Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Let us be thankful for the friends and family that have been loving and loyal towards us.
And let us be thankful for the beauty and wonder that surrounds us.
via Webshots
Friday, October 9, 2009
Daily Aesthetic Fix
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Let us be thankful for the friends and family that have been loving and loyal towards us.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
T-1: Turkey Weekend Countdown - Thanksgiving Menu
Tasty Thursday
I could lie and tell you that this is the menu I plan to prepare for Thanksgiving... but the truth is that I've never made a big holiday meal like this before and tend to leave it up to the grandmothers of the family.
However, some day when I'm a "real grown up" this is a Thanksgiving meal I would like to serve ;)
Move over Nanna! And everyone else, get ready to roll yourselves home after this meal!
Hors d'Oeuvres
Cheese Balls: 3 ways
BASE Ingredients:
*1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
*3 packages cream cheese (8 ounces each)
*2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
*1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
*5 dashes hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
*1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
*1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
CHEDDAR AND CRANBERRY:
*8 ounces sharp orange cheddar cheese, finely shredded
*2 tablespoons store-bought chutney
*3/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
*Water crackers, for serving
ROQUEFORT AND WALNUT:
*6 ounces Roquefort cheese
*1 shallot, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
*2 teaspoons brandy (optional)
*1 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
*Vegetable chips (such as Terra Chips Sweets & Beets), for serving
GOAT CHEESE AND SCALLIONS:
*8 ounces goat cheese
*2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
*1/3 cup fresh curly-leaf parsley, finely chopped
*1 English cucumber, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices, for serving
For full recipe visit Martha Stewart
Shrimp Cocktail a la Kristy Style
Ingredients
To START
The surprise ingredient is peanut butter in this delicious soup!
Ingredients
*1/2 cup (125 mL) crème fraîche or sour cream
*1 tsp (5 mL) grated lime zest
*1 large plum tomato
*1 1/2 to 2 lbs (750 g to 1 kg) sweet potatoes (about 2 large)
*1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
*1 onion, sliced
*2 large garlic cloves, sliced
*4 cups (1 L) chicken or vegetable stock
*1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cumin
*1/4 tsp (1 mL) crushed chilies
*2 tbsp (25 mL) grated fresh ginger
*1/4 cup (50 mL) crunchy or creamy peanut butter
*1 lime2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh coriander or parsley
For full recipe click here or visit LCBO
MAIN COURSE DISHES
Exotic Mushroom-Stuffed Turkey Breast
Note: ask the butcher to bone the turkey breasts for you or you can do it yourself.
Ingredients:
*¼ cup (50 mL) dried porcini mushrooms
*2 tbsp (25 mL) butter1 shallot, finely chopped
*2 cloves garlic, minced
*1 stalk celery, finely chopped
*1 small carrot, finely chopped
*1 lb (500 g) exotic mushrooms, thinly sliced (such as shiitake, oyster, chanterelle)
*1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh thyme or 1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme
*¾ tsp (4 mL) each salt and pepper
*¼ cup (50 mL) chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
*2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh Italian parsley
*1/3 cup (75 mL) fresh bread crumbs
*1 egg
*1 boneless turkey breast (about 2½ lbs/1.25 kg)
*1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
*1 cup (250 mL) turkey or chicken stock
*1 tbsp (15 mL) cornstarch
*1 tbsp (15 mL) water
For full recipe visit LCBO
Ham with Demerara Dijon Glaze and Parsley Cream Sauce
Ham & Glaze
*9 lb (approx. 4 kg) bone-in, fully-cooked ham
*half, preferably spiral-sliced
*2 to 3 cups (500 to 750 mL) water
*½ cup (125 mL) demerara or dark brown sugar
*2 tbsp (25 mL) Dijon mustard
*½ cup (125 mL) dry white wine
Parsley Cream Sauce
*3 tbsp (45 mL) unsalted butter
*1 large shallot, finely chopped
*½ cup (125 mL) all-purpose flour
*Pan drippings and water
*1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
*1 bay leaf1 cup (250 mL) whipping cream
*1 cup (250 mL) finely chopped fresh parsley
*Several grindings of black pepper
For full recipe visit LCBO
SIDE DISHES
Turkey Gravy
Ingredients
*1/2 cup (125 mL) all-purpose flour
*1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt and pepper
*6 cups (1.5 L) turkey stock or sodium-reduced chicken stock
For full recipe visit Canadian Living
Simple Stuffing
My FAVOURITE part of the meal!!
