Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts

11.25.2010

THANKSGIVING: 2010

"For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson


Hello! I would like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your day, no matter where you are, or what you do.



"Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow."
-Edward Sandford Martin


Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

10.15.2010

Friday Favorites: 10/15/2010

"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving."
-H.U. Westermayer


Hello! I hope you have had a wonderful week - mine flew by! For today's Friday Favorites I will be featuring items to decorate your home and table for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and I go all out for it! What is not to love? Good food, cool weather, good food, family and friends, good food, oh and I cannot forget the pie!! ENJOY!

"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action."
-W.J. Cameron


My creation

1.) Autumn leaves (orange), place cards
2.) Thanksgiving place card holders
3.) Cornucopia door basket Wreath
4.) Thanksgiving Place Cards
5.) Large Pinecone and wild rosehip wreath
6.) Woodland Stoneware Platter Tray
7.) Fall cornucopia centerpiece
8.) Block print linen napkins


Thought of the Day:

"Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live."
-Jacqueline Winspear


Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

11.26.2009

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2009!





"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
-John Fitzgerald Kennedy








"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving."
-H.U. Westermayer








"Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart."
-Seneca






Wishing everyone a day filled with love and laughter!

11.13.2009

Foodie Friday!!

Hello!

Welcome to Foodie Friday!
You know what that means - Recipes!!!

Thanksgiving recipes to be exact!

Enjoy!

The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.
-H.U. Westermayer


Turkey Gravy

Turkey gravy is the perfect complement to roast turkey. It is especially delicious when made from the pan juices, enhanced with turkey or chicken stock.

Servings: 2.5 Cups

Ingredients:

* Pan drippings from roasted turkey
* 3/4 cup water
* 3 Tbs. unsalted butter
* 3 Tbs. all-purpose flour
* 2 cups turkey or chicken stock, lightly salted
* Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

1.) Skim and discard any fat from the turkey drippings in the roasting pan.
2.) Add the water to the pan and set over medium heat.
3.) Boil for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom and sides of the pan.
4.) Transfer to a bowl.
5.) In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
6.) When the butter bubbles, add the flour and stir rapidly for a few seconds to cook the flour.
7.) Rapidly whisk in the reserved pan drippings and the stock.
8.) Cook until the gravy is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 1 to 2 minutes.
9.) Season with salt and pepper.
10.) Pour the gravy into a warmed sauce-boat or wide-mouthed pitcher for serving.


If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.
-Meister Eckhart





Old Fashioned Biscuits

Servings: 12 Biscuits

Ingredients:

* 2 cups soft winter-wheat flour
* 1 Tbs. baking powder
* 1/2 tsp. salt
* 12 Tbs. (1 1/2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* 1/2 cup half-and-half

Directions:

1.) Preheat an oven to 500°F.
2.) Over a sheet of waxed paper, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt and sift again.
3.) Put the flour mixture in a large bowl and add the butter.
4.) Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, mix the flour and butter together until the mixture resembles small, coarse crumbs.
5.) Add the half-and-half and, using a fork, stir to form large, moist clumps.
6.) Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
7.) With floured hands, press the dough together to form a large ball.
8.) Roll out the dough to 1/2-inch thickness, dusting with more flour as needed.
9.) Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out the dough and transfer the rounds to an ungreased baking sheet; gather the scraps and repeat.
10.) Bake, rotating the pan once halfway through baking, until the biscuits are golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.


Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude.
-E.P. Powell




Pecan Tart

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

For the pastry dough:

* 1 1/4 cups soft winter-wheat flour
* 1/2 tsp. salt
* 1/4 cup cold solid vegetable shortening
* 4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 3 to 6 Tbs. ice water

For the filling:

* 3/4 cup sugar
* 3/4 cup light corn syrup
* 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 3 eggs, lightly beaten
* 2 Tbs. bourbon (optional)
* 1 Tbs. grated orange zest
* 1 tsp. vanilla extract
* 1/4 tsp. salt
* 1 cup pecan halves, plus 1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Directions:

To make the pastry:

1.) In a bowl, stir together the flour and salt.
2.) Add the shortening and cut in with a pastry blender, 2 knives or your fingers until the mixture resembles cornmeal.
3.) Add the butter and cut in until it forms tiny pea-size balls.
4.) Add the ice water a little at a time, stirring and tossing with the pastry blender or a fork until the mixture holds together.
5.) Gather the dough into a ball and flatten into a disk.
6.) Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
7.) On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough into an 11-inch round about 1/8 inch thick.
8.) Fold the round into quarters and place in a 9 1/2-inch nonstick or traditional tart pan with a removable bottom.
9.) Unfold, then press gently into the bottom and sides of the pan. Trim the overhang even with the pan rim.
10.) Refrigerate until ready to fill.
11.) Position a rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat to 325°F.

