Plans change. Sometimes I have to remind myself that things happen for a reason. So, the long and short of it is that we didn’t go to West Virginia to spend the holiday with the cousins. So, we made it right here in Oak Valley subdivision. And, it was good. It was definitely non-traditional, but it was good nonetheless.
Zeek made his world famous Mansaf! If you’re unfamiliar with mansaf, I pity you. First, you melt the ball of dried jameed in hot water. When that is accomplished and the ball is completely broken up (in the blender) then it’s put on the stove to cook. Cardamom and other spices are added, and the jameed is stirred constantly until it reaches the boil.
Meanwhile, rice and lamb have been prepared and finally, the nuts are fried in oil. When all have been finished the rice is piled onto a tray and the lamb chunks are laid on the top. Fried nuts (almonds in this case) and parsley are sprinkled liberally over all.
The jameed is served next to the mansaf tray. You douse the portion of the dish you’re about to eat with it and dig in! The lamb is as soft as a Mother’s heart and the spiced rice is nearly indescribable! Add the jameed and pop a spoonful into your mouth. Pure, unadulterated joy! If the God created anything better, he kept it to himself!

During the years I lived in Jordan, I learned to love many new dishes and recipes. My absolute favorite, though, is mansaf! The best part of mansaf is, at least, back in Jordan is sharing it with friends. Each person eating from the same tray in a communal celebration of food, friendship, and love.
Our celebration was much smaller this year, but a celebration it was nevertheless! There’s nothing better than communing with a loved one over food and drink.
I hope each of you had a very happy Thanksgiving, shared with people you love and enjoy being with. I’m very thankful that so many of you have stayed with me despite my absence. Happy Holidays to you all!
See you next time; same time, same channel.
Ol’ Big Jim
About Ol' Big Jim
Jim L. Wright is a storyteller with a lifetime of experiences as colorful as the characters he creates. Born and raised in Piedmont, Alabama, Jim’s connection to the land, history, and people of the region runs deep. His debut novel New Yesterdays is set in his hometown, where he grew up listening to stories of the past—stories that sparked his imagination and curiosity for history.
Today, Jim lives in Leeds, Alabama, with his husband Zeek, a tour operator who shares his passion for adventure and discovery. Known affectionately as “Ol’ Big Jim,” he has had a diverse career that includes time as a storekeeper, an embalmer, a hospital orderly, and a medical coder. There are even whispers—unconfirmed, of course—that he once played piano in a house of ill repute.
No matter the job, one thing has remained constant: Jim is a teller of tales. His stories—sometimes humorous, sometimes thought-provoking—are often inspired by his unique life experiences. Many of these tales can be found on his popular blog, Ol’ Big Jim, where he continues to share his musings with a loyal readership.
Jim’s adventures have taken him far beyond Alabama. For seven years, he lived in Amman, Jordan, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. His time there, spent in smoky coffee shops, enjoying a hookah and a cup of tea while scribbling in his ever-present notebook, deeply influenced his worldview and his writing.
When Jim isn’t writing, he’s thinking about writing. His stories, whether tall tales from his past or imaginative reimagining is of historical events should read from his past or imaginative reimaginings of historical events, reflect a life lived fully and authentically. With New Yesterdays, Jim brings readers a rich tapestry of history, fantasy, and human connection.
Visit his blog at www.olbigjim.com to read more of his stories, or follow him on social media to keep up with his latest musings and projects, one of which is a series that follows Bonita McCauley, an amateur detective who gets into some very sticky situations.
His book, New Yesterdays, can be found at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble.
Sounds like a beautiful gathering. The food looks terrific. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for coming to visit, John. It was a good day altogether!
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I’ve missed your terse, almost Hemingway-esque style, Jim. And now, add to my re-acquaintance just about the best description of food I’ve never eaten before and framed in such a way that my mouth was watering. I usually reserve that for something I at least have an inkling of what it tastes like. I don’t know whether it was fish, fowl, meat or soup. I just want some, now!!!
Jay
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