thanksgiving 2014

my family always goes to my uncle's on my mom's side for thanksgiving but we've been out of town for the past 3 years so it's the first time we were able to make it since getting married! it was nice to see everyone. a few days before i asked my mom what i could bring and she directed me to buy egg tarts in chinatown, two dozen. i said okay. my cousin also just got engaged so two reasons to celebrate! at the end of the night when ziploc bags were coming out i camped out by the roasted turkey carcasses to see if anyone else wanted the turkey bones. i took about a pound home and it made great gelatinous stock that became a tasty kale, sausage, and sweet potato soup. i wish i took more bones, drool. 

in other stock news, j had bought a whole chicken in chinatown with the head and feet still attached to make jook. we took one look at the attached head and face and we couldn't muster up the courage to chop up the chicken. my aunt suggested covering the head with a paper towel so it would seem less personal, but we still couldn't do it. this is probably a natural point to announce that we have become vegetarians, but no, we will simply be more conscientious in buying meat produce that looks less like it's natural form (hah). i finally pressure-cooked a stock with this chicken, head and feet attached, and i'm happy to report that it made a nice partner to the elbow macaroni and spam meal. 

day after thanksgiving we went with my parents, bran, and his girlfriend to dim sum - i got to bring out the holga camera and we took a pic outside. i really love the delayed gratification of a film camera and how all the pics organically have an instagram filter. i'll write later about the holga camera. 

i'll wrap up this post with what i am thankful for: Jesus, my family, j, friends, a sturdy job, a warm home, our health, and food on the table. hope everyone had a good holiday and that you are enjoying preparations for the coming weeks!