Thanksgiving in Madrid

I might be living in Spain, but it doesn’t mean I can’t celebrate with an American Thanksgiving. There’s a lovely CouchSurfer in Madrid who loves to throw “Potluck” dinner parties, I was meant to attend one for Halloween, but ended up sleeping too late and not buying the ingredients in time to cook.

But, I was given a 2nd chance, and when the opportunity came up for me to attend a Thanksgiving party at her flat, I jumped at the chance.

I offered to cook a Roast Chicken, since I’ve never attempted it before, and the price of chicken is extremely cheap in Madrid ($5 for a 2kg chicken).

My lovely Spanish host family offered to help me cook the chicken, but I insisted (in Spanish) that I would like to attempt it on my own. I took a recipe off the Internet, and adapted it (as I always do) based on what I could get my hands on — although stuffing the chicken with Orange quarters didn’t really have any affect on the flavour.

Preparing my Chicken

2 hours later... your chicken is cooked

Removed legs for easy storage (and carry on metro)

After the success — and late hour I arrived home — from the German Christmas Markets last night, it was semi-difficult to cook with a hangover, but I managed. The party started at 8pm, and I caught the Metro there with chicken in one hand and bottle of Whiskey in the other.

Guests start arriving for Thanksgiving

Guests at the Thanksgiving Party in Madrid

The night was a huge success, I got to meet several CouchSurfers from all over the world, mostly American, mostly working in Madrid as English teachers/Au Pairs. Everyone, including the host was very friendly, social, and had lots to say; at one stage there was even a debate about humanitarian work in Israel.

Delicious Thanksgiving Food

Guests enjoying Thanksgiving

Cutting the Pumpkin Pie

The food was delicious; being a Potluck everyone brought a different dish. A couple of the guests were vegetarian, and created tasty non-meat dishes. I managed to eat two plates, and had no room left for the wonderful Pumpkin Pie desert. My first Thanksgiving in 10 years, and it was great fun.

Several hours after dinner, one of the girls suggested we get the Metro to a Balkan Bar to dance and listen to the Gypsy Music. Everyone was in high spirits (perhaps a little drunk), and happy to come with us. The Balkan Bar had a great atmosphere, but drinks were a little on the pricey side.

Dancing at the Balkan Bar

Dancing in the Balkan Bar

I ran into a couple of people I knew there, and we moved on to Tribunal again to find cheaper drinks. We ended up standing in the street and meeting lots of interesting people while drinking until the sun came up. Around 6.30am we headed back to the Thanksgiving house to grab some breakfast and doze off. Another late night in Madrid.

If you ever get the opportunity to attend a CouchSurfing Culinary Experience, do it! It’s so much fun, and you’ll be amazed at the quality of international chefs.

* flickr header image credit marc kjerland