could you live without an oven?

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The time is approaching when we pack up and head out for another season overseas. While there is a great level of inconvenience associated with an international move, two children under the age of 5, and a world of change, I am always excited to make the transition. It is amazing the luxuries that we take advantage of here in the states and it isn’t until you are forced to do without that you truly understand. Living abroad has taught me to get creative and find ways to make things happen by your rather unconventional means. Recently Toni’s husband made the move to Lebanon to ready the apartment for the family, only to report back the they were without on oven. Toni called me to give be the tragic update. “It’s beautiful, it’s on the beach, it’s right down the street from our favorite restaurant… but we DON’T HAVE AN OVEN!!” I just started laughing.

Our first location outside the US was in Beppu, Japan. It was breathtaking and I instantly fell in love with our surroundings. On a domestic level however, it took a little more getting used to. The hardest part? No Oven. While it was strange at first, I quickly adapted to preparing meals on the stove alone. However, as Thanksgiving was quickly approaching I was determined to make a full feast. As newlyweds, and being completely obsessed with any and every holiday known to man, there was no way would miss our first Thanksgiving–no offense but rice and veggies just don’t cut it. So it was to to get resourceful.

My only hope? A toaster oven. I prepared an entire Thanksgiving feast for 15 in a toaster oven. What started as a couple Japanese teammates joining us for dinner quickly turned into a full house. I have to admit, our toaster oven meal in Japan might possibly have been our best ever. Believe it or not it was all made on the stove or in the toaster oven:

Turkey

Honey glazed Ham

Mashed Potatoes

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