There are always first timers – in hosting one of the most important dinner parties in the U.S. Please note: The rules also apply to other holidays :). But I found these helpful suggestions and as we know felt the need to share. Check out what got my attention and for the rest of the 15 suggestions – visit here: {featured image source}
While discussing Thanksgiving with my mother a few days ago, I expressed my concern for keeping the menu healthy enough to continue my efforts to stay on track in my eating habits, which by the way I keep pushing on her, and my extended family. They may hate me now, but will thank me long-term when they see the results for a healthier living. Anyway, if you understand my struggle to keep it healthy this holiday season, here’s some helpful reminders to keep in mind and preach – hahaha – to the rest of your clan.
The holiday season is upon us, and with it there is much to consider. Like how to clean or de-clutter your home in time for Thanksgiving dinner. Or perhaps your kitchen lacks the necessary gadgets to prepare the meal, then again, what about a dinning room, and a fresh coat of paint and…well you get the idea. For that here are some helpful suggestions to get your started.
Brussels Sprouts are in season and naturally this is the time of year, I make this vegetable in so many variations and just devour a bunch in one sitting. So you can imagine my excitement when I saw this recipe and of course I had to share. Is your mouth watering yet? INGREDIENTS 2 slices thick cut bacon, chopped 1 pound brussels sprouts, halved 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil kosher salt and pepper 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/3 cup medjool dates, pits removed and chopped 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 8 ounces Halloumi cheese, cubed (continued)
In keeping up with my gluten-free menu this year, I have made my selection for thanksgiving desserts from here. And frankly, the choices are a refreshing alternative to the usual pumpkin pie and such that’s been served in our household year in and year out. Here are my picks for Thanksgiving 2016:
Hopefully we’ve bounced back a little – and can actually begin to think about the holidays ahead. I mean on Friday I sent out the general company holiday party invite to the San Francisco division – mind you scheduled for mid-January. But it was me doing my part to getting the staff to veer from their anger to more happy thoughts. Then of course I did a little shopping with a friend for holiday decor ideas and now I am putting the menu together right here this entire week – which has to include side dishes for the gluten intolerant guests, and those watching every bite they consume while everything tasting delicious of course. So, here we go. Today is side dishes: {featured image is wild rice chantarelles salad}
This year we’ve decided to stay home for New Year’s Eve. Actually, let me re-state. We will drive up to near Tahoe and stay indoors with family and friends. Mostly in our sweats, experimenting with a variety of drinks each one of us were asked to make this year for the group. Board games a must, trying to stay away from all things electronic as much as possible. (Let’s see if it will work) The part about staying off our smart-phones. Anyway, I found a list of drinks I’d like to make and just in case you are planning the same sort of celebration, mostly welcoming the new year within the comfort of your own home – then feel free to explore these and many more options:
The best Focaccia bread I’ve had, was in Portofino, Italy at any of the number of bakeries aligning the narrow pathways leading to the water’s edge. One in particular was Panificio Canale. I stuffed my face at one sitting or standing actually since there is no space to take a seat inside. And then brought some to go – which hardly lasted past the night. In San Francisco I often search for the best of Focaccia in our Italian neighborhood, North Beach, and although I find them here and there worth a try, they are not the same as the ones in Portofino. For this holiday season I decided to contribute to the get-togethers with home-made Focaccia, hoping to capture a little bit of Italy here .
I can’t believe we are a week away from Thanksgiving here in the states, and the planning begins for most people looking forward to entertaining. Here are a few recipes I stumbled upon which I consider a fresh take on the old tradition, especially for those who hate turkey as much as I do. Also, I take no credit for these recipes or photos, I’m just passing them along, so click away on the photo to be redirected:
As you know I follow many bloggers, and always appreciate the wealth of information from the blogger community, here and there sharing the details with my readers. Being a San Franciscan, I must say we have the best Asian Kitchens, traditional or Asian infusion, and I swear every time I turn around, another one is popping up in the city, exciting me to try each and every one of them. Anyway, one of my favorite bloggers here, had a recipe posted on her site I couldn’t pass up since it tapped into my Asian food cravings. Which happens on a daily basis, right around the lunch hour. This recipe I decided to try last night, except instead of using pork – which I don’t eat, I opted for Sweet Italian style chicken sausage from Trader Joe’s, adding my own touch to the very perfect recipe. Serves 6-8 as a side dish Ingredients Meatballs 1 pound ground pork 1 bunch green onions, diced 1 cup of cilantro, chopped 1.5 tablespoons of sugar 1 teaspoon salt …
rawsilkandsaffron.com 