Thanksgiving Abroad:  Turkey, Potatoes and Wine, Oh My!

We celebrated Thanksgiving a bit unconventionally this year.  Firstly, we were in the middle of an Argentine summer, sweltering in the humidity and stifling heat, therefore cooking up a storm in what I would compare to a fiery, twelve-by-five-foot inferno.  Secondly, finding Pavo (turkey) in Buenos Aires proved to be quite a challenge.  What they do sell in stores are unreasonably meatless by American standards since most turkeys are in their spring/summer rotation, not plump enough for a hefty American Thanksgiving.  Our best bet was to go to a specialty store that specialized in novelty foods and game.  We found the perfect 25lb turkey, that barely fit into the world’s tiniest oven, a big boy probably imported from Brazil or something and that’s where it all began. To our ecclectic mix of international friends here in BsAs, Thanksgiving is not a familiar concept to everyone and because we were hosting, we suggested a few good potluck dishes while we took care of the giant turkey and stuffing.  What resulted  were several variations of potato and sweet potato dishes and an international bazaar of food.  I have absolutely no complaints about eating left-over turkey and potatoes for a week.  Trevor man-handled the turkey and stuffing while I supervised his inebriated state.  Something about the 2 bottles of wine he drank while his hands were deep inside that turkey did wonders because it came out golden brown and tender to the touch (so many innuendos…).  Not to leave out his slurred, loquacious Chef’s speech… It was an amazing night that we were able to share with friends who had never experienced our beloved American tradition of gluttony.  Combine this with a hot, hot summer and lots of wine and you’ve got yourself the perfect Thanksgiving!