Tapas-giving 2011

Happy beginning of the Holiday season! I hope you're not stressing out about all of the weight you'll gain because of the holiday season. This is the best time of the year, people! So, I implore you to stop freaking out about eating too many pieces of chocolate or munching on too much bread. Here's a tip: eat what you want, stop when you're full. Boom! Now go, eat, and be merry. But fist, finish reading this post...

Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite holidays. Mostly because I love food. Family and friends are pretty awesome too. I knew it was going to be a great day as soon as a song from 'Newsies' was performed at the Macy's parade. Once it was time for lunch, my day just kept getting better. Because of my new vegetarian status, my mother deemed me the "problem child." Not that she doesn't love me, oh on the contrary! I received my own personal bowl of stuffing (meatless) and vegetable gravy. It was a rather traditional meal full of turkey, stuffing, jell-o, and love.

After a much needed power nap, Tapas-giving commenced.

For the past couple of years (maybe closer to a few, or half-dozen, I honestly can't remember) my family and I have been going to our family friends' home for an after-Thanksgiving party. There was so much food, music, and fun! This year my family brought patatas bravas with dipping sauces and a chick-pea chorizo salad. The potatoes were AMAZING.

I loved the mayonnaise/garlic dip. It was amazing with everything. But seriously, what is not to love? Mayo AND garlic. Yum. My friend Emmy sneakily maneuvered the bowl in front of her sometime during the night. Luckily I was sitting next to her, or there would have been an issue.
I'll get the recipe from my father and add it to here soon because everyone should try this deliciousness. Seriously, it's amazing.

I love a good party full of people talking and laughing. There is always a moment at a party when the food is placed on the table, everyone digs in, and the next twenty minutes of conversation are about how wonderful everything is. Is there ever a moment when food doesn't bring people together? How horrible is it when a party has nothing to munch on? On a scale from awesome to super-lame, it would sit somewhere between taking the ACTs and my normal Friday night (which often includes bed by 11pm and knitting).

I love the holidays! So much food and so many friends! Please be sure to enjoy your holiday time! I know I will (mostly due to the new elf-suit I just purchased...best Black Friday buy EVER!)
Much love to you,
Michelle!