Well hello November! Can you believe we are just 2 1/2 weeks away from Thanksgiving?!? I for one am in total shock at the rapid rate with which this year is coming to a close. I started Tasty Tuesdays back in June of this year and it seems like yesterday. What a whirlwind!
In honor of the month of Thanksgiving, I have decided to dedicate the next three installments of Tasty Tuesdays to some of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes. This is by no means an all-inclusive list, but rather just a few of my faves that I've been making for several years now.
Today's recipe is for a homemade cranberry sauce that I first made four years ago. Had I known how ridiculously easy it was to make your own cranberry sauce, I would have banned the canned version a long time ago. This is a recipe from Better Homes and Gardens and if you have never made your own cranberry sauce, this is your year to change that.
Ginger Lime Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:
1/2 C sugar (I use Splenda)
1/2 C pure maple syrup
1/2 C water
1 1/2 tsp finely shredded lime peel
2 T lime juice
1 12-ounce package fresh or frozen cranberries (I always use fresh)
1 tsp minced fresh ginger (I don't use fresh)
1. In a saucepan, stir together sugar, maple syrup, water, lime peel, and lime juice. Bring to boiling and reduce heat.
2. Simmer, uncovered, about 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.
3. Stir in cranberries and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in ginger. Simmer, uncovered, about 6 minutes more or until berries have popped and mixture starts to thicken, stirring occasionally. Cool.
I always make this a day or 2 in advance because it holds up beautifully in the fridge for several days. I love recipes like this because it allows me to cross something off my cooking/baking to-do list.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
a few tricks and a whole lotta treats
While I've never really been a huge fan of Halloween, I do like the opportunity to dress up, wear crazy makeup, eat yummy pumpkin treats and see my nieces dressed up in their insanely A-dorable costumes. This year's festivities included all that and a whole lot more.
Since I had a big bash to attend/host later in the evening, I headed over to see Minnie Mouse and her cat, Figaro in the early afternoon. Haylee and Meredith made quite the pair and I'm so glad I was able to snap a few photos with the girls. I am a proud aunt and happen to think my nieces are the cutest girls in the whole wide world. Check out Haylee's red lips in the photos...I die!
After I had properly documented (photographically speaking) my nieces' Halloween 2009, I hightailed it home to prepare for the night's festivities. First, I had to get busy icing the cake for the birthday boy. Who knew making orange icing could go so darn tricky? That icing is a finicky little bugger.
Once that was done lickity split, I had to get myself ready. Since I'm pretty much anti-spending any money on a costume I'll be wearing for one night, I put together a "fairy princess" ensemble combining a thrift store wedding dress (borrowed from a friend), fairy wings, a tiara and a wand (all borrowed from Pearl's dress-up collection). Twas a makeshift costume, but you can't beat the $0 price tag. I figured if I put on enough makeup and glitter, I could make it work. Once I had piled on more glitter than you would see at toddler beauty pageant, I was out the door and headed to a "Bloody Birthday Banquet."
Halloween happens to be my friend's (Nicholas) birthday. Obviously, the party planning crew (i.e. me) was in full swing for another rip-roaring birthday bash. Here is the text from the Evite:
Come one and come all, our dearly departed. It's time once again to get the party started! We'll eat and we'll sing. We'll dance by the pool. A birthday we're throwing for our favorite ghoul. Nicholas is aging and since you're his buddy, please come to a banquet that's sure to be bloody. Werewolves and goblins, a vampire or two, you better bring food or the food might be you. After dinner we'll toast and sing by the fire, then more guests will arrive in their ghostly attire. Your absence we would most certainly lament, so please, by all means, beware of the basement. All guest must select a course to provide. If you fail to do this, may fate be your guide. The night draws near and fills with more terror. Forgetting to RSVP might be your last error. So be sure to steer clear of the cellar with wine. We look forward to this time to drink and to dine.
