Well, the once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon known as “Thanksgivukkah” has come and gone. Turkeys were roasted, latkes were fried, and Jews all over America are nursing leftover comas this weekend. My family came to town. My mom and I cooked for 22 people. Three turkeys. It was epic. So epic, in fact, that I became overwhelmed with holiday prep. Because of that, I owe some of you an apology.
Leading up to the holiday, I had hundreds of comments and questions come in from all over the world… questions like:
“Can I freeze this?”
“How do I transport this to my mother’s house?”
“Can I make this gluten free?”
“Can I leave out the nuts?”
“I burned my crust, how do I save it?”
It’s not surprising how many questions came in, given that two major food-oriented holidays converged. I always have lots of comments on the site, but I must admit that I was a bit unprepared for just how many there would be this month. Meanwhile, I had just wrapped a TV shoot (a sci fi show that I co-wrote/exec produced). I was juggling media deadlines and requests from major websites, TV networks and radio shows all over the U.S. My family was in town. I tried to answer as many questions as I could, but it became impossible to keep up. At a certain point, I had to take a deep breath and realize that I just wasn’t going to get to all of them before the holiday. This is a first for me. I’ve tried so hard to be there for you all and support you in your holiday cooking, even during the busiest times. But this week, I really felt like the site grew faster than I was prepared for. If I didn’t get to your question (there are still 90 waiting to be answered right now), I’m sorry.
I’m not sorry, however, for taking a break and spending time with my family. I needed to cook my own Thanksgivukkah meal. I needed to spend quality time with my mom, which doesn’t happen often enough anymore. I needed to forget that I have a website for a couple of days and just enjoy our holiday. As you can see from the pictures in this post, it was quite a meal to prepare for.
I hope you understand.
Here are a few more pics from our holiday table:
That’s my mom! 🙂
Did you celebrate both Hanukkah and Thanksgiving? Did you do a combined holiday celebration? What did you end up cooking?
Cheryl Peskin Walters says
<3 the menorah. Do you buy special candles? I have an antique one that uses birthday candles.
Dell Johnson says
Very nice!
Renee Lopez Ramos says
We Made Menorahs at work with my Jewih resident she enjoyed very much
Wendy Muffy Woody says
LOVE TABLE LOVE THOSE BLUE GLASS
Sandi says
Family time is important and NO apology is necessary. We all should unplug for a couple days!!
We had 18 for Thanksgivukkah. I have been frying the bird for several years now and I love to experiment with brines and flavors. A small batch of traditional latkes were added to the meal but they became an appetizer when a few late guests delayed the main meal. 🙂
We hosted a separate Hanukkah celebration on Saturday. A wonderful dairy meal with traditional, zucchini, sweet potato and chipotle sweet potato latkes – a last minute twist that turned out fabulous especially with the homemade applesauce.
Thank you for all your inspiration and I hope you enjoyed the holiday!
Pearl says
I celebrated Hanukkah and Thanksgiving at my son and daughter-in-law’s home with grandchildren, my daughter-in-laws mother and my sister and brother-in -law. A great time had by all. I do not combine Hanukkah and Thanksgiving names because I believe it lessens the meaning of Hanukkah as a testament to Jewish freedom, with the American holiday of Thanksgiving which was, in the beginning, a Christian based celebration that was turned secular in the 20th century. The combination of the two names lessens the meaning of both.
Deborah Allen says
You are just so cute. Your site is wonderful, your table lovely your Mom beautiful, great smile. Holidays should be spent with family you did the right thing, now do that more often. Can’t wait to see the syfy thing, give us faithful the specifics so we don’t miss it. Peace be with you!
Elizabeth K. Gordon says
Looked beautiful! I don’t think an apology was necessary; you have as much right to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones as anyone else! And that’s celebrate WITHOUT being tied to your website!
Irene Jackson Henry says
No apology needed to spend time with your family.
Lynette Miller says
Oh, why apologize? Stuff happens, and since it’ll be 79k later, might as well enjoy it! The little animals are TOO cute!
Denise says
Bubbala, don’t worry about answering every question we ask you. You also are entitled to enjoy the holiday with your family and friends. I hope it was happy!
Kathie Wells says
How I would love to have a menorah like yours!
Becka says
I can’t imagine being as busy as you! I have a hard time cooking for more than 2 and getting a shower in the same day Lol
Oh and the lil hedgehog is adorable! ~The Mountainista (formerly AngelfishNY) 😉
Rick Jones says
Life happens and it gets busy at the holidays, no apologies expected or needed. Your awesome!
NancyRick Hetrick says
love you menorah ~ it’s the being with family that is important <3
Linda Fink Donahoe says
The menorah is awesome! Glad you had a good time withyour family, thats it’s all about!
Robin Bransky says
pretty.
Sara Redlin says
Hey Tori! Im glad you had a great holiday. We made your sriracha deep fried turkey, it was amazing! I was so afraid it would be too spicy, but it wasn’t at all! Especially the gravy had a little kick, but once it was on the mashed potatoes and turkey, it wasn’t spicy at all, just full of flavor. Thanks so mich for the great recipe, everyone was so impressed!
Abby Miller Nelson says
Beautiful menorah!
Donna Addy says
Love that Hanukiah!