Ingredients
*2 loaves Italian bread (about 10 ounces each), torn into bite-size pieces
*4 tablespoons butter, room temperature, plus more for baking dish
*4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
*4 shallots, minced
*2 garlic cloves, minced
*Coarse salt and ground pepper
*1/2 cup dry white wine
*1/2 cup parsley leaves, chopped
*3 large eggs, lightly beaten
*2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
For full recipe visit Martha Stewart
Ingredients
Vegetables
*½ cup (125 mL) peeled and chopped celery root, cut into ¼-inch (5-mm) dice
*2 tbsp (25 mL) unsalted butter2 cups (500 mL) oyster mushrooms, torn into strips
*¾ cup (175 mL) chopped zucchini, cut into ¼-inch (5-mm) dice
*Salt and freshly ground pepper
Risotto
*6 cups (1.5 L) chicken stock
*3 tbsp (45 mL) unsalted butter
*2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil
*½ cup (125 mL) finely chopped onion
*2 tbsp (25 mL) coarsely chopped celery leaves
*1 ½ cups (375 mL) Arborio rice½ cup (125 mL) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
*1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped parsley
For full recipe visit LCBO
Asparagus Spears with Dill Shallot Vinaigrette
Ingredients
*1 1/4 pounds asparagus, trimmed and stems peeled if thick (about 20 spears)
*1 large lemon, very thinly sliced
*Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
*1/4 cup Dill Shallot Vinaigrette
*Fresh dill, for garnish
For full recipe visit WholeLiving.
Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
*3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and sliced paper thin
*3 cups milk
*1 clove garlic
*3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
*Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
*1 cup heavy cream
*5 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
For full recipe visit Martha Stewart
Sweet Corn
Ingredients
*sweet corn (canned or frozen)
*butter
*salt to taste
Steamed Green Beans
Ingredients
*fresh green beans
*butter
*salt
DESSERT
Classic Pumpkin Pie
Makes two 10-inch pies
Ingredients
*1 sugar pumpkin, (about 4 pounds), halved, or 3 cups solid-pack canned pumpkin
*1 1/2 recipes Pate Brisee
*All-purpose flour, for work surface
*7 large eggs
*1 tablespoon heavy cream
*1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar
*2 tablespoon cornstarch
*1 teaspoon salt
*1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
*1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
*1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
*1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
*3 cups evaporated milk
*Whipped cream, for serving
For full recipe visit Martha Stewart
Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie
Who can resist a GIANT BUTTERTART?!?!
Ingredients
1 refrigerated pie crust (from 15-ounce package)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons milk
4 eggs
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup dark corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/4 teaspoon allspice, ground
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
For full recipe visit McCormick
Cinnamon Apple Crisp
This cinnamon-scented crisp is best served still warm from the oven, topped with a scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel ice cream!
Ingredients
*3/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
*1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
*8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold, cut into small cubes
*1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
*3 pounds apples, such as Empire, Gala, or Braeburn, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
*2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
*1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For full recipe visit Martha Stewart
Is anyone else hungry after that?!?
What do you have for Thanksgiving?
Do you enjoy a non-traditional meal with your family and friends instead of the traditional turkey dinner?
Are any of the above recipes going to be a new dish on your table this year?
K.
I could lie and tell you that this is the menu I plan to prepare for Thanksgiving... but the truth is that I've never made a big holiday meal like this before and tend to leave it up to the grandmothers of the family.
However, some day when I'm a "real grown up" this is a Thanksgiving meal I would like to serve ;)
Move over Nanna! And everyone else, get ready to roll yourselves home after this meal!
