We're Hosting Thanksgiving!

I think I finally feel like a grown-up. We have a house now and we are able to host our family Thanksgiving dinner. On Thanksgiving Day. Last year we had an "early Thanksgiving," but this year...it's the real deal.

Mom and Sister and Nieces and Aunts and Uncle are rolling into our neighborhood this week and well, chances are, they will be rolling out! I'll post pics later, but here's a sneak peek of our menu:

Ringler Thanksgiving 2011

Appetizers
Deviled Eggs
Pike Place Smoked Salmon
Cheese & Olive Plate

Entree
Smoked (and brined) Turkey & Gravy
Butternut Squash Ravioli with a Butter Balsamic Sauce
Green Bean Casserole
Wild Mushroom & Leek (savory) Bread Pudding
Sweet Potato Casserole
Cranberry-Walnut Jello Salad

Dessert
Homemade Apple Pie (from home-grown apples)
Homemade Pumpkin Pie (from fresh pumpkin)

I can hardly wait. Lord, am I thankful for food! What are you excited to eat on Thursday?

Our 1st (hopefully Annual) Neighborhood BBQ

We had our neighbors over for a summer BBQ. We've been talking about it since we got our Traeger smoker/grill last year. It was a successful day. I hope we can do this every year from now on. Getting to know the folks who live next door was never something I expected here in Los Angeles. But it happens every now and then, and I feel super blessed that it indeed happened to us.

Hubby pulling pork and prepping the chicken wings for the smoker

Corn on the cob: some with cilantro butter and others with BBQ rub & butter

Chicken sausages with pineapple chunks

White chocolate dipped peaches and strawberries

Our neighbors brought appetizers of chips and salsa, hummus and pita chips, fruit salad and veggies, potato salad and drinks. We also smoked tri-tip and teriyaki beef, and had an ice cream cake for dessert. What a feast! Next year I'll have to stop eating and remember to take a group photo!