Despite a stuffy nose, I wanted to share my excitement for the Christmas season—a time I find truly magical and a great distraction from life's existential complexities. Growing up in Bangladesh, Christmas wasn't a big event, so my first time experiencing the lights and shopping frenzy here was truly wondrous.

I kicked off the holiday season by hosting my own Thanksgiving dinner (Nov 14), featuring cranberry achaar, pulled turkey curry and biscuits I made from scratch. The main talking point was my pulled turkey. I have to admit, I agree with many of my guests and others—turkey isn't really all that! Though I was validated in learning a new skill: breaking down a whole bird and crisping up the skin.

For the real Thanksgiving with my family in Virginia, we opted for my mother's incredible Musallam Roast Chicken. Cooked in a subtly spiced, nutty, and slightly sweet sauce, it was an absolute game-changer, and I plan on serving it every year from now on!

Now, my focus is entirely on the upcoming Christmas menu, which I'm planning to execute through a Bangladeshi lens. I’m most excited about my Beef Cheek Curry, a real dish of decadence. I'm also challenging myself by incorporating a fun, Heston Blumenthal-inspired surprise: edible elements disguised as table decor to make the experience memorable for my guests.

I wrap up the episode by inviting anyone interested in talking about food, especially Bangladeshi cuisine, to be a guest on the podcast. I also mentioned there are still a few spots left for my dinner on January 3rd!