A Tradition of Sorts

As much as anyone, I’m surprised to find myself having something of a Boston tradition going for Thanksgiving.

It’s been three years in a row that I’ve spent my favorite holiday with at least the three K’s of Karen, Karl and Kathy.

We are currently a bit chaotic with the move, but wanted to take on the hosting in our last year in Boston, so Karl suggested a tapas approach. This worked for Vic and me! Ideally it would mean a quick ride to Svren’s Armenian Deli in Watertown for bulgar and cheese, though at the last minute, it meant a walk to Whole Foods for spreads and cheese.

It did not immediately appeal to the traditionalist of the group, Karen, who was unwilling to forgo the turkey and mashed potatoes. Lucky for us, she happens to be one of Boston’s best pastry chefs and a creative thinker about food.

She arrived with a tray of “Thanksgiving in a Ball” croquettes. I can’t think of a better way to eat Thanksgiving dinner than in one manageable crispy ball. That’s right: a bit of turkey and a dab of proper stuffing, rolled in mashed potatoes, dipped in crumbs, and fried like arancini.

With the focus on leaving and exciting changes, it is easy to forget the one thing can make any place a good place to live: decent friends. Next year we’ll be around a new table with new folks, and I hope that I remember to make a toast to the folks that are here and with whom we’ve enjoyed the last three Thanksgivings very much.