Category: Holiday

Turkey Day is Done, Christmas has Begun!

CarrieLeave a comment

This year I had a quiet Thanksgiving at home with my parents. Every year I go out to the local bar and see everyone come home with their significant others. While I wish that some day I find someone to share the holidays with, I am quite content with sharing the holiday season with friends and family. I gathered with friends on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday which made the holiday very festive. Since Turkey Day is over, it’s time to focus on Christmas.

I have quite a few Christmas parties scheduled in December. I need to decide if I want to create my own Christmas party as well. In the past, I have had a Tree Trimming Party and it was a success. If you’re looking for a party idea, that’s a great one because it gives your guests something to do and it gets your tree trimmed quickly.

I have already started the Christmas Extravaganza here at my house. I decorated the second floor today. Martha would be proud. The tree ornaments are from her line at Macy’s from a few years back.

This week I can tackle the main floor. On Wednesday, I am going into Philly to go to Macy’s (the old Wanamaker building) for some Christmas shopping and of course the light show. By the end of the week, I need to start writing Christmas cards and planning the holiday baking schedule. There is so much to do and exactly one month til Christmas. May the spirit of Christmas be with you all in the coming days.

Thanksgiving Recap

Sadie3 Comments

Well, another Thanksgiving has come and gone, and this one was pretty successful.  The menu looked something like this:

Appetizers:

  • Veggies and dip
  • Crackers with Blue Cheese Spread*
  • Soft Pretzel Bites and mustard (recipe to come)*

Dinner:

  • Turkey
  • Gravy
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Stuffing
  • Spicy Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
  • Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Almonds*
  • Steamed Broccoli*
  • Roasted Brussel Sprouts
  • Mixed Greens Salad
  • Cranberry Sauce*
  • Sweet Potato Biscuits
  • Squash rolls
  • Crescent Rolls (as in Pillsbury)

Dessert (all home made):

  • Pecan Pie
  • Pumpkin Pie
  • Apple Pie
  • Maple Walnut Ice Cream
  • Miso Ice Cream

* This means I made it by myself.  My mom made the rest with assistance from me, and my brothers.

My Favorite Part:

 

What was your favorite dish at the Thanksgiving feast?

Mine were the squash rolls (doughy and fabulous), and the pecan pie which was a new addition for us this year!

Pumpkin Spice Bread

Sadie2 Comments

First I want to wish best of luck to those in New Jersey and New York.  I hope everyone will have power and get back to their normal lives as soon as possible!

This is a simple post.  Pumpkin bread is delicious.  This is a recipe I have had years of success with.  If you are having house guests or need a hostess gift for something in the next month, made this bread.  If you are not having house guests, or do not need a hostess gift, make this bread.  Enjoy the pumpkin season!

Pumpkin Spice Bread

Makes 2 9 x 5 loaves, recipe from Epicurious

Ingredients

  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 16-ounce can solid pack pumpkin
  • 3 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 350.  Prepare two 9 x 5 loaf pans with parchment and nonstick spray.
  2. Combine flour, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. (you can substitute the multiple spices for pumpkin pie spice if you have it.)
  3. Wisk together oil and sugar.  Add eggs one at a time, then the pumpkin.
  4. Add dry ingredients in slowly.  Add in chopped walnuts if you want.
  5. Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes or until the tester comes out clean.