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?
Carla Sullivan Phoenix says
What a beautiful menorah !!
Deirdre Ten Eyck says
Beautiful Menorah
Gidget Friedman says
Made two of your recipes for Chanukah, Green beans with Balsamic and date reduction…all everyone talked about was the beans! Go figure…also made the cranberry raisin rum kugel, OMG the best I have ever had! All the recipes were user friendly, thank you for allowing us to have and share with family!!!
Helene Jablonka says
Family first, you’re awesome Tori, a great inspiration!!! I too love your menorah, chag sameach
Ellen Watts says
Along with my usual Thanksgiving menu, I added latkes and a noodle kugel. I also made my dressing with my home made challah which was outstanding!
Karen says
I made chocolate turkeys and put them on my sufganiyot. I also had pumpkin pie spiced challah.
Barbara says
Please don’t feel guilty. You have done so much for so many of us. Your decorations look fabulous! My family enjoyed your Sweet Potato Latkes served blini style with caviar, plus mini franks in blankets, turkey (roasted in the Weber grill with smoke chips) with challah stuffing and potato kugel, plus baked artichoke hearts, roasted Brussel sprouts, carrot coins and garlic string beans. A pie medley topped off the meal.
Jayne Keegan says
Beautiful coloured goblets and menorah.Where did you get them?
Michelle says
No apologies needed! You are a great resource and inspiration for us shiksas! I made your pear, apple, cranberry crisp with matzo crumble topping. It was fantastic! I usually make an apple cranberry pie, but your crisp was just as tasty and sooo much easier. Chag Sameach!
John Long says
Love it!
Brenda Neefus says
No need to apologize, family should always come first.
Susan Courtney says
Love your menorah, so unique and beautiful!
Beth Anne says
No apology needed. I think you’re amazing for keeping up with all you do.
Claire says
Oh you sweet thing! You are so good to your readers. Thank you for all that you do – I’m so glad that you took time to spend with loved ones. It looks like quite the celebration!
Aleks says
You’re our friend and inspiration, Tory, not our shamash! You do get to take care of your own family first!
Mickey says
Thanks for all you do! We made the coconut pumpkin pie (filling, A+; crust, C to mixed reviews) and the zucchini carrot latkes with dill yogurt and I was so busy I forgot to season them with even salt! I used Bobs GF flour and manoshevitiz potato starch. We added salt thank goodness and thy were a hit. Cooked in avocado oil! Also made pomegranate molasses (2 hours!) and roasted Brussels. Also used molasses on roasted green beans with pecans and that was a hit fr Thursday. We made everything from scratch on Wednesday and went to a separate party on Thursday. I wish these two holidays passed by more often but it was exhausting!
I’m inspired by your site but limited for time. Thank you for all you do and if there’s ever a cheat version (ie- using pre made macaroons and mashing into a pie pan) please maybe post that as well. But gosh you’re the absolute BEST!!
Adele Karp says
Glad you enjoyed with your family. What an incredible, beautiful table you made. Hope all enjoyed. <3
Cheri A. Bosell Rubin says
XO
Maureen Engh says
What a Beautiful Menorah!!!
Marjorie Silverman says
Tory, Did someone call you ‘Ms. Shiksa’???? Oh my!!! Speaking for myself and I’m sure everyone else, there are no apologies necessary here. We are all in awe of what you do and understand … family first. You are only one person.
I’m thrilled that you were able to celebrate with your mother. I’m sure she’s so proud of you. Margie