Hors d'Oeuvres
Cheese Balls: 3 ways
BASE Ingredients:
*1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
*3 packages cream cheese (8 ounces each)
*2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
*1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
*5 dashes hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
*1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
*1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
CHEDDAR AND CRANBERRY:
*8 ounces sharp orange cheddar cheese, finely shredded
*2 tablespoons store-bought chutney
*3/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
*Water crackers, for serving
ROQUEFORT AND WALNUT:
*6 ounces Roquefort cheese
*1 shallot, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
*2 teaspoons brandy (optional)
*1 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
*Vegetable chips (such as Terra Chips Sweets & Beets), for serving
GOAT CHEESE AND SCALLIONS:
*8 ounces goat cheese
*2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
*1/3 cup fresh curly-leaf parsley, finely chopped
*1 English cucumber, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices, for serving
For full recipe visit Martha Stewart
Shrimp Cocktail a la Kristy StyleIngredients:
*Frozen shrimp ring (from the grocery store)
*Cocktail sauce (from the grocery store)
Directions:
1. Thaw shrimp
2. Open cocktail sauce jar
3. Place both shrimp and sauce in appropriate serving dishes
image via Martha Stewart
Creamy Deviled Eggs 
Ingredients
*8 large eggs
*1/3 cup light mayonnaise
*1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
*1 teaspoon white-wine vinegar
*1 tablespoon minced shallot
*1/4 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco
*Coarse salt and ground pepper
*Paprika, for garnish
*1/3 cup light mayonnaise
*1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
*1 teaspoon white-wine vinegar
*1 tablespoon minced shallot
*1/4 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco
*Coarse salt and ground pepper
*Paprika, for garnish
To START
The surprise ingredient is peanut butter in this delicious soup!
Ingredients
*1/2 cup (125 mL) crème fraîche or sour cream
*1 tsp (5 mL) grated lime zest
*1 large plum tomato
*1 1/2 to 2 lbs (750 g to 1 kg) sweet potatoes (about 2 large)
*1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
*1 onion, sliced
*2 large garlic cloves, sliced
*4 cups (1 L) chicken or vegetable stock
*1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cumin
*1/4 tsp (1 mL) crushed chilies
*2 tbsp (25 mL) grated fresh ginger
*1/4 cup (50 mL) crunchy or creamy peanut butter
*1 lime2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh coriander or parsley
For full recipe click here or visit LCBO
MAIN COURSE DISHES
Exotic Mushroom-Stuffed Turkey Breast
Note: ask the butcher to bone the turkey breasts for you or you can do it yourself.
Ingredients:
*¼ cup (50 mL) dried porcini mushrooms
*2 tbsp (25 mL) butter1 shallot, finely chopped
*2 cloves garlic, minced
*1 stalk celery, finely chopped
*1 small carrot, finely chopped
*1 lb (500 g) exotic mushrooms, thinly sliced (such as shiitake, oyster, chanterelle)
*1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh thyme or 1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme
*¾ tsp (4 mL) each salt and pepper
*¼ cup (50 mL) chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
*2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh Italian parsley
*1/3 cup (75 mL) fresh bread crumbs
*1 egg
*1 boneless turkey breast (about 2½ lbs/1.25 kg)
*1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
*1 cup (250 mL) turkey or chicken stock
*1 tbsp (15 mL) cornstarch
*1 tbsp (15 mL) water
For full recipe visit LCBO
Ham with Demerara Dijon Glaze and Parsley Cream SauceHam & Glaze
*9 lb (approx. 4 kg) bone-in, fully-cooked ham
*half, preferably spiral-sliced
*2 to 3 cups (500 to 750 mL) water
*½ cup (125 mL) demerara or dark brown sugar
*2 tbsp (25 mL) Dijon mustard
*½ cup (125 mL) dry white wine
Parsley Cream Sauce
*3 tbsp (45 mL) unsalted butter
*1 large shallot, finely chopped
*½ cup (125 mL) all-purpose flour
*Pan drippings and water
*1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
*1 bay leaf1 cup (250 mL) whipping cream
*1 cup (250 mL) finely chopped fresh parsley
*Several grindings of black pepper
For full recipe visit LCBO
SIDE DISHES
Turkey GravyIngredients
*1/2 cup (125 mL) all-purpose flour
*1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt and pepper
*6 cups (1.5 L) turkey stock or sodium-reduced chicken stock
For full recipe visit Canadian Living
Simple StuffingMy FAVOURITE part of the meal!!