I was given full access to his primo kitchen to prepare my dishes for the "potluck." To say it was a dream would be a gross understatement. I only wish I had such facilities at my disposal on a daily basis. I would definitely host my own cooking show and put it on my blog for your enjoyment. I digress...
I made baked shrimp with feta, tomatoes and artichokes, green beans with caramelized onions and pears and beer bread. Also included in the spread was pork tenderloin, mixed veggies, spaghetti (random), cornbread, salad and a couple of dips. I was a snob and ate mostly my own food - ha!
The dinner setting was as delightful as the food. There was a lovely table set up outside underneath a white tent with twinkle lights. It rivaled a scene out of a movie.
We also felt the need to test out the dance floor in between courses. Luckily, Krystal and I had the perfect ensembles and were more than up to the task. Some others joined in as well.
It was only a slight diversion and we were back to the food. Obviously, every birthday celebration requires a birthday cake. I baked up a real doozy: my rum-soaked cake with cream cheese icing.
After the candles were blown out, the cake had been cut (and devoured) and the kitchen scrubbed down, it was time to prep for the may-juh after party that was scheduled to commence at the witching hour. The haunted house had to be set up in the basement, the bedroom had to be turned into a photo studio (see pics below), the sink had to be filled with beverages, the fog machines had to be filled and the disco light needed to be hooked up. Whew! It was loco, but we got it done and it was time to party...or in my case, cut a RUG!
This party was B-U-M-P-I-N-G, BUMPING! Holy cow. I don't know if I've ever been in a house with so many people. And let me tell you that in the span of about 4 hours, I did NOT leave the dance floor for more than a few minutes. I was a dancing machine, and had the time of my life. Highlights included "Thriller," "Don't Stop Believing," "Groove is in the Heart" (shoutout to Michelle and the fousins), "Billy Jean," "Shout"...and so many more. Gosh, I don't think there was a song that didn't prompt me to bust a move AND sing out loud! Here's a video for your viewing/listening enjoyment.
Obviously, breaks for pictorials were absolutely necessary. Here are some of my favorite shots of the evening.
After the last bag of trash had been taken out and the last dish was dried, a few of us enjoyed a much-deserved dip in the hot tub. It was the perfect end to a memorable night and I'm so glad I was a part!
Since I had a big bash to attend/host later in the evening, I headed over to see Minnie Mouse and her cat, Figaro in the early afternoon. Haylee and Meredith made quite the pair and I'm so glad I was able to snap a few photos with the girls. I am a proud aunt and happen to think my nieces are the cutest girls in the whole wide world. Check out Haylee's red lips in the photos...I die!
After I had properly documented (photographically speaking) my nieces' Halloween 2009, I hightailed it home to prepare for the night's festivities. First, I had to get busy icing the cake for the birthday boy. Who knew making orange icing could go so darn tricky? That icing is a finicky little bugger.
Once that was done lickity split, I had to get myself ready. Since I'm pretty much anti-spending any money on a costume I'll be wearing for one night, I put together a "fairy princess" ensemble combining a thrift store wedding dress (borrowed from a friend), fairy wings, a tiara and a wand (all borrowed from Pearl's dress-up collection). Twas a makeshift costume, but you can't beat the $0 price tag. I figured if I put on enough makeup and glitter, I could make it work. Once I had piled on more glitter than you would see at toddler beauty pageant, I was out the door and headed to a "Bloody Birthday Banquet."
Halloween happens to be my friend's (Nicholas) birthday. Obviously, the party planning crew (i.e. me) was in full swing for another rip-roaring birthday bash. Here is the text from the Evite:
Come one and come all, our dearly departed. It's time once again to get the party started! We'll eat and we'll sing. We'll dance by the pool. A birthday we're throwing for our favorite ghoul. Nicholas is aging and since you're his buddy, please come to a banquet that's sure to be bloody. Werewolves and goblins, a vampire or two, you better bring food or the food might be you. After dinner we'll toast and sing by the fire, then more guests will arrive in their ghostly attire. Your absence we would most certainly lament, so please, by all means, beware of the basement. All guest must select a course to provide. If you fail to do this, may fate be your guide. The night draws near and fills with more terror. Forgetting to RSVP might be your last error. So be sure to steer clear of the cellar with wine. We look forward to this time to drink and to dine.
