Iowa Fall-Winter 2022-2023 - 16

" Guests are not required to do
anything, " Bussey says, " but I suggest
bringing something to eat and share
with others. Eighty to 90% will bring
something special. "
share with others. Eighty to 90% will bring something
special. "
As host, he's learned a thing or two. After a year
when guests consumed a bit too much of his personal
alcohol, he began suggesting that people bring their
own-reminding them to " be responsible and reasonable.
Everyone knows that, and it works out
beautifully. "
After a few turkey disasters, he decided that cooking
a turkey wasn't such a great idea. However, he
makes his mother's oatmeal-raisin cookies, and other
guests bring their own chosen dishes.
" We end up with a big banquet of all this fabulous
stuff, " Bussey says.
Another experienced Friendsgiving host, Taylor
Brandied Sweet Potatoes
The alcohol cooks off, but the rich, luscious taste of brandy
remains.
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoon salt
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon. lemon juice
1/3 cup brandy
1 large can yams
Marshmallows for topping
 Combine cornstarch, nutmeg,
salt, sugar and water in a
saucepan. Cook gently, stirring
occasionally, until the liquid
is clear. Remove from heat
and add brandy to the mix.
Place yams into a buttered
baking dish and top with sauce.
Bake for 30 minutes at 375°F,
basting occasionally. Top with
marshmallows and broil until
golden brown.
Thornberg, provides the turkey and one other dish,
like a side or dessert, while other guests contribute
to fill in the blanks. She also has a recipe for Fall
Sangria that makes a delightful addition to the menu.
To help divvy up the dishes, Thornberg creates an
official online event. " That way, you can set up a poll
where people can claim certain dishes or add a dish. "
For other tips, she suggests, " Maximize your space
by crowdsourcing folding tables and chairs, " and,
" always put the turkey in way earlier than you think.
That's one of my biggest Thanksgiving fails, putting
the turkey in too late and having everyone sit around
and wait. "
Other ideas for host ing a memorable
Friendsgiving:
* Request that guests make recipes available for
their dishes, on recipe cards or a shared page online.
* Use mini 50ml liquors tied with guests' names
for place cards.
* If you're the guest, don't forget a hostess gift, like
an autumn-themed spirit or gift set from your local
liquor store.
* Co-host with one or two friends, to divide the
prep and multiply the fun.
* Pick a theme:
▷ A favorite traditional dish from each guest
▷ A totally non-Thanksgiving cuisine
▷ A meal featuring dishes with alcohol as one
of the ingredients
▷ A bottle share
▷ A tasting of whiskeys, rums, tequilas, or
other spirits
FEAST ON THESE RECIPES
Whether you're hosting or attending a Friendsgiving
repast, these dishes can help create an event to
remember. Each food dish uses spirits to enhance the
flavor, while the drinks highlight seasonal flavors.
16 IOWA SPIRITS
Iowa Fall-Winter 2022-2023

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