If a dinner party with your closest friends, casual food and a relaxed ambiance seems like your type of gathering, then you’re in luck because you are ready to host your first Friendsgiving.
Friendsgiving is a growing trend among millennials and recent grads who live too far away from their homes to go back for the traditional Thanksgiving holiday. It’s usually a potluck/buffet style gathering where the host usually makes the Turkey and the guests bring the side dishes and beverages. Everyone usually brings what they want, no obligation to bring your grandma’s Brussels sprouts.
Looking back at our time in Chicago where we didn’t have extended family close by, it would have been a great option to host a Friendsgiving. I personally love the idea of having your guests chip in and help, easing the pressure on the host and allowing them to feel more relaxed.
Of course even if you are not a millennial you can always elevate your Friendsgiving; please don’t feel like you have to fit all the stereotypes, like popping open a cooler filled with ice. Opt to use a beautiful bar cart to display and store your beverages, while still enabling your guests to help themselves. For all my American friends who are attending a Friendsgiving and want to bring a knock out dish, try my Spinach-Pomegranate Risotto for a trendy twist.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 cup of chopped leeks
1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
2 cups of arborio rice
4 cups of vegetable stock (you will be pouring 1 cup at a time)
1 ½ cup of chopped fresh spinach
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
½ cup of grated parmigiana-reggiano cheese
¼ cup of fresh pomegranate seeds
Directions
In a saucepan over medium-high heat add oil, and sauté leeks for about four minutes, stirring frequently not allowing it to burn. Add chopped rosemary and arborio rice, sauté for another minute. Add one cup of vegetable stock at a time, allowing it to absorb before adding another. Repeat process until all liquid is absorbed.. Turn heat off, add chopped spinach, grated cheese and stir, then gently stir in pomegranate seeds. Pour into a beautiful casserole dish and it’s ready to be devoured by your friends.