To make the filling:

1.) In a bowl, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, bourbon, orange zest, vanilla, salt, pecan halves and chopped pecans.
2.) Pour into the chilled pastry shell and place the pan on a baking sheet.
3.) Bake until the center is slightly soft to the touch, the edges are set and the crust is golden brown, 45 to 55 minutes.
4.) Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for 30 minutes.
5.) Remove the pan sides and slide the tart off the pan bottom onto a serving plate.
6.) Serve warm or at room temperature.


Have fun planning your Thanksgiving feast - I know I am!

Until tomorrow: Go Ahead and Indulge!

11.05.2009

Thanksgiving Thursday!

Hello & Welcome!

Every Thursday for the next few weeks will now be known as: Thanksgiving Thursday!

I will be sharing favorites that I prepare on Thanksgiving!

Enjoy!


Sausage, Chestnut and Mushroom Dressing



I adapted this recipe from a William-Sonoma recipe that I found years ago.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

* 4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
* 1 1/2 lb. mild Italian sausage, casings removed
* 2 yellow onions, diced
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 7 oz. cremini mushrooms, quartered
* 1 tsp. minced thyme
* 1 1/2 tsp. minced sage
* 2 tsp. kosher salt
* Freshly ground pepper, to taste
* 1 cup roasted and peeled chestnuts, halved
* 1 package (1 lb.) Focaccia stuffing (I but this from William-Sonoma)
* 2 Tbs. minced parsley
* 3 to 4 cups chicken stock, warmed

Directions:

1.)Preheat an oven to 375°F.
2.)Grease a 3-quart baking dish with 1 Tbs. of the butter.
3.)In a large fry pan over medium-high heat, cook and crumble
the sausage until cooked through, about 7 minutes.
4.)Transfer sausage to a plate.
5.)In the same pan over medium heat, melt the remaining 3 Tbs. butter.
6.)Add the onions and fennel and saute until soft, 10 to 12 minutes.
7.)Add the garlic, mushrooms, thyme, sage, salt and pepper and cook,
stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and beginning
to brown, about 12 minutes.
8.)Let mixture cool to room temperature.
9.)In a very large bowl, combine the sausage, vegetable mixture,
chestnuts, stuffing and parsley.
10.)Stir in the stock 1/2 cup at a time, making sure it is completely
absorbed into the croutons.
11.)Taste a crouton; it should be moist throughout but not crunchy or mushy.
You may not need all of the stock.
12.)Transfer the stuffing to the prepared baking dish (#2), cover with foil
and bake for 20 minutes.
13.)Remove the foil and continue baking until the top is golden brown and crisp.



Broccoli Rabe with Pancetta and Garlic



This is my husbands favorite!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

* 2 lb. broccoli rabe, trimmed & cut into bite-sized pieces
* 3 oz. pancetta, diced
* 3 garlic cloves, chopped
* 2 to 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
* Small pinch of hot red pepper flakes
* Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* Juice of 1⁄2 lemon, or to taste

Directions:

1.)Bring a large saucepan three-fourths full of water to a boil.
2.)Add the broccoli rabe and cook until just tender,about 5 minutes.
3.)Drain and set aside.
4.)In a fry pan over medium-high heat, saute the pancetta until
lightly crisp, about 5 minutes.
5.)Add the garlic, 2 Tbs. of the olive oil and the red pepper flakes
and saute until the garlic is just slightly colored, about 1 minute.
6.)Add the broccoli rabe, adding more oil if needed to prevent scorching,
and toss it with the garlic mixture until tender and heated through,
about 1 to 2 minutes.
7.)Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and grind black pepper over top.
8.)Add the lemon juice and toss well.
9.)Serve immediately.


Baked Corn Casserole



Last, but certainly not least is my ALL TIME FAVORITE!

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

* 2 large eggs
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup melted butter
* 1 can (16 oz.) whole kernel corn (drained)
* 1 can (16 oz.) creamed corn
* 1 Pkg. Jiffy© corn muffin mix
* 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

1.)Preheat oven to 350.
2.)Lightly spray a 13x9 baking dish with nonstick spray
3.)Add all ingredients to a large bowl.
4.)Mix well (will be lumpy)
5.)Add the entire mixture to your prepared pan.
6.)Bake on middle shelf for 40 minutes, until set & golden.
7.)If needed, cover with aluminum foil during baking to prevent
casserole from getting to dark.
8.)Top with grated cheddar cheese.
9.)Bake 10 minutes more or until cheese has melted.
10.)Cut into slices and serve.


Until Tomorrow:
Go Ahead & Indulge!

11.01.2009

Salivation Sunday

Hello!

Welcome to Salivation Sunday!
Until Thanksgiving I will be sharing recipes that I love to serve my guests!

Buon Appetito!

