Inspection of ingredients shows one missing vital component: Fritos for the Catalina Frito Salad. The 80’s favourite is a newcomer to our table, as it has only been recently possible to obtain Catalina dressing and Fritos in London without going into debt. After the Homesense excursion, a pit stop to Asda (the Walmart of the UK) was visited. No joy.

Recent supplies had been obtained for venison chilli endeavours via an Ocado delivery order (with a min £40 order required). Hubby thought that might be too many Fritos.

Research reports show the Fritos are made by Simba, an African food supply company. Captain Amber now venturing to two known South African shops in hope to obtain bags of Fritos. Excess supplies will be purchased, as to avoid a duplicate scenario.

21 Nov - 17:15

Thanksgiving Command Field Report: troops are weary, but perseverance led to victory. The South African Store under the Arches of Charing Cross saw capture of 2 bags of BBQ Fritos. (An additional capture of a bag of strawberry-caramel popcorn was detained for further questioning.)

Unfaltering, troops continued to Canary Wharf for the South African store at West India Quay, where 1 remaining bag of tomato Fritos was hiding out. (Also captured 1 can of Barq’s root beer to be held with prisoner popcorn.)

Retreating back to Command Centre for debrief, and dinner. (Battle of Fritos will no doubt spark political debate as to whether or not resources were wisely allocated to this operation on what some would classify as a “Day Off”, but it’s over and won!)

22 Nov -15:12

Thanksgiving Command Centre:
I may be physically in a meeting, but I’m mentally planning and preparing dishes and cooking times.

23 Nov 00:34

Thanksgiving Command Centre: pre holiday meals consisting of Busaba Eathai for lunch and some delicious lamb chops with sticky mint sauce. Preparing to feast for at least 6 days on leftovers.

23 Nov - 09:42

Thanksgiving Command Centre:

The wedding gift of a kitchen knife magnet finally sees the light of day, as it was a vow to only use it when we bought a place of our own. Those newly sharpened knives look amazing! I’m inspired to cook!

Knife Base is quickly transformed for Operation Pie ..... we seem to have pasta flour, Strong bread flour, sorghum flour and gluten free flour but no plain stuff. Let’s hope Mom’s crust recipe will work with gf flour. (It doesn’t matter, Hubby just eats the inside of the pumpkin pie anyway.)