We all slept just a bit later this morning -- 7:30 for me.
Monkey bread was on the menu for breakfast -- even though I am certain we did not need any more food after Thursday!! I used the Pioneer Woman recipe for this -- and covered it with foil half way through the cooking time. It was picture prefect and tasted even better.
Cliff and Luke had Miranda up early too so she was home in time to join us for breakfast.
Next on the agenda for today was a trip to Guitar Center for Nick and Miranda. Miranda is in the market for a new guitar and Nick was along to advise. They came home about an hour later with a shiny new acoustic / electric guitar that is just perfect for her!!
Meanwhile I put together 7-layer salad that could go along with the leftovers for dinner.
Lunch was turkey sandwiches.
The time for a shower for me and off to work. My shift was 3- 11:30. The store closes at 11:00 -- rumor had it we could be there as late as 3:00am cleaning up. Turns out traffic at the store was very slow tonight -- we were cleaned-up and out the door by 11:45 -- woooo hooooo!!!!!
While I was at work -- Terry hung Christmas lights -- which look lovely. They had left over Jambalaya for dinner and played Monopoly -- a nice way to spend the day after Thanksgiving!!
So now I relax with my hot tea -- Dennis leaves in the morning -- I can hardly believe the time flew by so fast this year. So thankful for time together!!!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thanksgiving Day!!
Thanksgiving morning began with cinnamon rolls!! They were practically perfect this year! It seems the recipe we like best for cinnamon rolls is the one out of my bread machine cookbook. It is actually a caramel cinnamon roll recipe -- but this year I also made frosting to top them with. That made them over the edge yummy!!
Next Miranda and I made the bacon townhouse crackers. we were short on bacon. I think because I usually use 1/3 piece of bacon for each cracker -- but this year I used half. They were extra yummy -- and with the extra crackers I topped them with tomato and mozzarella -- Terry's suggestion and they were yummy. Once we put those in the over (they take 2 hours to cook) it was time to begin stuffing production.
This year I decided to add sausage to the stuffing. I took a family poll -- and everyone was willing to try it. The verdict -- next year no sausage. It really did not add much -- and I think it actually took away from the flavor I love so much. Now I know. During stuffing production I realized there were several things I need from the store -- so Terry went out for whipped cream -- lime-- eggs and milk. He went to Dominick's as Jewel closed this year. He claimed it was the best shopping experience of his life!!
We finished with the stuffing around 10:30 -- to early to actually stuff the bird. So we whipped up some artichoke dip so it would be ready to go in the oven later in the day. We stuffed the bird from 11:30 - 12:00. It was nice a blue coming out of the brine -- Miranda and I got it stuffed and wrapped in the cheese cloth when I checked the blog from last year and realized that I had forgotten to put butter under the skin. So we unwrapped parts and added the butter. Note to self -- read the blog from the previous year -- before beginning food production!! We put the bird in the 325 degree oven at Noon -- we were hoping for a 4:00pm dinnertime
Just before putting the bird in the townhouse crackers came out -- they were yummy as usual!! Next the artichoke sip went into the oven. I also began work on the mashed potatoes from the Pioneer Woman cookbook. These are some of the most luscious mashed potatos I have ever had. Could be the amount of butter, the cream cheese, or the half and half -- hard to tell!!
Next we made a new appetizer -- Apricot sweet and spicy meatballs. The meatballs are made from turkey and pork -- with bits of dried apricot in them -- baked in the oven. The sauce was meant to be mostly apricot nectar -- but I added apricot jam and barbeque sauce as well. They were quite a hit!! I see myself making them again for Super Bowl Sunday!! Along with the meatballs we had some cheeses and salamis. (This was in case Terry did not like the meatballs!!)
Now I informed the family -- no more snacks till dinner time!!
Next Miranda and I were set to work on sweet potato casserole, cornbread casserole, and green bean casserole -- but wait -- we forgot the creamed corn. So Miranda was off to Dominick's. This is a first this year -- trips to the store on Thanksgiving -- I need to be more careful with my shopping lists next year!!
