The last meal game is a common activity among prestigious chefs and completely unknown people, such as myself.  It's a very difficult game for me- my stomach has moods.  He may be in one of those 'rip apart a duck moods' or perhaps in a light Japanese meal mood.  There is no accurate forecasting.  Thinking about it keeps me up late at night.  However, when I am asked, my deer in the headlights response is New Orleans BBQ salmon and my mom's cocoa mocha cheesecake.  It's been my birthday meal for years.

Isn't the grandest meal of the year Thanksgiving?  Many label it as their favorite holiday for good reason.  Until now, I've never thought of Thanksgiving being a suitable last meal.  It is of course, an ultimate meal- which is the task I've been given to create:

Submit your wild annual traditions, your most sought-after turkey alternative, or, if you don’t celebrate the holiday, any ultimate night of eating you’ve always wanted to experience and share with the world!

I refuse to freeze in the headlights.  I will create the definitive ultimate meal.  First thing I do is read through My Last Supper (50 Great Chefs and Their Final Meals).  The common theme is simple, childhood favorites in a magical setting with the best company.  Unfortunately, I don't think anyone wants to read about my most simple meal ever.  The full 20+ course tour at Alinea would be ultimate, but I feel like that's a cop out.  I need to be the one to do the dirty work in the kitchen- it'll be the best and first Thanksgiving I cook.

In regards to the situation, I think back to Top Chef Miami, when contestants had to cook an avant-garde Thanksgiving.  They failed.  This challenge will inspire my meal.  How, exactly?  I'm thinking international, and no turkey- the Hokies need a break.

The most suitable replacement for a turkey is with the most delicious bird in existence, duck.  Roasted or Peking style duck would be expected, or prepared whole for grand presentation.  Not going to do it.  My main course is going to be duck cassoulet.  Depending on my mood at the store I'll throw Peter in there too.  The other advantage of this dish is that it can be finished in a slow cooker, which will help my 10' x 10' kitchen space constraint.

Next I need to do something with sweet potatoes- without marshmallows.  My mom makes the best sweet potato casserole, but it's her dish.  I've spent a lot of time working on sweet potato risotto but I've never considered it a complete dish.  I can make it a fusion dish by adding ginger and cranberries- use coconut milk for liquid- and cross my fingers.  I aim to make it a complete recipe once and for all.

No Thanksgiving would be complete without stuffing.  Cornbread stuffing is a fun, but an old dish.  I'm going to modify it with a Mexican twist- chorizo.  Cornbread stuffing with chorizo and other goodies will be a huge hit.

There are still a few regions left to include, and I need more cranberry.  I don't understand can cranberry sauce.  It just doesn't make sense to me- who wants to eat jello that still has ribs from the can in it?  I still recognize its place at the table.  Cranberry-apple or cranberry-peach chutney will be its successor.  Next.

Mashed potatoes- crowd favorite.  This dish I'll keep local and do it the best way I know how.  Yukon golds with duck fat and horseradish.  It's a wonderful flavor profile and the spice will keep the palate interested among the sweeter and heavy dishes.

There may be a few bugs in the code, but I think the menu will compile.  I haven't forgotten about dessert, but I don't really want to think about it either.  Banking on a guest to bring one is my favorite solution to the problem.  Browsing around I saw pumpkin creme brulee served inside  small pumpkins.  No recipe but it looked awesome.  The smallest dish is sometimes the most difficult.  I'll play around with the idea- not setting it in stone anytime soon.

The best part of the meal will be crowding everyone into my small city home- I may turn my bed into a picnic area.  My desk can be the kids table.  I'll just eat standing as I cook.  There are also really deep window sills to dine in- it'll be the coziest Thanksgiving yet.