Today: Appetizers





Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Crostini

Serving Size: 1 crostini
Number of Servings: 24

Ingredients:

* 1 baguette, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
* 1/4 cup plus 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
* 2 garlic cloves, peeled
* 1 cup roasted red peppers, coarsely chopped
* 2 Tbs. slivered almonds, toasted
* 3 Tbs. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
* 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
* 1 tsp. lemon juice
* Pinch of cayenne pepper
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* 4 oz. goat cheese


Directions:

1.) Preheat an electric panini press.
2.) Place baguette on a baking sheet & brush lightly (both sides) w/ 1/4 C. olive oil.
3.) Working in batches, place bread slices on panini press & cook until light brown.
4.) Transfer crostini to a baking sheet.
5.) While the crostini are still warm, rub the top of each w/ 1 of the garlic cloves.
6.) Set aside.
7.) In a food processor, combine red peppers, 1 garlic clove, almonds, parmigiano-reggiano, 3 Tbs. parsley, lemon juice, 2 tsp. olive oil & cayenne pepper.
8.) Pulse until a coarse puree forms.
9.) Season with salt and black pepper.
10.) Preheat an oven to 350°F.
11.) Place the crostini in a single layer on a baking sheet.
12.) Spread about 2 tsp. of the goat cheese on each crostini.
13.) Bake until the cheese is slightly soft & the crostini are warm, about 5 min.
14.) Transfer to a platter & top each crostini with 1 Tbs. of red pepper pesto.
15.) Sprinkle with the remaining 1 Tbs. parsley.






Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese

Serving Size: 4 Dates
Number of Servings: 6

Ingredients:

*1 Tbs. olive oil
*2 Tbs. fine dried bread crumbs
*24 large dates, preferably Medjool
*1/4 lb. soft fresh goat cheese


Directions:

1.) Preheat an oven to 375°F.
2.) Lightly oil a baking dish just large enough to hold the dates in a single layer.
3.) In a small fry pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
4.) Add bread crumbs & cook, stirring, until bread crumbs are golden brown, 1 minute.
5.) Remove the pan from the heat, transfer the bread crumbs to a plate and let cool.
6.) Using a small knife, make a small lengthwise incision in each date.
7.) Carefully remove the pits.
8.) Stuff 1 tsp. of the goat cheese into the cavity left by each date's pit.
9.) Arrange the dates, with the goat cheese side facing up, in the prepared dish.
10.) Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top.

(Dates can be prepared up to this point, 24 hours in advance. Store, tightly covered, in the refrigerator.)

11.) Bake the dates until warmed through, 10 to 12 minutes.
12.) Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm.


I hope you are able to make these great recipes and enjoy them as much as I do.

Until Tomorrow:

Go Ahead and Indulge!

10.30.2009

Foodie Friday!

Yeah it is Friday!
However, as a SAHM I really do not think that holds much meaning. Do you?

Since every place I look is all gun-ho for Christmas, I decided to focus on the holiday that gets lost in the mix:

Thanksgiving!!!!!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! I mean what is not to love? Family, Food and Fun!

Oh and did I mention food?

We usually, much to my chagrin, go away for Thanksgiving!

However - this year everyone is coming to my home! I am so excited - I have not cooked an "OFFICIAL" Thanksgiving meal in 3 years!!!

I have my tried and true favorites and have already purchased many of them!

Today I will be sharing these wonderful products and in upcoming posts will share recipes using these ingredients!


Tuesday I headed to the mall and hit my FAVORITE store: Williams-Sonoma!!!
I do not know what I would do without that place!!!



We buy these turkeys all the time and they are wonderful!


Willie Bird Organic Free-Range Turkey






Don't feel like making your gravy from scratch, well this makes an awesome gravy!

Turkey Gravy Base





Hot soup that tastes great and is easy to make! This is a favorite in our home!

Organic Butternut Squash Puree





This next ingredient can be used so many ways - I always have it in my pantry!

Pecan Pumpkin Butter





Personally, I do not like cranberry sauce, but this is my husbands favorite!

Apple-Orange Cranberry Relish




Well, there are more, but you get the picture!!!
Coming next - recipes incorporating these ingredients!

Until tomorrow:
Go Ahead and Indulge!

10.05.2009

ACEO-X (2.0): Autumn

Hello!




ACEO-X (2.): Autumn has arrived!


I am so excited! ACEO-X (1.0) was
so much fun! I actually received two ACEO's!

For those of you who are not familiar with
ACEO's here is a little primer on them!


-ACEO's or Art Cards, Editions and Originals are miniature
works of art the size of a baseball or playing card.
-They can be framed or stored in an album. ACEOs can be
created in any medium available in the art world.
-There are no rules limiting the artist, except that the
dimensions have to be 2.5" x 3.5".
-They're a great way of collecting original art, at an
affordable price. Start your collection today!


This is a really fun way to get creative and receive a
great ACEO for your collection!

To find out more, read the rules or sign up please visit:
Ulixis Crafts!

So what are you waiting for? I have already signed up!

Until Tomorrow:

Go Ahead and Indulge!