Herbs for a Thanksgiving Feast!

Frosty fall has crashed in on us once again, preparing us for the warmth and serenity of a Thanksgiving feast. The aroma of sage and thyme drift through the home where a traditional turkey and stuffing dinner is roasting. The smell of herb bread, minted peas and carrots, and steaming pumpkin soup stimulate appetites as guests excitedly wait!

The celebratory scene is set with a fall herb bouquet on the entry door. Small scented herb sprigs adorn drinking glasses tied with the colors of the season. Herbs joined together on a wire circle surround candleholders.

Appetizers and drinks greet guests as they arrive and mingle. The cheesy herb toast, stuffed mushrooms, and other favorites are savored as new and "olde" acquaintances are greeted. The serving platters are decorated with parsley, chives, rosemary and thyme. Each fresh herb sprig accents the dish it seasons. The table centerpiece is made of two clear plates with herb leaves and rose petals sandwiched between them and a luminous pumpkin candle sits in the center. Each napkin is tied with a dainty herb bundle including a bay leaf. The guests' names are displayed on the bay leaves and this is a gift bouquet for each to take as a reminder of this special occasion.

These fragrant herb accents present a visual and sensorial impression of what is to come. This is a meal we have almost savored, because our sense of smell is so closely linked to that of taste. Hopefully we do not have a stuffy nose today!

The party is seated, each having discovered their place cards made from large bay leaves. Their appetites have been awakened with the herb starters, and drinks with sweet woodruff sprigs afloat. They are ready for the next tasty course, steaming bowls of pumpkin soup topped with fresh rosemary flowers, and miniature sage biscuits bobbing jauntily on top.

Could the main attraction beat this? Lofty sprigs of sage and thyme escort the platter with the delicately browned turkey. These herbs can be seen through the translucent skin where they have become one with the meat. Each succulent slice has its own herb crust! The giblet gravy has been seasoned with these same herbs and will impart their flavor to the perfectly mashed potatoes. The stuffing bowl is full and a flowering bundle of sage sits atop. The peas and carrots are adorned with fresh chopped mint to reinforce the flavor of the herb they were cooked in. The chopped leaves of savory add color and piquancy to traditional cranberry sauce. Herb bread is served in its basket, tied prettily with a bow and a bundle of herbs at the center. Our diners share a truly relaxing time filled with laughter, memories and the sensations of the many "tastes and aromas" of the day.

Dessert is served buffet style where guests have comfortably settled. The traditional desserts of pumpkin, apple and mince pie are not alone today. A minted angel food cake is one of the other sweets to be tasted. All the treats are topped with whipped cream. Ground cinnamon is sprinkled on the pie cream and diced mint on the cake topping. Mint leaves garnish all! Cider and other hot drinks are sipped as the feast day comes to an end. Such a food and wonder filled day it has been! Wishing you such an herbally delightful Thanksgiving feast!