There's really no greater compliment to a baker than someone physically incapable of eating your various concoctions so I can't help but smile as he tells me about keeping the cupcakes and cookies and pies from his brother, whom I've yet to meet. Hopefully I'll be able to fix that one day soon.

"I promise I won't tell him," I assure Kili before nodding back at the table. "I made more than I probably should've on purpose so don't feel shy in taking what you want. And if you tell me what kind you liked best, I'd be happy to bake you another later on. We'll call it my own contribution to an ongoing Thanksgiving. Or, you could just take more for your brother. Is he here?"