A note about eating. Last night was the smallest Thanksgiving gathering in many years. Just 5 of us. Here in the kitchen eating and drinking. We started with 20 minutes of Yoga - to stretch out those abdominals before the big meal. It wasn't really such a big meal, however.

I dissected a turkey (thank you turkey). That, I promise myself, is the last time I do such a thing - a pretty disgusting lump of flaccid flesh results. I made a stuffing and rolled up the breast, containing one of the thighs (after pounding it somewhat flat) and tied it into a balonie look alike. Appetizers - my homemade pain au levain and a trio of cheeses: Borough Market Stilton, Le Maitre Seguin Crotin, Isigny Ste. Mere Camembert. I splurged on a bottle of Domaine Tempier Bandol red to celebrate my graduation from UBC with a BFA. Since I couldn't be there to parade around I paraded in the kitchen.

1st course was a leek and parsnip soup garnished with sauted apples and mushrooms made by Larry. Very good! Served with a Sancere (forgive me, I just went out the recycle bin to get the details on the bottle but the garbage men have already taken them away)brought by Jan. Next was the Turkey Roll, turnips and brussel sprouts accompanied by an Oregon Pinot Noir (again, see note regarding the recycling) and we finished up with a pear tart in a chocolate crust and a little dollop of home made fromage blanc served with a port-like red desert wine from Banyuls. And finally, Jeanne made a very light pumpkin souffle which we used as a final installment.

Wonderful evening. All the wines were top-rate, food delicious and friends, of course the usual pleasure. I came away without the usual stuffed to the gills that comes of too much mashed potatoes and gravy. Still not exactly light on the calories.