Monthly Archives: November 2014

Give Thanks for this Thanksgiving Menu!

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Chowfancy

I’m not sure about you, but when I start planning the menu for any event, I tend to go overboard on the food. I don’t really mean too many leftovers, but more so that I try to make too many different dishes.

My new motto has become “Quality…not Quantity “. When I think of the motto, it reminds me to scratch at least two dishes from the menu. This way I am left with only the favorites, and I can concentrate on making them taste absolutely mouth watering.

This Thanksgiving I have put together a menu, that uses lots of fresh ingredients, many of which can be prepared a little in advance . The recipes are also super simple without giving up any of the taste!

The menu, which will serve ten guests, includes…

Fall Sangria, Pumpkin Bread,

Autumn Pear Salad, Pumpkin Ravioli Soup,

White Wine Herb Roasted Turkey,

Mom’s…

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Bacon Wrapped Berkshire Pork Roast

Bring back Sunday Supper with this unbelievably delicious Bacon Wrapped Berkshire Pork Roast!

I love spending quality time with family, and in our house, that usually means a meal is involved. When I was younger, Sunday was considered family day. Nothing formal was planned, but we knew that it was the day to spend together at home.

Now, with my own children, I try to carry on that tradition. It is mind clearing to know that there is one out of seven days, where there will be no schlepping, taxiing , organizing or play dating.

Having no plans allows us to do something spur of the moment, rest up, or simply have plenty of time to prepare a fun and delicious meal that we can enjoy together. That thought brings me to this fantastic oven roasted Berkshire Pork Loin.

So …bacon wrapped anything…has got to be good. But for those of you that have yet to try a Berkshire Pork Chop or Berkshire Pork Roast, you are in for a treat.

The Berkshire Hog is a heritage breed of pig which originated over 300 years ago in Berkshire County of the  United Kingdom.  Berkshire pork is the most highly sought after in the world. It is revered for its extraordinary marbling and rich taste. The Berkshire Pork that my Butcher carries is from Dartagnan and is raised on pasture, with no Antibiotics or hormones. One bite of this pork will make you a believer!

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Serve this Pork Roast alongside sautéed potatoes & fresh applesauce that you can make from those leftover apples you have in the fridge! Fresh and delicious…

 

Click through the gallery below for step by step instructions.

The full recipe including how to make the applesauce is posted below :

 

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Beef and Bean Chili Recipe

It may be chili outside….but this chili will warm you up on the inside!

Nothing is more satisfying on a cold day, than to simmer up a beautiful soup or one pot meal. This Beef and Bean Chili recipe can be whipped up in 45-60 minutes, so no excuses, keep your family toasty this weekend!

I served this chili with a beautiful salad topped off with fresh tomatoes, avocados, cucumbers and tortilla strips. Grate up some aged cheddar, and open up a bag of tortilla chips…quick and delicious!

 

Serve with grated cheddar, tortilla chips and a beautiful salad.

Serve with grated cheddar, tortilla chips and a beautiful salad.

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Give Thanks for this Thanksgiving Menu!

I’m not sure about you, but when I start planning the menu for any event, I tend to go overboard on the food. I don’t really mean too many leftovers, but more so that I try to make too many different dishes.

My new motto has become “Quality…not Quantity “. When I think of the motto, it reminds me to scratch at least two dishes from the menu. This way I am left with only the favorites, and I can concentrate on making them taste absolutely mouth watering.

This Thanksgiving I have put together a menu, that uses lots of fresh ingredients, many of which can be prepared a little in advance . The recipes are also super simple without giving up any of the taste!

 

The menu, which will serve ten guests, includes…

Fall Sangria, Pumpkin Bread,

Autumn Pear Salad, Pumpkin Ravioli Soup,

White Wine Herb Roasted Turkey,

Mom’s Cranberry Relish,  Sage & Sausage Cornbread Stuffing,  Grandma’s Sweet Yams

and Apple Berry Crisp to top it all off!

 

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Family traditions are so special and Thanksgiving is a beautiful time to reflect on them. This paper turkey was crafted by one of my boys nine years ago. A tradition that I have taken from my Mother in Law is displaying hand made crafts that my boys created in Pre School. Joann has hosted Thanksgiving over the past several years, and she always manages to pull out a different piece of artwork that has survived since her kids were little. ( Over 40 years now;) Time flies, and it is so much fun to look at the love and innocence that had gone to each hand crafted present.

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Love! This was written by one of my boys in Kindergarten:)

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A stuffed paper pumpkin made by my oldest son, when he was four! They aren’t bringing home these beautiful paper crafts anymore;)

 

 

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Grandma’s Sweet Yams

These delicious sweet potatoes can be prepared using fresh or canned yams. I usually  go for the fresh variety of any veggie especially when they are in season.  These yams are so simple to prepare. Thanksgiving morning you can clean and peel the potatoes and assemble the entire tray. Cover it, and set aside until the Turkey has finished roasting. The potatoes can cook at the same time and temperature as the Sausage Sage and Cornbread Stuffing!

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The Twelve Days Of Thanksgiving!

Nope, you haven’t read the title wrong. When planning any gathering you need to give yourself plenty of time to organize and prepare. For Thanksgiving I think twelve days of organizing makes for a smooth and lovely Thanksgiving Day Feast!

