A few weeks ago, Kati mentioned that it would be fun to have another ladies' game night.
Despite the fact that we have had a busy month, and despite the fact that it is nearing Thanksgiving and everybody is busy, I glanced at the calendar and saw that we had one Friday night available. We brainstormed a list of ladies to invite (we change up the list every time). Our dining room is small, and our table will seat eight comfortably, but we pushed the limits and invited eight other ladies to join us.
As it was, there were seven of us. The night was cold, the wood stove in the kitchen was cozy, and we decided to gather around the kitchen table.
As it was, there were seven of us. The night was cold, the wood stove in the kitchen was cozy, and we decided to gather around the kitchen table.
It was natural to go with a Thanksgiving theme.
I used some lovely cornucopia napkins that a friend (who knows that I love napkins and all things autumn and had combined the two) had given me for my birthday.
We pulled a stack of brown transferware plates from the shelf.
We served Apple-Cranberry Crisp in ramekins, Mini Pumpkin-Ginger Cheesecakes (recipe below), and freshly whipped cream. I also opened a jar of Pumpkin Ale Beer Jelly, another unique and delicious flavor from Potlicker Kitchens, to spread on crackers.
I had intended to play our Thanksgiving music CD in the background. I intended to have each lady write something on a leaf to hang on our Thankful Tree. I did neither. I have a one-track mind and forget things when I'm hosting.
But at the end of the night, it's all okay.
Because it's not about the food or the music or the decorations. It's about providing a space and a time for people to enjoy fellowship.
Hospitality. It's not to impress, but to bless. (Remember?)
We served these mini cheesecakes at our game party, but I think they'd make a fine dessert for your Thanksgiving table. I was told that the crust could stand alone!
Personally, I love tiny desserts! (I'd rather fill up on turkey and stuffing than on a rich dessert!)
MINI PUMPKIN-GINGER CHEESECAKES
(adapted and tweaked from ~this recipe~)
30 ginger snaps
3 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons melted butter
2 8-oz. packages cream cheese
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 eggs plus 1 yolk
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
***
1) Preheat oven to 350°. Line 24 muffin cups with paper cupcake liners.
2) In food processor, pulse cookies and sugar until cookies are coarse crumbs. (Optional: Reserve some crumbs for garnish.) Add butter and pulse until combined.
3) Press approximately 1 tablespoon of crumb mixture into bottom of each cupcake liner. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes.
4) In stand mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add in all remaining ingredients and beat until blended.
5) Pour mixture into muffin cups on top of baked crust. Fill each about 3/4 full.
6) Bake for 30 minutes or until set. Cool completely. Top with a dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumb mixture or with chopped candied ginger, if desired.
What desserts will be served at your Thanksgiving table?
Love it.
ReplyDeleteOh, my people love dessert! We will have pumpkin pie, pumpkin roll, an apple pie, and maybe a chocolate pie. I will need to make something on plan for me. This recipe looks really good, and could easily be adapted to THM.
ReplyDeleteI love that you decided to host in spite of the busy season.
Deanna
How nice that you are doing this for your daughter, she will remember that you took the time to create for her and her friends, as well as your own friends.
ReplyDeleteEverything was delicious. I should know since I sampled all of it!! haha
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun evening of laughing and friendship! Apples to Apples Junior is a great way to bring out the sillier side of our personalities! Thanks, Cheryl, for being so willing to open your home. That fire sure was cozy!
Oh and we have a participant...Joanne...to tell us more. I think this sounds like such fun. Had to pin that recipe...since this is our "light" year, I may be going that direction instead of the pumpkin pie...shhhh...don't tell John!
ReplyDeleteI so agree. It's about making people feel comfortable and happy. I love having people into our home for that very reason. And often they don't like to leave. That's another story. LOL I am trying hard not to covet that beautiful kitchen of yours! Love the color of green. OH that my hubby would agree (or just not totally refuse) to let me paint my kitchen cupboards. But it's a small price to pay. :-)
ReplyDeleteI so enjoy these kind of posts you do and the way you describe and show step by step. It's almost like a cooking show--at least I find them mesmerizing, as is your blog. It's such a wonderful thing to open your home to others --it almost doesn't matter what's on the menu, it's just that you cared and shared!
ReplyDeleteCute little desserts are my favorite, too. There's something about that complete little bit of tastiness that is so attractive. Just a little sweet is good for me - like you, I'd rather fill up on turkey and stuffing. We often delay dessert until later - clean up the kitchen, then serve dessert in the living room.
ReplyDeleteI love your get togethers. I love your setup, menu, etc. I love how you, Kati and Bekah all pool your talents. Love the recipe, too, I may be making these for Thanksgiving, which I will be spending in.............Maine! God willing.
ReplyDeleteSuch thoughtful preparations for an evening of blessing your guests! Love it...
ReplyDeleteThe desserts sound deLIcious - and the brown transferware plates & napkins are special, too. I'm sure the fellowship was sweeter than the desserts even!
ReplyDelete