So while Miranda picked up creamed corn -- I got the sweet potatoes in the oven. When she came home she mixed up green bean casserole while I mixed up the corn bread casserole. Next it was time for sweet potato casserole. Since we could not choose between crunchy topping and marshmallows -- we alternated them diagonally across the top. Now since this was the first time for sweet potato casserole we just HAD to taste it before it went into the oven. WOW was it good!!! I said to Miranda -- it's gonna be a close call between the mashed potatoes and the sweet. She responded -- Mom -- the mashed potatoes are great -- but this sweet potato casserole is HEAVEN!! Another new addition that will be around for a while.
Next we tidied up the kitchen -- set the table -- changed clothes -- check facebook. We found out that a friend of ours was without a table for Thanksgiving -- so we invited her to join us -- Miranda texted directions and she was on her way.
We took the turkey out of the over at 3:50 -- let it rest for 20 minutes and Terry began to carve. I quickly became apparent that some of the dark meat was not quite done -- so back into the oven it went -- Terry continued carving -- but now a small portion of the white was a bit under done. So back in that went -- just in time for the dark to be done. It all worked out fine -- and was great tasting -- but next year -- just a bit longer in the oven -- and I must be more careful with my placement of the meat thermometer.
We sat down to a fabulous meal -- and out friend Mel arrived only minutes after we began. It was wonderful to be able to share our meal with someone new -- and Mel was glad to be with us. My Mogan David wine was a bit soupy this year -- no idea why -- but all agreed it still tasted great!!
After a meal that put us all into food induced comas -- we cleaned the kitchen and then visited until about 7:45 -- when Mel needed to leave and Miranda had to head to Sandy's to house sit. I sent leftovers home with Mel, pumpkin roll with Miranda and we sat down to watch some Christmas light shows on you tube.
The rest of the might is a blur as I was too full and tired to do anything expect be glad that I was not working at 4:00am!!!
Next Miranda and I made the bacon townhouse crackers. we were short on bacon. I think because I usually use 1/3 piece of bacon for each cracker -- but this year I used half. They were extra yummy -- and with the extra crackers I topped them with tomato and mozzarella -- Terry's suggestion and they were yummy. Once we put those in the over (they take 2 hours to cook) it was time to begin stuffing production.
This year I decided to add sausage to the stuffing. I took a family poll -- and everyone was willing to try it. The verdict -- next year no sausage. It really did not add much -- and I think it actually took away from the flavor I love so much. Now I know. During stuffing production I realized there were several things I need from the store -- so Terry went out for whipped cream -- lime-- eggs and milk. He went to Dominick's as Jewel closed this year. He claimed it was the best shopping experience of his life!!
We finished with the stuffing around 10:30 -- to early to actually stuff the bird. So we whipped up some artichoke dip so it would be ready to go in the oven later in the day. We stuffed the bird from 11:30 - 12:00. It was nice a blue coming out of the brine -- Miranda and I got it stuffed and wrapped in the cheese cloth when I checked the blog from last year and realized that I had forgotten to put butter under the skin. So we unwrapped parts and added the butter. Note to self -- read the blog from the previous year -- before beginning food production!! We put the bird in the 325 degree oven at Noon -- we were hoping for a 4:00pm dinnertime
Just before putting the bird in the townhouse crackers came out -- they were yummy as usual!! Next the artichoke sip went into the oven. I also began work on the mashed potatoes from the Pioneer Woman cookbook. These are some of the most luscious mashed potatos I have ever had. Could be the amount of butter, the cream cheese, or the half and half -- hard to tell!!
Next we made a new appetizer -- Apricot sweet and spicy meatballs. The meatballs are made from turkey and pork -- with bits of dried apricot in them -- baked in the oven. The sauce was meant to be mostly apricot nectar -- but I added apricot jam and barbeque sauce as well. They were quite a hit!! I see myself making them again for Super Bowl Sunday!! Along with the meatballs we had some cheeses and salamis. (This was in case Terry did not like the meatballs!!)