Ingredients
*2 loaves Italian bread (about 10 ounces each), torn into bite-size pieces
*4 tablespoons butter, room temperature, plus more for baking dish
*4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
*4 shallots, minced
*2 garlic cloves, minced
*Coarse salt and ground pepper
*1/2 cup dry white wine
*1/2 cup parsley leaves, chopped
*3 large eggs, lightly beaten
*2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
For full recipe visit Martha Stewart
Fall Vegetable Risotto
Ingredients
Vegetables
*½ cup (125 mL) peeled and chopped celery root, cut into ¼-inch (5-mm) dice
*2 tbsp (25 mL) unsalted butter2 cups (500 mL) oyster mushrooms, torn into strips
*¾ cup (175 mL) chopped zucchini, cut into ¼-inch (5-mm) dice
*Salt and freshly ground pepper
Risotto
*6 cups (1.5 L) chicken stock
*3 tbsp (45 mL) unsalted butter
*2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil
*½ cup (125 mL) finely chopped onion
*2 tbsp (25 mL) coarsely chopped celery leaves
*1 ½ cups (375 mL) Arborio rice½ cup (125 mL) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
*1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped parsley
For full recipe visit LCBO
Asparagus Spears with Dill Shallot VinaigretteIngredients
*1 1/4 pounds asparagus, trimmed and stems peeled if thick (about 20 spears)
*1 large lemon, very thinly sliced
*Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
*1/4 cup Dill Shallot Vinaigrette
*Fresh dill, for garnish
For full recipe visit WholeLiving.
Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
*3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and sliced paper thin
*3 cups milk
*1 clove garlic
*3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
*Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
*1 cup heavy cream
*5 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
For full recipe visit Martha Stewart
Sweet Corn
Ingredients
*sweet corn (canned or frozen)
*butter
*salt to taste
Steamed Green BeansIngredients
*fresh green beans
*butter
*salt
DESSERT
Classic Pumpkin PieMakes two 10-inch pies
Ingredients
*1 sugar pumpkin, (about 4 pounds), halved, or 3 cups solid-pack canned pumpkin
*1 1/2 recipes Pate Brisee
*All-purpose flour, for work surface
*7 large eggs
*1 tablespoon heavy cream
*1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar
*2 tablespoon cornstarch
*1 teaspoon salt
*1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
*1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
*1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
*1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
*3 cups evaporated milk
*Whipped cream, for serving
For full recipe visit Martha Stewart
Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie
Who can resist a GIANT BUTTERTART?!?!
Ingredients
1 refrigerated pie crust (from 15-ounce package)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons milk
4 eggs
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup dark corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/4 teaspoon allspice, ground
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
For full recipe visit McCormick
Cinnamon Apple CrispThis cinnamon-scented crisp is best served still warm from the oven, topped with a scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel ice cream!
Ingredients
*3/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
*1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
*8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold, cut into small cubes
*1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
*3 pounds apples, such as Empire, Gala, or Braeburn, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
*2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
*1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For full recipe visit Martha Stewart
Is anyone else hungry after that?!?
What do you have for Thanksgiving?
Do you enjoy a non-traditional meal with your family and friends instead of the traditional turkey dinner?
Are any of the above recipes going to be a new dish on your table this year?
K.
T-2: Turkey Weekend Countdown!
All-Things-Creative Wednesday
Pumpkins date back many centuries. The name pumpkin originated from the
Greek word for "large melon" which is "pepon." and was nasalized by the French
into "pompon." The English changed "pompon" to "Pumpion." Shakespeare
referred to the "pumpion" in his Merry Wives of Windsor. American
colonists in turn changed "pumpion" into "pumpkin."*
There are endless different fun and fabulous ways to use pumpkins for Autumn decorating. This year try adding a pumpkin or two or ten to your Thanksgiving festivities (pumpkin pie not included!)
Outdoor pumpkin decor:
Pumpkinscape
Pumpkin feeder
Gourd garland
Pumpkin planter
Painted Pumpkins:
Sparkle paint
Stenciled pumpkin
Elegant white
Decals
Pumpkin Tablescapes:
Pumpkin Cookware ;)
Pumpkin bowl
Pumpkin lid
Hollowed out pumpkins and Pumpkin illuminaries:
Pumpkin vase
Halloween isn't the only time for "jack-o'-lanterns"
Pumpkin potpourri dish
Pumpkin icebucket
Pumpkin candle holders
Pumpkin chandelier
Pumpkin basket
What are some other creative ways you decorate with pumpkins?
What pumpkin decor ideas from above are you going to use for your Thanksgiving?
K.
Images via: Martha Stewart Living, Better Homes and Gardens, Weddingbee, AngelicalGifts.com, Close to Home, Good Housekeeping, Jamie Oliver, Country Living
*Origin of "pumpkin" via Natural Health Education and Home Business Facts
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