"We return thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us." ~ Iroquois Poem of Thanksgiving

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Since meeting in early October for BITE, it seems as though it has been quite some time since we have been together!  How appropriate then, on the eve of our Thanksgiving here in the U.S., that Tierney chose the theme of Native American foods.  I was a fourth grade teacher for many years before moving on to the junior high level.  Fourth grade here in New York State means local history, and local history in Central New York means the Iroquois Nation (The Haudenosaunee).  I enjoyed revisiting some of the sites and tales from this period of time, including the Creation Myth.

As always, Tierney greeted us with a splendid table-scape, complete with teepee's and woven rugs.  She never fails to impress!

From appetizers (a little difficult to define what is actually a Native American appetizer), to our final dessert - wonderful dishes all the way around - and really good for us I might add!

Fry Bread made by Chris, which was perfect to dunk into the Three Sisters Soup made by Ellen.

Three Sisters Soup which was thick and so flavorful!

Berries and Wild Rice made by me.  You can serve it hot or cold and I opted for hot - tangy and sweet!

Lemon for our main dish.

Tierney chose to cook Roast Cod with Crisp Potatoes, which we all agreed was just delicious!

And lastly, Chris also provided our dessert, which I unfortunately did not get a very good picture of.  Her Wild Rice Pudding was sweet and custardy, with just a bit of crunch from the rice.

In closing, when I taught fourth grade, we always had a festival celebration and each student brought in a Iroquois dish to pass.  Before beginning our festival, we would recite the Iroquois Poem of Thanksgiving, which I have copied below.  From my home to yours - Happy Thanksgiving!

We return thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us.

We return thanks to the rivers and streams, which supply us with water.

We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.

We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters, the beans and squash, which give us life.

We return thanks to the bushes and trees, which provide us with fruit.

We return thanks to the wind, which, moving the air, has banished diseases.

We return thanks to the moon and the stars, which have given us their light

when the sun was gone.

We return thanks to our grandfather He-no who has given to us his rain.

 We return thanks to the sun, that he has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.

Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in whom is embodied all goodness,

and who directs all things for the good of his children.