Now I informed the family -- no more snacks till dinner time!!
Next Miranda and I were set to work on sweet potato casserole, cornbread casserole, and green bean casserole -- but wait -- we forgot the creamed corn. So Miranda was off to Dominick's. This is a first this year -- trips to the store on Thanksgiving -- I need to be more careful with my shopping lists next year!!
So while Miranda picked up creamed corn -- I got the sweet potatoes in the oven. When she came home she mixed up green bean casserole while I mixed up the corn bread casserole. Next it was time for sweet potato casserole. Since we could not choose between crunchy topping and marshmallows -- we alternated them diagonally across the top. Now since this was the first time for sweet potato casserole we just HAD to taste it before it went into the oven. WOW was it good!!! I said to Miranda -- it's gonna be a close call between the mashed potatoes and the sweet. She responded -- Mom -- the mashed potatoes are great -- but this sweet potato casserole is HEAVEN!! Another new addition that will be around for a while.
Next we tidied up the kitchen -- set the table -- changed clothes -- check facebook. We found out that a friend of ours was without a table for Thanksgiving -- so we invited her to join us -- Miranda texted directions and she was on her way.
We took the turkey out of the over at 3:50 -- let it rest for 20 minutes and Terry began to carve. I quickly became apparent that some of the dark meat was not quite done -- so back into the oven it went -- Terry continued carving -- but now a small portion of the white was a bit under done. So back in that went -- just in time for the dark to be done. It all worked out fine -- and was great tasting -- but next year -- just a bit longer in the oven -- and I must be more careful with my placement of the meat thermometer.
We sat down to a fabulous meal -- and out friend Mel arrived only minutes after we began. It was wonderful to be able to share our meal with someone new -- and Mel was glad to be with us. My Mogan David wine was a bit soupy this year -- no idea why -- but all agreed it still tasted great!!
After a meal that put us all into food induced comas -- we cleaned the kitchen and then visited until about 7:45 -- when Mel needed to leave and Miranda had to head to Sandy's to house sit. I sent leftovers home with Mel, pumpkin roll with Miranda and we sat down to watch some Christmas light shows on you tube.
The rest of the might is a blur as I was too full and tired to do anything expect be glad that I was not working at 4:00am!!!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving Day!!
I am too exhausted to poat about today -- today -- I will need to post tomorrow...
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday -- Final
The Jambalaya was fabulous!!! And could not have been made without Miranda's help -- thanks Mandy!! In between Jambalaya was also made pumpkin roll. It never ceases to amaze me that I can bake a cake -- roll it up -- unroll it -- fill it with frosting -- and roll it back up again -- I get nervous every time!! Miranda on the other hand is unfazed about it -- she just expects it to work -- because it always has!!
Pumpkin roll is one of our favorite Thanksgiving treats. Dennis informed me that it can also be frozen and kept for weeks at a time -- who knew!!
While making the Jambalaya -- the kitchen was so full of spices and smells wit was a little difficult to breathe. I was nervous that I had gone overboard of the seasoning again -- but no worries -- it was wonderful!!! Spicy -- but not overly so -- and great with bread and a glass of wine!!
After dinner we watched Priscilla Queen of the Desert -- it was awesome!!! Very enjoyable and nice to relax for a bit.
Now I have just finished the Bing Cherry Jello -- and the cranberries. I used orange juice, brown sugar, and dried cherries in the cranberries this year -- yum!! The cinnamon roll dough it prepping in the bread maker -- need to turn those into cinnamon rolls before bed.
Goodnight for now -- more on Thanksgiving!!!
Pumpkin roll is one of our favorite Thanksgiving treats. Dennis informed me that it can also be frozen and kept for weeks at a time -- who knew!!
While making the Jambalaya -- the kitchen was so full of spices and smells wit was a little difficult to breathe. I was nervous that I had gone overboard of the seasoning again -- but no worries -- it was wonderful!!! Spicy -- but not overly so -- and great with bread and a glass of wine!!
