Good Day Downtown Boulder,
The holidays are quickly approaching and with them, my favorite stretch of the year. Sure, I love having a week off from classes, and yes, catching up with my family (and binging Better Call Saul for hours on end) are definitely perks. But the real reason this season steals my heart? The food. Every dish tells a story. A story where cultures blend, traditions meet, and recipes passed down from generations take center stage at the table. For me, it's all about the connections, comforts and joy that come with the season (and did I mention the food?!).
My top three favorite dishes? Egyptian rice, mac and cheese, and of course, the turkey itself. While it may not be your classic Thanksgiving lineup, each recipe carries its own story from my family and I. Growing up in a family of immigrants, Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday. It became our way of blending in and finding our place within American culture. Although I didn’t grow up celebrating it, in more recent years, Thanksgiving has turned into a beautiful tradition where we gather, give thanks, laugh, and cook with our own twists on the classic feast.
What makes my family turkey recipe so special is the Aji Amarillo paste that we use to cover every inch of the turkey and cook it to perfection. When it’s ready, it is golden, juicy, and impossible to forget. The pepper adds the right kick and color to the turkey. It allows us to bring a little taste of home to an all American table. It is our secret family ingredient and here I am, passing it onto you (the chosen one). We have heard of brining the turkey, basting it with sticks of butter, and all the variations of spice blends but this secret family recipe will not disappoint. I know rare Peruvian peppers are hard to find last minute, but Savory Spice has an amazing Peruvian chile lime seasoning that includes Aji Amarillo chiles and citrusy Makrut lime.
The Egyptian rice pays homage to my Libyan heritage. It’s a dish that often makes its way onto the holiday table. It may be simple but it's full of heart. Think fragrant rice, caramelized onions, golden vermicelli noodles and spices that warm your soul. Some add raisins for sweetness but not me. I keep the recipe savory and rich with butter. I remember my dad making it for all the special occasions so it’s not a surprise that I am keeping the tradition going.
As for mac and cheese, I cannot and will not say that I have perfected the recipe for this Thanksgiving classic , but I will say that I have mastered the art of the leftover sandwich. Picture this: a full Thanksgiving plate between two slices of bread (don’t forget to get rid of the plate). One side of bread drenched in gravy and the other drenched in cranberry sauce. Toast it to golden perfection and try to take a bite without making a mess. It doesn’t get better than that.
This Thanksgiving, we all showcase our cooking skills, but if cooking isn't your expertise it's okay because Downtown Boulder has you covered. Dish Gourmet is now accepting Thanksgiving dinner orders. They are offering the whole meal with an all natural roasted turkey, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, gravy and all the good sides you know and love like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies. For those of you who are craving a plant based feast Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant is serving up the perfect vegetarian Thanksgiving menu. Think Spiced Pumpkin Soup, Winter Veg Chop Salad, Butternut Casserole and more. If you aren’t looking to cook check out the Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the Hotel Boulderado or the Thanksgiving Dinner at Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro (think pumpkin ravioli with sage brown butter - YUM). Reservations fill up fast so don't miss out!
They say that Thanksgiving after all is about giving thanks, laughing with friends and family, AND sharing recipes. So I couldn't leave all my friends who read this blog in the dark. Whether you’re cooking up a storm or just showing up with an empty stomach and a smile, Thanksgiving is about slowing down. No matter where you are or who you're with, there's always something to celebrate and maybe just maybe… a leftover sandwich waiting the next day.
Until Next Time,
Fatima
Tagged: Holidays