This year, we went over to Kirsten and Greg’s house for our Thanksgiving meal. Andrea made her decadent potatoes au gratin where she uses morel mushrooms and a cheesy cream sauce using various cheeses including a bit of blue. It’s always a big hit. We also brought along a couple bottles of Croix Pinot, one of which was Stoetz Ridge, their newest vineyard (we ended up liking this one more than the Floodgate pinot).

Kirsten and Greg were making duck this year which was a nice change of pace since none of us are super fond of turkey and with duck, we all get dark meat (woohoo!). The duck came out perfect, nice golden brown skin, super juicy meat, and delicious. We’re going to have to try making duck at home ourselves sometime. For sides, they also made some kale, rice, cornbread, and cranberry sauce. Between the potatoes, rice, and cornbread, we had 3 starches, but they were all good, but the potatoes of course were the star.

I ate so much, so it was a good thing we went for a walk after we ate. It was a bit nostalgic to walk by Chez Panisse and the original Peet’s coffee location. After we got back, we had dessert. Kirsten also made a delicious pecan pie (one of my favorites) which they served with some vanilla gelato. Pecan pie was perfect and not too sweet. Once again, I was super full. All in all a delicious Thanksgiving meal!