After dinner we watched Priscilla Queen of the Desert -- it was awesome!!! Very enjoyable and nice to relax for a bit.
Now I have just finished the Bing Cherry Jello -- and the cranberries. I used orange juice, brown sugar, and dried cherries in the cranberries this year -- yum!! The cinnamon roll dough it prepping in the bread maker -- need to turn those into cinnamon rolls before bed.
Goodnight for now -- more on Thanksgiving!!!
Wednesday -- continued
So after breakfast Terry and Dennis made a Menards run and I now have a new kitchen faucet as well as wonderful new candles!!! Gotta love Menards-- thank you Terry!!
While I was making taco dip -- 3 layers in I realized that I never purchased cilantro -- thank goodness for teenagers that can drive -- Nick was off to Dominick's in a flash!!
We also had rye bread dip as well as potato skins for lunch / mid-day snack. We all agree that potato skins are one of the best things ever -- and can not believe it took me so long to learn to make them!!
Now it is time to rest -- dogs are quite -- children are reading and playing Zelda -- pumpkin roll needs to be made -- and Jambyla -- but for now --- I rest....
While I was making taco dip -- 3 layers in I realized that I never purchased cilantro -- thank goodness for teenagers that can drive -- Nick was off to Dominick's in a flash!!
We also had rye bread dip as well as potato skins for lunch / mid-day snack. We all agree that potato skins are one of the best things ever -- and can not believe it took me so long to learn to make them!!
Now it is time to rest -- dogs are quite -- children are reading and playing Zelda -- pumpkin roll needs to be made -- and Jambyla -- but for now --- I rest....
Wednesday -- realization
So my realization for today is that when I comprise my menu for Thanksgiving week I should put a time estimate by everything. That way I will know that I will be in the kitchen the entire week!! Next year I plan to not spend the entire week in the kitchen -- it will either mean less food or more minions -- Terry has voted for more minions!!
Wednesday November 23rd
Thanks to a bark collar on Pepper -- we were all able to sleep past 6:30!! I woke around 7:45 -- and got working on getting the topping made for the french toast casserole. We popped that into the oven and got dished from yesterday put away.
The casserole smelled heavenly and looked beautiful when it emerged from the oven. There were varying reviews on the actual taste. Dennis enjoyed it -- likened it to bread pudding. Terry and Nick both thought the bread was somewhat too soggy. Next time maybe less bread -- less egg/milk mixture and more topping. But all in all it was very enjoyable and a nice addition to our breakfast choices.
Next it was time to get that turkey into the brine. This year I put the oven bags into the stock pot then the turkey into the oven bags. The I prepared the brine in smaller batches and poured it into the stock pot. This year there were no holes -- yet -- so hopefully that was a good method -- time will tell.
Now time for a short rest before the remainder of the day -- Miranda has left for school.
The casserole smelled heavenly and looked beautiful when it emerged from the oven. There were varying reviews on the actual taste. Dennis enjoyed it -- likened it to bread pudding. Terry and Nick both thought the bread was somewhat too soggy. Next time maybe less bread -- less egg/milk mixture and more topping. But all in all it was very enjoyable and a nice addition to our breakfast choices.
Next it was time to get that turkey into the brine. This year I put the oven bags into the stock pot then the turkey into the oven bags. The I prepared the brine in smaller batches and poured it into the stock pot. This year there were no holes -- yet -- so hopefully that was a good method -- time will tell.
Now time for a short rest before the remainder of the day -- Miranda has left for school.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Tuesday November 22nd, Day One!!
And the fun begins!!! I did the final shopping trip this morning -- at Walt's!! I forgot how much I love Walt's -- someone to help you where ever you look. There was even someone to help me pick out wine!! I do love Walt's. I closed last night at work -- so Miranda prepared the breakfast casserole which we are having this morning.
