As I mentioned in my previous post with the Pomegranate Walnut and Apple Salad, I have been so fascinated with Moroccan foods, particularly with these salad plates. The display of colorful, healthy salads, for me, would be a meal in itself. Continue reading “Moroccan Carrot and Garbanzo Bean Salad”
I’m trying really hard this year to slow down and enjoy the holiday season, eat light and healthy and enjoy every day. I seem to do fine with eating healthy because it’s just the way I eat, but the hard part for me is in slowing down my pace. It’s just the way I am. Continue reading “Pomegranate Walnut and Apple Salad”
As that big day comes closer, turkey talk increases, to brine or not to brine debates ensue and worries over making the gravy creep in. As there are so many recipes for turkey, the same seems to go for the gravy. I have switched up my recipe over the years as well, but no matter the recipe there are a few basic steps. Continue reading “How to Make Ahead Gravy for Thanksgiving”
Isn’t this color just gorgeous?? I was so thrilled with this recipe, I just had to share with all you lovelies! Just like so many of you, I’m preparing my Thanksgiving menu. I have this huge binder of tried and true recipes that I refer to in creating my menu using traditional favorites from my mom and those newer ones that I found. I save each year’s menu, notes and comments, guests and table settings! Continue reading “Carrot Mash with Orange and Mint”
If I could pick my one favorite way to serve potatoes, it’s roasted. Rosemary, oregano, garlicky olive oil infused. Crispy salty edges and buttery soft inside. Most recipes prepare roasted potatoes diced or cut in small wedges and I’ve made them in that way endless times. It’s almost an automatic side when I think of any roasted meats….lamb, okay, roasted potatoes…roasted chicken, most definitely….roasted salmon, yep….roasted Italian sausages, of course who doesn’t love sausages with roasted potatoes and peppers, ….roasted Turkey, hmmm….Tday is coming up……and even with bbq ribs and as side for brunch! Continue reading “Roasted Sweet and White Potato Medley”
Have you ever been to one of those Brazilian or Argentinian Steak Houses? You know, when you have to prepare yourself days ahead eating light foods so that you can enjoy, or at least get a portion of your money’s worth, at these all-you-can eat Churrascaria restaurants!
Since my return to Florida, I’ve been invited several times out to dine till I die at Texas di Brazil, which is coincidentally located at The Villages of Gulfstream Park, so that once you’re filled up on food, you can stroll all the shops, boutiques and casino. (Feel free to click on the Village link and listen to the music as you read this…just as I am while typing this out! Continue reading “Gorgonzola Grape Salad”
Do you ever get something in your head that just consumes your thoughts and you just have to have it? And attempts to make it are unsuccessful… yet you refuse to accept defeat?
I’m referring to a cookie recipe here, but as I write this, I realize it’s actually how I react to almost every area of my life! I so don’t like hearing something won’t work, or can’t be done. I’ll keep trying until I’ve exhausted all my options feeling satisfied that all ideas, attempts and effort has been done. A close, long time friend caught on early to my personality saying that if he wanted to get me to do something, he’d tell me to do the opposite!! Darn… Continue reading “Pumpkin Pizzelles”
When I was growing up our Thanksgiving menu consisted of a big, gorgeous turkey, mashed potatoes, candied yams, green beans, salad, pasta, meatballs and sausage, pumpkin pie and birthday cake. Later that evening, sheet trays of homemade Sicilian pizza would be brought out just in case anyone was still hungry.
Pasta was served not only on Sundays, but all holidays, along with the meatballs and sausage as my father was not that fond of turkey. As for the birthday cake, well, that was for me. Since my birthday falls close to Thanksgiving and all the relatives were gathered together anyway, my birthday was celebrated. Continue reading “Corn, Kale and Butternut Squash Saute”
When shopping for a house, a car or finding a special outfit on salt, ”as is” makes me cautious. It means not perfect. It means I’ll have to make alot of repairs and changes.
But there are times when “as is” is actually very good. As in people…. love me as I am and I will love you as you are 🙂 And as in this pumpkin roll recipe by Ina Garten, as it is written is absolutely perfect, I would not change a thing! Continue reading “Pumpkin Roulade with Ginger Buttercream”
The Thanksgiving Dinner can be a challenge for even the best of us. Let’s face it, Thanksgiving is a feasting holiday. This is the dinner your guests have been waiting all year to enjoy. It’s a meal that needs to be timed to perfection as no one wants an overcooked bird or cold mashed potatoes. And to top that off, it seems that reviews of past years’ prize winning pies or failed attempt at biscuits are remembered… year after year.
I am sharing with you again my Thanksgiving Countdown. I actually enjoy planning and preparing for holiday dinners. Prepping ahead keeps me stress free and on schedule. However, all the planning, list making and scheduling cannot completely control the flow of life. Therefore, I set aside my perfectionism and get out of my own way.
Keep your menu simple and combine your family traditional favorites with new ideas and recipes. I’ll be posting my favorites this month and sharing ideas and tips along the way.