Thanksgiving Gathering

Since most of us at the Berkeley Center are far away from our families, we decided to celebrate together the traditional American celebration of Thanksgiving.

We hope you enjoy the pictures and the story!

We started the cooking at 10:56pm...yes a bit late, I know, but I'm sure it was because we were doing something very important before.

Geraldine prepares the ingredients for a French Apple Tart.

There she is, cutting the apples.

And more apples to cut....

Finally the tart gets put in the oven.

And, voila, the apple tarts are made!

Oh, but the dishes are not! Oh dear it must be late...

Hmmm...Pati also wants to make a dessert but not a mess in the kitchen and time is pressing...The solution: Wholefoods, her favourite grocery store, where she buys a Vegan Chocolate Cake...looks good!

She is not getting away from the kitchen so easy and the next morning there she is cooking the traditional Cranberry Sauce, from fresh, organic cranberries.

Alejandro is onto something more involved and as a good Veterinarian and firm supporter of animal rights, decides to cook Tofurky (Vegan Turkey with tofu). No animals hurt in the process.

But he needs to search for a recipe, nothing like Google for these type of things.

Introducing Tofurky! Just before going to the oven.

More cooking for Geraldine...three dishes at once.

Alejandro and Pati prepare the house for the guest who are due to arrive in an hour.

Here comes the first guest, Ralph. He comes with the real Turkey!

And here comes Michael and Lucia, who also brought some delicious cooking to the feast.

And here we have Silvia, Anne Linn and Kevin holding some beers! What??? No panic, they are GINGER BEERS. And it is their first time trying this Australian product.

Here is the important moment of the night, carving the Turkey. No pressure Michael - you did a great job!

Turkey vs. Tofurky...no comment.

A sample of the Pumpkin Soup and the Cranberry Sauce.

And here are the two Aussies in America: Brett and Angela.

And finally a group shot of almost everyone enjoying a wonderful meal amongst Family.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Berkeley Center!