November 24, 2019

White Dog read the list over my shoulder. We were putting together the grocery list that included ingredients for our Thanksgiving Day celebration. It is just Steve and I with the White Dog Army so for the past few years we have opted for a day of favorite appetizers instead of one huge meal.

Steve takes advantage of the turkey sales for the WDA; in fact he slow roasted "theirs" starting early this morning. It was already off the bone and packaged (most going into the freezer). But on Thursday we will nosh, one of White Dog's favorite ways to dine.

She insists on input so the Army's favorites are included in the planning. She added sardines to Steve's request for smoked whitefish and my stuffed clams, for example. "And what is Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie," she asked. "How about pumpkin custard instead?" I countered. "Still with lots of whipped cream!"

"Buckwheat silver-dollar pancakes with sour cream and salmon roe" "Green bean casserole but with all kinds of vegetables and crumb topping." "Crabcakes." "Spinach stuffed clams." "Pistachio cake." "Cheese and crackers." "Cranberry pecan green salad." The Army had joined us and everyone was pitching ideas. "OK, folks, the point is to NOT have a gluttonous feast," I held up my hand. "I think this will be a grand selection for a day of nibbling. Thank you for your help."

I looked at Steve. "This will get us through the entire weekend of noshing," I told him. "But everyone has really good choices and none are particularly taxing kitchen work. Are you good with what we put together?" He smiled and gave a thumbs up; White Dog wagged happily. "The best part is that you all chose things not likely to be scooped up by the traditional meal shoppers."