I was given full access to his primo kitchen to prepare my dishes for the "potluck." To say it was a dream would be a gross understatement. I only wish I had such facilities at my disposal on a daily basis. I would definitely host my own cooking show and put it on my blog for your enjoyment. I digress...
I made baked shrimp with feta, tomatoes and artichokes, green beans with caramelized onions and pears and beer bread. Also included in the spread was pork tenderloin, mixed veggies, spaghetti (random), cornbread, salad and a couple of dips. I was a snob and ate mostly my own food - ha!
The dinner setting was as delightful as the food. There was a lovely table set up outside underneath a white tent with twinkle lights. It rivaled a scene out of a movie.
We also felt the need to test out the dance floor in between courses. Luckily, Krystal and I had the perfect ensembles and were more than up to the task. Some others joined in as well.
It was only a slight diversion and we were back to the food. Obviously, every birthday celebration requires a birthday cake. I baked up a real doozy: my rum-soaked cake with cream cheese icing.
After the candles were blown out, the cake had been cut (and devoured) and the kitchen scrubbed down, it was time to prep for the may-juh after party that was scheduled to commence at the witching hour. The haunted house had to be set up in the basement, the bedroom had to be turned into a photo studio (see pics below), the sink had to be filled with beverages, the fog machines had to be filled and the disco light needed to be hooked up. Whew! It was loco, but we got it done and it was time to party...or in my case, cut a RUG!
This party was B-U-M-P-I-N-G, BUMPING! Holy cow. I don't know if I've ever been in a house with so many people. And let me tell you that in the span of about 4 hours, I did NOT leave the dance floor for more than a few minutes. I was a dancing machine, and had the time of my life. Highlights included "Thriller," "Don't Stop Believing," "Groove is in the Heart" (shoutout to Michelle and the fousins), "Billy Jean," "Shout"...and so many more. Gosh, I don't think there was a song that didn't prompt me to bust a move AND sing out loud! Here's a video for your viewing/listening enjoyment.
Obviously, breaks for pictorials were absolutely necessary. Here are some of my favorite shots of the evening.
After the last bag of trash had been taken out and the last dish was dried, a few of us enjoyed a much-deserved dip in the hot tub. It was the perfect end to a memorable night and I'm so glad I was a part!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
for your Sunday viewing pleasure
Here are just a few pictorial treats for you on this lazy (at least for me) Sunday afternoon. I figured if I wasn't going to do a legitimate post with actual content, I should at least provide you with some entertainment. You're welcome!
Hope you have a great rest of your weekend and check back tomorrow for (fingers crossed) a substantial post...
Hope you have a great rest of your weekend and check back tomorrow for (fingers crossed) a substantial post...
Saturday, November 7, 2009
cop-out post #1
My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.
He only, is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold;
I shall not be shaken.
Psalm 62:5&6
Yes, I realize I'm already resorting to an "easy" post, but in my defense, this scripture really spoke to my heart this week. I have been reading the book of Psalms for a couple weeks now, and I can't begin to tell you what an encouragement it has been.
If you aren't currently reading a particular passage in scripture/doing a Bible study, I implore you to dig into Psalms. Whatever it is you are going through at this particular point in time, be it joy or sadness, hope or despair, I can promise you these verses will most certainly uplift you.
May you have a blessed Saturday night!!!
He only, is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold;
I shall not be shaken.
Psalm 62:5&6
Yes, I realize I'm already resorting to an "easy" post, but in my defense, this scripture really spoke to my heart this week. I have been reading the book of Psalms for a couple weeks now, and I can't begin to tell you what an encouragement it has been.
