Paper Palate

I finally allowed myself sit my behind down long enough to check out the November issue of Saveur that arrived in my mailbox last week.

Among the usual tear-inducing features accompanied by the usual tear-inducing photographs, there is a very nice piece (beginning on page 64) called “A Splendid Table.”  And when I say “tear-inducing,” what I mean is that these photos and recipes move me to tears: tears of envy, tears of longing, and tears of joy. It is written by Lynne Rossetto-Kasper and Sally Swift, the host and managing producer (respectively) of NPR’s “The Splendid Table.” Photographs are by Larry Nighswander.

The radio show (taped in St. Paul, MN) is recorded in advance and edited for its weekly broadcasts throughout the year, but for their annual Thanksgiving show, they go live, inviting listeners to call in with questions and guidance as they prepare their own holiday meals. The article tells of past calls, ranging from the panicked hosts stranded without a roasting pan, to cooks looking for new inspiration and ideas to spice up the traditional standbys. The Splendid Table crew spends the several weeks prior to the day researching and testing new recipes and turkey-cooking methods, ready to share their knowledge and experience with the audience.

Rossetto-Kasper and Swift provide a time-schedule outline of their hectic Thanksgiving day, detailing mishaps surrounding the preparations of their own meal, excerpts of particularly memorable listener calls (holding the hand of a vegetarian roasting a turkey for the first time), and then the post-show ritual: the crew and their families gathering for an extended family feast at Swift’s rural home outside the Twin Cities.

The article showcases these latest inspirations, accompanied, of course, by recipes and (did I mention?) very lovely photographs:

Yams with Ginger and Scallions – I’ve already tabbed this recipe for my family’s meal.  Along with ginger and scallions, it includes 16 cloves of garlic (for 8 servings), jalapeños, and fresh basil and lime juice. 

Broccoli with Sicilian Sauce

The Perfect Bird: Crisp Apple-Scented Roast Turkey with Cider-Calvados Gravy, along with detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Cardamom-Buttermilk Pie

Well, even if I do not end up using any of the suggestions and recipes, the article has stimulated my dormant and often difficult to muster holiday enthusiasm.