom and I roasted  a turkey breast, which created a pleasant aroma in the house and enticed our appetites all afternoon. We won’t feel like we’ve missed out as we spread mayo and pile turkey high between two slices of fresh bread tomorrow. And even though I’m stuffed to the gills tonight, I have to admit that I can’t wait to indulge in turkey a second time around for lunch on Friday.

This year we had a quiet, relaxing Thanksgiving filled with food and family.  As for 2014, it will be an even year, so I guess I’ll be cooking.

Posted on 11/29/2013