If you aren't currently reading a particular passage in scripture/doing a Bible study, I implore you to dig into Psalms. Whatever it is you are going through at this particular point in time, be it joy or sadness, hope or despair, I can promise you these verses will most certainly uplift you.
May you have a blessed Saturday night!!!
Friday, November 6, 2009
it's official!
Inspired by Brookie, I decided to "make it official" and become a member of National Blogging Month. I figured I'm 6 for 6 at this point, so why not get crazy and make it known that I'm attempting to post every day for 30 days.
I'm feeling cautiously optimistic and figure if nothing else, I can resort to posting a scripture or a quote if/when I'm pressed for time. You may call this a cop-out, and to that I would say, you are right.
So make sure you check back and see how I do!
that's one doodle that can't be undid, homeskillet...
And I couldn't be happier! I can't believe I am just now posting this AMAZING news, but better late than never, right?
In case the (ridiculously adorable) picture above is not a total giveaway, my "little" (she'll always be little to me) cousin Li-Li is PREGNANT!!! Yes, this is the same cousin who got married this summer. Nothing like getting a head start on things, eh?
Lianna and Ed are ecstatic at becoming parents, and I for one cannot wait to meet the little babe, be it a boy or girl. On a side note, it should be known when Lianna called to give me the news, I was screaming out loud in the car...literally shrieking. I was SO not expecting it and she totally caught me off-guard - love it!
So congrats fuzz! You are the cutest little pregnant girl I've ever seen and I can't wait to see your bump in person!!! Until then, keep it a-cookin'!
In case the (ridiculously adorable) picture above is not a total giveaway, my "little" (she'll always be little to me) cousin Li-Li is PREGNANT!!! Yes, this is the same cousin who got married this summer. Nothing like getting a head start on things, eh?
Lianna and Ed are ecstatic at becoming parents, and I for one cannot wait to meet the little babe, be it a boy or girl. On a side note, it should be known when Lianna called to give me the news, I was screaming out loud in the car...literally shrieking. I was SO not expecting it and she totally caught me off-guard - love it!
So congrats fuzz! You are the cutest little pregnant girl I've ever seen and I can't wait to see your bump in person!!! Until then, keep it a-cookin'!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
tickled blue
Since Brooke is technically my "first friend" (as in, my age, not my sister's friend, not a family member, etc.) to be "for shizz up the spout" (i.e. with child), I couldn't pass up the chance to post the sex of the baby.
here's a little pictorial of the fab four and don't worry, this was pre-preggo status
(I totally stole the pic off Meg's blog, but I LOVE it and had to use it in my post.)
So just in case you couldn't infer from the title, Brookie (and Freeland) are having a BOY!!!
As she said on her blog, they were 100% convinced they were having a girl, so this came as quite a surprise. Nonetheless, they are thrilled and so am I. I cannot wait to meet their little boy, and am still in shock that my high school friend's eggo is preggo. Seems like yesterday we were watching the SNL Chris Farley special, working at Sonic, quoting "A Night at the Roxbury," eating at Joe's Crab Shack and just being too cool for school in general. I guess some people decided to grow up...ha ha.
Congrats Brooke and Freeland on the big news!
here's a little pictorial of the fab four and don't worry, this was pre-preggo status(I totally stole the pic off Meg's blog, but I LOVE it and had to use it in my post.)
So just in case you couldn't infer from the title, Brookie (and Freeland) are having a BOY!!!
As she said on her blog, they were 100% convinced they were having a girl, so this came as quite a surprise. Nonetheless, they are thrilled and so am I. I cannot wait to meet their little boy, and am still in shock that my high school friend's eggo is preggo. Seems like yesterday we were watching the SNL Chris Farley special, working at Sonic, quoting "A Night at the Roxbury," eating at Joe's Crab Shack and just being too cool for school in general. I guess some people decided to grow up...ha ha.
Congrats Brooke and Freeland on the big news!
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