Tis The Season For Giving Thanks

The crisp autumn air has arrived and our feelings of gratitude are overflowing. This season brings some of our favorite produce that is turned into hearty, warm and nourishing meals. It’s also a time to gather with friends and loved ones. We’re sharing a few of our favorite tips, tricks and dishes to host an intimate and intentional thanksgiving or friendsgiving. .

We adorned our table with fresh fall produce like persimmons and pears along with fall leaves and florals. Each place setting had custom hand-drawn name tags and special menus to highlight each team member, set upon hand pressed ceramic LK plates. Lastly, we tucked personal question cards under each plate to guide deeper conversations throughout the evening.

We were spoiled by our team of incredible chefs. We indulged in fresh charcuterie, glazed leeks over muhammara, brie stuffed crispy potatoes, radicchio and pear salad, hummus and fresh pita, a regenerative apple cider brined turkey, a pear gingerbread olive oil cake and a seasonal mocktail bar.

Our founder Chelsey cooked an incredible turkey — soaked in a apple cider brine for 2 days and oven roasted, it was the perfect centerpiece for our friendsgiving meal. Here’s the recipe:

The Best Turkey Ever:

• 3 cups spiced apple cider

• 2 gallons spring water

• 4 Tbsp. fresh rosemary leaves

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 cup kosher salt

• 2 cups raw unrefined organic sugar

• 3 Tbsp. peppercorns

• 5 whole bay leaves

• Peels of 3 large oranges
  

Directions:

1. Add the apple cider, spring water, rosemary, garlic, salt, sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves and orange peels to a large stock pot.

2. Bring to a boil.

3. Turn heat to low so the sugar dissolves

4. Once dissolved, turn off the heat and let it cool.

5. Once room temp, add your turkey to the pot and place in the fridge for 24 hours or until you’re ready to roast.

6. Roast at 325°F (covered) for 1 hour and uncovered for the remaining time.

*15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F for an unstuffed bird. Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast and thigh after you’ve cooked 15 minutes per pound; it should reach 165°F.

Whether it’s intimate or a large group, gathering at the table is good for you mind, body and soul as your brain releases positive hormones when surrounded by good company and all the benefits that come with eating seasonal and nourishing meals! We all have something to be grateful for this season!