A feast to remember

A feast to remember

November 12, 2023 / 4 Comments

Sorry it’s been so quiet here of late. In addition to work (war/shootings/elections/etc.), I’ve been dealing with a few medical issues. But that’s a post for another time.

Today, I’d like to talk about Thanksgiving. One of my favorite holidays, it’s an annual celebration that seems to be specifically designed for people like me (i.e., those who love to cook, bake and feed others). I always go overboard, filling folks’ bellies to the brim with a mostly traditional feast. And though it’s an exhausting endeavor, I love the whole process, from planning to plate. I just wish I had a second fridge because mine always runs out of room.

This year we’ll be having a small gathering: M and I and another couple. One of them is a vegetarian. One of them is on a diet that’s gluten-free and low FODMAP. As I started to plan the menu, I told myself that while everyone will need several dishes they can enjoy, I don’t want to spend three days prepping the meal.

So after researching recipes and whittling down my list, I’ve decided to make only…. 12 dishes! Wait, how the heck did that happen?!?

Anyway, here’s our menu:

Appetizers:

Deviled eggs
Caprese salad bites

Main:

Roasted butternut squash with browned butter and hazelnuts
Turkey

Sides:

Broccoli cheese bake
Buttered corn
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Cranberry sauce
Biscuits (regular and gluten-free)

Dessert:

Pumpkin pie
GF chocolate cake bites with fresh berries
Cherries jubilee

What are you making?
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… just a bit early

November 26, 2022 / No Comments

Our neighbors across the street have this lovely house that looks a bit like a log cabin. The front features several big windows and a porch the length of the building where the owners stack the fuel for their fireplace. During the winter months, I love stepping outside at night to feel the cold air on my face, spy the smoke coming out of their chimney and smell that wonderful burning wood scent.

Last week, the neighbors decided to ignore the calendar entirely and put up their artificial Christmas tree. My first thought was, “Surely, it’s too soon. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet!” Then, I reprimanded myself. So what if it’s early? Perhaps they need a little holiday cheer in their lives right now.

The best part is… I get to enjoy their tree, too. When I’m sitting at my desk and working, I can peer out the window and see the colored lights of that tree shining brightly into the quiet of the night.
Careful about coronavirus but still it continues

November 18, 2021 / No Comments

Since the start of the pandemic, I’ve been very careful to avoid contracting COVID-19.

I am high-risk so I haven’t traveled or attended any parties or concerts. My book club meets via Zoom. I received the Pfizer vaccine as soon as it became available for my age group. I haven’t been inside a grocery store or visited a book shop in nearly two years. In general, the majority of my time has been spent either at home or in dentist offices. Due to the latter — and the negative/painful reinforcement I’ve suffered there — I’m starting to think becoming a full-time homebody is the way to go.

There was a brief period over the summer when M and I could enter the library and browse for books. We ate out for breakfast twice. I even rented an entire movie theatre for us and one other couple to celebrate his birthday because we’d all been vaccinated and cases in our area were low.

Sadly, that didn’t last.

Yesterday, state health officials announced more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases. We had more than 1,000 cases statewide the day before. Over 800 cases were reported the day before that. Hospitals in New Hampshire are now reaching capacity and pleading with the public to get vaccinated and avoid coming to the emergency room unless people are suffering from a trauma, a heart attack or breathing issues. There are just too many patients and not enough staff to go around.

Sadly, it’s only going to get worse with everyone gathering for the holidays and staying inside during the upcoming winter months.

It doesn’t have to be this way forever, though. We all just need to take care of ourselves and others. Wash your hands and get enough sleep. Obtain the vaccine, if you’re able, and the booster when it’s time. While you’re at it, get the flu vaccine as well. For those of us who are needle-adverse, there’s a nasal spray version available this year (Yay!). Utilize reputable delivery services and tip generously. If you know someone who’s elderly or immunocompromised, ask if they need any assistance; that way they won’t have to put themselves in danger in order to obtain basic goods and services. And avoid spending time in groups, but if you must, wear a mask and remain socially distanced.

Basically, be careful and safe, my friends. If we all do our parts, someday this damn pandemic will just be a bad memory.
Dreaming of a white Christmas

July 13, 2021 / No Comments

It’s that time of year — Christmas in July — and I’ve got mistletoe on my mind.

The maples and elms are full of leaves, but I’m already thinking of snow-covered pines, silver tinsel and golden garland. The fireworks have barely stopped echoing in the sky and I’m dreaming about taking our annual trek to the tree farms to find the perfect evergreen and driving around town to look at all the beautiful displays of light.

I want to plan my Christmas menu, combining traditional favorites with soon-to-be future classics. Or smell freshly-baked cookies that must be eaten warm with a large glass of milk. I’d like to trade in this tumbler of sweet tea for a massive mug of hot cocoa tinged with cool peppermint.

I long to sit on the couch, snuggled under blankets and cats, while black and white holiday movies play on the television. I’d much rather light a fire while a wintery wind howls outside than turn on the air conditioner once again.

If I concentrate, I can almost hear the silver bells that ring when the front door opens. The scratch of pens on paper writing pleas to Santa Claus or sending good cheer to family and friends. I yearn to listen to the carols of old while decorating the house in Currier and Ives fashion or wrapping presents in tartan paper and shiny bows.

But since it is Summer, I shall have to settle for placing the order for our annual ornament, knowing that in a few short months, it will be added to our family’s collection.

I can’t wait!
My natal day and Yule looms

November 19, 2019 / No Comments

I’ve received several requests from friends and readers about what I want for my birthday and Christmas. Cards are lovely. Letters are even better (snail mail address available upon request). And I’m never one to turn down presents.

But, if you really want to make my year, sign up to become an organ donor. Although 113,000+ men, women and children are on the national transplant waiting list, a shortage of organs means more than 20 people die every day waiting for a transplant.

One donor can save up to eight lives. Sign up now and one day, you could be a hero.