Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Menu Writing + Fun Challenge = Happy Thanksgiving

I have no idea how long it's been since my last post.  I've had several editing jobs, but between those and teaching, I've been too brain wasted at the end of each day to write. Now, after three days with nothing but Candy Crush and Netflix to occupy my mind, I'm ready!

This time of year, social networking sites are brimming with users writing about how thankful they are.  That's just not my style.  Not to imply that I'm not thankful, because I am.  I just choose to write something that will challenge me creatively.  So for today's post, I decided to describe some of the dishes that will be served at my family's Thanksgiving table, but in the style of a swanky (but whimsical) restaurant. 

Tropical Gelee
Enjoy a reminder of summers past and those to come with this Hawaiian-inspired dish.  Complex flavors of lemon, lime, and pineapple mixed with farm fresh cheese will delight while a sprinkling of Georgia pecans adds a hint of autumn.
 
Cranberry Relish
Never again will canned cranberry sauce satisfy. Fresh New England cranberries, freshly grated Florida orange zest, and a sprinkling of Georgia pecan dust will compliment the savory sides on your Thanksgiving table.
 
"Turkey" with Wild Rice Stuffing
Why should carnivores have all the fun?  This vegan treat includes all of the flavors of the holiday, but none of the animal cruelty.  A turkey somewhere will be thanking you for savoring this slow-roasted tofu bundle, basted in seasonal vegetable broth, and served with wild rice stuffing and roasted root vegetables.
 
Deconstructed Pumpkin Pie*
No Thanksgiving meal would be complete without this ambrosial confection.  Rejoice in the flaky but moist homemade pie crust filled with your favorite holiday gourd, then topped with your choice of fresh whipped cream or French vanilla bean ice cream.
*Deconstruction is the responsibility of the guest.
 
 
Most ghost writers specialize in a particular industry.  While specialization may help me land a job, I enjoy knowing that I can spice up almost anything in writing.
 
And now for the fun challenge...
One of my favorite things to do is write Haikus.  They are short, to the point, and well-balanced (unlike your Thanksgiving meal).  What I'm asking readers (all two of you) to do is provide a topic - ANY topic - and I will write a Haiku about it.  Broccoli farming, breast feeding, or badger taming, there are NO LIMITS!  In the meantime,