1. On the Twelfth day before Thanksgiving, this year that would be (today!) Sunday, November 16th, you should prepare your guest list and head down to the Butcher to order your fresh Turkey. The Butcher is  offering Fresh Bell & Evans Turkeys as well as Fresh Organic Turkeys from Dartagnan. Turkeys come in size ranges such as 8-10, 10-12, 12-14 and so on. You can figure on needing a pound per person, and five pounds for leftovers.

2. On the Eleventh day before Thanksgiving ( Monday November 17th) it would be helpful to decide on a menu. Think of past family traditions and dishes that you can include at your gathering. You may also choose to vary it this year, and try something new. Either way, it helps to get a plan of action written down. I will post a  simple menu that you may want to use.  It will include, Fall Sangria, Pumpkin Bread,  Pumpkin Ravioli Soup, Autumn Salad, White Wine and Herb Roasted Turkey, Sausage Cornbread Stuffing, Grandma’s Sweet yams, Mom’s Cranberry Relish, Garlic & Olive Oil String Beans and Apple Berry Crisp!

3. On the Tenth day before Thanksgiving (Tuesday November 18th) visit the grocer! Yes, it’s too early to purchase any fresh items, but there are certainly many things such as dry goods, paper goods, drinks, and pantry items that can be purchased today, alleviating a lot of last minute lugging!

4. On Wednesday November 19th, which is the Ninth day before Thanksgiving, take the time to look over the serve ware and dishes that you plan to use. Most of us only use these fancy dishes at the holidays and they may need to be rinsed or brought down from out of the way storage. Make sure that the silverware is polished and that you have enough place settings to suit your gathering.

5. On the Eighth day before (Thursday November 20th ) take the time to decide on linens and napkins. Look over the seating and make sure that you can accommodate a sit down dinner. Otherwise think about serving buffet style.

6. The Friday before Thanksgiving this year November 21st, is the Seventh day before the holiday. Today is the perfect day to head to the liquor store and purchase the wine and any special liquors that you may need. Also head over to the beer distributor and pick up some local harvest craft beers.

7. On the sixth day before Thanksgiving ( Saturday November 22th) Check to see that you have all of the cooking utensils and items. Important things to have on hand are,

  • Large pan for roasting the Turkey!
  • Large Spatula
  • Large Fork
  • Electric Knife for carving the Turkey
  • 2 cup measurer
  • Kitchen string
  • Turkey baster
  • Sieve for making gravy
  • Parchment paper-foil-food wrap
  • Blender ( if you plan to make soup)
  • Plenty of dish towels and pot holders

8. On the fifth day before Thanksgiving,(Sunday November 23rd) send an email to your guests. Include the time your gathering will start as well as the menu. This will firm up your headcount and let you know of any last minute changes. If there are any dietary issues amongst your guests, the menu will give them a heads up!

9. On the Fourth Day before Thanksgiving ( Monday November 24th) clean your house! You can also take this day to organize all of your cooking supplies and brush up the last minute shopping list.

10. Three days before Thanksgiving ( Tuesday November 24th) head out early in the morning to the food store. Pick up any items that on your fresh food shopping  list. Notice I suggest shopping on Tuesdays, I think this is the best time to visit the stores which seem less crowded. Stop at the florist and pick up a bouquet of flowers or centerpiece. Today you can also do some baking and prepare the simple cranberry sauce included on my menu.If you are feeling super ambitious, you can also set the table today!

 

11. The day before Thanksgiving ( Wednesday November 25th ) be sure to stop by the Butcher and pick up your fresh Turkey. You can come right home and prep it before placing it in the fridge lightly covered ,overnight.  Today you can also:

  • Make the Sangria
  • Make your place cards
  • Prepare the stuffing
  • Prepare String beans and place in ziploc bag.

 

12. Thanksgiving Day! Wake up early! Pre-heat your oven, and be sure to remove the Turkey from the refrigerator about an hour before you plan to put it in oven.  Today you can :

  • Peel and prepare your sweet potatoes or any other fresh veggies.
  • Prepare any appetizers, or soup this morning
  • Get that Turkey into the oven early enough, giving yourself plenty of time to heat the side dishes. Oven space is at a premium, so think ahead.
  • Now that you have taken twelve days to plan your gathering, you will also be lucky enough to have time to sit down for an hour and watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade! It doesn’t get any better than that!
  • Enjoy your family today, and remember to” Give Thanks”!

The Butcher and I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Sage & Sausage, Cornbread Stuffing

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We have roasted the Turkey, and The Butcher has demonstrated how simple it is to carve. The recipe for pumpkin bread will be a delicious starter to your meal, and Mom’s fresh cranberry relish, a fantastic accompaniment. It’s time now to master the stuffing recipe! This side dish could be my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner, although it’s just so hard to choose one:)

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Mom’s Fresh Cranberry Relish

 

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Make this simple Cranberry Relish and you will never serve it from the can again! Fresh cranberries, pineapple, walnuts and sugar combine to make this beautiful dressing…it is the perfect compliment to a roast turkey.

 
Ingredients:
One 10 ounce can of crushed pineapple
Three cups of fresh cranberries
Half cup of granulated sugar
Half cup of chopped walnuts
Juice of one lemon

Click through the gallery for step by step directions:

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