What I’m Most Thankful For

By Gui Alinat | 12/2/2015 |

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving week.

I did. But as I was reflecting on thankfulness, gratitude, and family, I realized we’re just getting to know each other, and I haven’t told you much about me. 🙂

You see, I am most thankful for my wife Carissa, and our 5 amazing children. Chef Gui Family

I was born, raised, and trained as a chef in the South of France, and it’s only at age 28 that I came to America to work in a high-end French restaurant in Tampa, Florida.

Which reminds me of a funny story…

That year during a local, live TV appearance on Thanksgiving day, the news anchor asked me how the French celebrated Thanksgiving! Completely caught off-guard, I responded politely as the cameras kept rolling, but you should have seen my face!

Of course, Thanksgiving is the quintessential American Holiday (For the record: there is no Thanksgiving, in France!) and I’m thankful to be an American now, and thankful for my entire family.

I love to cook for them during the Holidays, even though I am also busy with my catering company. (I included my Thanksgiving menu at the end of this email. You won’t believe how long it is! LOL)

Before I sign off, I need to tell you how thankful I am to count you among my Eat More, Burn More family. Since I wrote my second cookbook, your response has been overwhelming and humbling. Thank you so much.

I have great plans for us. And I can’t wait to unveil the next Eat More, Burn More project, which is coming up in January. It’s going to make your life so much easier!

My 2015 Thanksgiving Menu

Appetizers

  • Gorgonzola and Spinach Artichoke Dip
  • Shrimp Cocktail
  • Sautéed Jumbo Shrimp with Garlic, Parsley and Lemon

Soup and Salad

  • Fall Squash Soup with Cinnamon and Nutmeg, Presented in a huge carved pumpkin! 🙂
  • Watermelon, Cucumber, and Marcona Almond Salad with a Light Sherry Dressing

Turkey & Gravy

  • Three Roasted Heritage Turkeys with Healthy Gravy
  • Gluten-Free Stuffing with Sausage, Apricots and Pistachios

Sides

  • Green Bean Casserole and Caramelized Pecans
  • Roasted Carrots with Cumin and Golden Raisins
  • Rainbow Roasted Vegetables with Basil, Goat cheese, and Fig Glaze
  • Traditional Sweet Potato casserole with Pecans
  • Healthy Mac and Cheese

Others

  • Cranberry Relish
  • Cornbread
  • Jalapeño-Scallion Cornbread

Desserts

  • Berry Salad
  • Pecan and Bourbon Bread Pudding
  • Flourless Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache
  • Upside-Down Apple Pie
  • Chocolate, Caramel and Walnut Pie
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