Dennis came in early -- so Terry went to pick him up while I completed the grocery shopping. I arrived home -- Miranda and I unpacked -- the casserole timer went off -- and in walked Terry and Dennis; timing could not have been more perfect!! The casserole was perfect!!!
Then I remembered that last year I made a blog -- so I read it -- and wow the things I remembered that I had forgotten!!!! This was a good idea!!!
Now we are all just hanging out -- so nice to have Dennis here again!! Later this afternoon we pick up Nick!!
We have just been hanging out and visiting -- debating the menu for the week -- there maybe some changes before all is said and done.
Miranda and I just made creme de menth bars!! These are a wonderful holiday treat that Patty Messersmith introduced us to. I usually to not make them until Christmas -- but Terry is not a fan of pumpkin -- so they are showing up at Thanksgiving this year. They are in the frig chilling.
Dennis and I leave for DePaul in just a little while...
We made good time getting into the city -- found a parking space right in front of U-Hall. It took only one trip to get all of Nick's things into the cruiser -- and we were off (not until I stole some dirty blankets from Nick's room for washing!!). Then we were on a mission to get Garrett's popcorn to bring home. We drove down Michigan avenue -- the lights were pretty at dusk. Found our way to where Garrett's used to be -- and there was a sign they had moved!! We quickly entered the address into the GPS and found it was right across the street (could the sign not have said that...). So around the block we went -- Nick jumped out -- we found an ally to wait in -- and 5 minutes later we were back on the road with our Garrett's!!
Traffic was heavy on the way home -- but uneventful -- we were home safe and sound by 5:30.
Broccoli dip, cheese, sausage, and wine made for a great snack before Grady's. We met Terry at Grady's around 8:30 and had a very lovely dinner.
Before Grady's, after Miranda came home from school, we put together the french toast casserole that will be breakfast tomorrow -- it is Paula Dean's baked french toast casserole. I have never had it -- but it sounds yummy -- we'll see...
Back home by 10:00 and most everyone was ready to crawl into bed.
Dennis came in early -- so Terry went to pick him up while I completed the grocery shopping. I arrived home -- Miranda and I unpacked -- the casserole timer went off -- and in walked Terry and Dennis; timing could not have been more perfect!! The casserole was perfect!!!
Then I remembered that last year I made a blog -- so I read it -- and wow the things I remembered that I had forgotten!!!! This was a good idea!!!
Now we are all just hanging out -- so nice to have Dennis here again!! Later this afternoon we pick up Nick!!
We have just been hanging out and visiting -- debating the menu for the week -- there maybe some changes before all is said and done.
Miranda and I just made creme de menth bars!! These are a wonderful holiday treat that Patty Messersmith introduced us to. I usually to not make them until Christmas -- but Terry is not a fan of pumpkin -- so they are showing up at Thanksgiving this year. They are in the frig chilling.
Dennis and I leave for DePaul in just a little while...
We made good time getting into the city -- found a parking space right in front of U-Hall. It took only one trip to get all of Nick's things into the cruiser -- and we were off (not until I stole some dirty blankets from Nick's room for washing!!). Then we were on a mission to get Garrett's popcorn to bring home. We drove down Michigan avenue -- the lights were pretty at dusk. Found our way to where Garrett's used to be -- and there was a sign they had moved!! We quickly entered the address into the GPS and found it was right across the street (could the sign not have said that...). So around the block we went -- Nick jumped out -- we found an ally to wait in -- and 5 minutes later we were back on the road with our Garrett's!!
Traffic was heavy on the way home -- but uneventful -- we were home safe and sound by 5:30.
Broccoli dip, cheese, sausage, and wine made for a great snack before Grady's. We met Terry at Grady's around 8:30 and had a very lovely dinner.
Before Grady's, after Miranda came home from school, we put together the french toast casserole that will be breakfast tomorrow -- it is Paula Dean's baked french toast casserole. I have never had it -- but it sounds yummy -- we'll see...
Back home by 10:00 and most everyone was ready to crawl into bed.
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