A Proper Friendsgiving
My last Sunday morning was spent sipping coffee, listening to film scores, and filling the house with the smells of Thanksgiving. Immediately, I was transported back to my Nana’s kitchen in Pennsylvania, drinking wine around the island at 11am, lots of turk the bastey jokes, munching on cheese and nuts and all the goods before they reach the table. Nowadays, at any big holiday meal, I’ve become one of the head chefs in our family which typically means a bit more stress and a lot less wine sipping. But, I treasure every moment.
This time around, I had a few friends over to share a Thanksgiving meal, and all I had to do was reheat and serve. A few people brought wine, we made a salad and I had gluten free sourdough from the day prior and it was the perfect Sunday afternoon. The lovely people at Bi-Rite asked if I’d be interested in hosting a Thanksgiving dinner with their Deliciously Done Holiday Kits, and as some of you know, I am a Bi-Rite fangirl. The Vegan Hippie sandwich is one of the best friggin veg sandwiches on this side of the Mississippi and I will gladly throw down with someone who says otherwise. Needless to say, it was an easy yes.
The reactions around the table were overwhelmingly positive, joyous, sheer shock (looking at you Brussels sprouts) and basically anything involving deep gratitude and happy food comas. I may or may not have been munching on the Brussels sprouts all weekend long before I got a chance to serve them to the masses. I (obviously) have no regrets. They are truly the perfect roasted Brussels—sweet, savory, and perfectly charred. To be clear, they are cider-glazed and then charred to perfection, so really I don’t know why you’re not already on your way.
The entire kit came with mashed potatoes, stuffing, a whole pre-roasted turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, Brussels sprouts, and apple and pumpkin pie. Two pies. Did I mention two pies? Two. Apple and pumpkin. The joy.
Lastly, I need to give a shout out to cranberry sauce which always seems to be last in line and first in my heart. It’s one of my favorite things on Thanksgiving and yet it seems it is always the least utilized by diners. Bi-Rite’s has a good amount of spice and tartness to balance the sweet and I may or may not have had 3 helpings with potatoes.
To find out more on how to get hosting help, or just wow your friends at friendsgiving this year, head over to Bi-Rite and ask about their Deliciously Done kits. In true Bi-Rite fashion, every last dish was cooked to perfection and full of flavor. I love being a part of a city that loves food as much as I do. Cheers to you, Bi-Rite. May we always be neighbors who love to cook together.
