All posts filed under: Thanksgiving healthy cooking

Weekend Conversation Starter

Published by

I’ve been watching The Crown season 5 on Netflix, one episode a night. The sad truth is, midway through an episode, I fall asleep or zone out. And my partner in crime turns off the television, disappointed that I am not keeping up. I don’t know about you, but for some strange reason season 5 has been a bit difficult for me to watch for so many reasons. Are you having the same issues? If so please tell me why? Photo source and full credit One film I do recommend is Where the Crawdads Sing, past the novel, the film is captivating and very well paced. I’ve read the book, and normally films do not do justice to the story. But in this instance, the filmmaker took all the right precautions to ensure the screen version captured the essence of the well written story. Image source and full credit Where are we with Thanksgiving? I mean this is the first year for me where I am not the host and since my mother is unable …

Collection of Recipes – Thanksgiving 2021

Published by

The countdown has begun here in the states, and the pressure is on naturally for all those planning to feed the clan. I, for one, have not slept for more than a few hours each night this week. Can’t really say it is because of Thanksgiving dinner. But when I am up, I do think about dessert and some of the trimmings. Then I mentally scan the cupboards to note which and what ingredients might be missing. Now, although I am planning on remaining basic, in terms of the menu. I do find myself wanting to switch it up a bit…mostly the sides and you guessed it, desserts. Here’s a link to Turkey, or a bird of your choice recipes to consider.

Topics of Interest

Published by

It’s only Thursday, but for my post time-change-over-the-weekend brain, it feels like it should be a Saturday or June for that matter. Nevertheless, my day is filled with meetings. To the point that sitting still during a video call with a poker face is becoming more and more challenging. As I find my mind drifting off to the winding and narrow back streets of Cannes. Yes the one in France. That’s where I am inside my head, while perched on a ergonomic chair, looking at the camera. Why Cannes, I don’t know. But 20 minutes into a meeting, and I am whisked away to those streets. When the meetings are done, I walk from my desk to my bed and lay there for a second or two in an effort to clear my head or plan dinner. That is until someone pings me for attention… So in case you feel the need to escape from all things mundane, read on. For the love of Downtown Abbey, you’ll be glad to know the sequel A New …

Thanksgiving…

Published by

A co-worker of mine tucked away in a far far away place – somewhere in the northern hemisphere asked if I were celebrating Thanksgiving with family this year. Sure, I said, with my every day family. I’m cooking as usual, but not the traditional turkey, which for years, I’ve mentioned not a popular bird in our home. So chicken it will be, plus all the trimmings I don’t mind making enough for leftovers. Because you see the week after thanksgiving will be the busiest week at my day job. and oh before I forget – check out this handy guide to finding just about any recipe – Thanksgiving or not. What are you doing this thanksgiving? Will you be travelling to family, staying home, or not even considering the holiday for any number of reasons?

Food: Fall Recipes To Consider

Published by

I’ve ran out of ideas, and with the weather inching more towards cooler temps in the bay area, I am craving hearty and rich foods, cakes and all things cinnamon and spice. So to share with all of you my go-to right now for ideas – yummy to the mushroom pasta here – I have included the source you’d need to dabble in all your family cooking: Just to name a few – for the rest go here Are there any recipes you found, that you’d like to share?

Food: Holiday Series – Thanksgiving Main Course

Published by

I am not a fan of Turkey, never have been and I doubt I’ll ever be. So this year, while searching for a main dish recipe I can live with, I stumbled upon this one, while reading an article on ‘how to have a sustainable Thanksgiving.’  And guess what? We are having A butternut Squash Vegducken! INGREDIENTS 1 cup pecans 1 (7 1/2″-long) zucchini 1 (9 1/2″-long) globe eggplant 1 (11 1/2″-long) butternut squash 2 scallions 2 garlic cloves, divided 1 shallot, coarsely chopped 1/4 pound shiitake mushrooms, trimmed, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 9 sprigs thyme, divided 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 2 large eggs 1 cup finely grated Parmesan 1/2 cup fine plain breadcrumbs 6 tablespoons coarsely chopped parsley, divided Kosher salt 2 tablespoons mint, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Special equipment: Kitchen twine  {follow recipe here} And in case you are curious about the sustainable Thanksgiving suggestions, I have included the article here.    {featured image credit}

Holiday Series: Vegan Pumpkin Mousse

Published by

I am not a fan of pumpkin pie, or cake but I am a fan of pudding or mousse alternative, so I feel like this year, we are going to have this vegan pumpkin mousse on our dessert table for thanksgiving.  So easy to make and naturally spoon right out of the blender. Okay, no I’ll do my best to scoop the masterpiece into serving bowls for a more civilized way of indulging. Ingredients 1 cup (225g) full fat coconut yogurt or coconut cream* 1/2 cup (125g) pumpkin puree  1/4 cup (80g) maple syrup 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp salt  {more} On another healthier alternative to desserts – here’s a banana Chia pudding recipe – although this one I’m considering for breakfast come Sunday morning.  {featured image source and inspiration for this post}

Thanksgiving: Turkey 101 or Whole Chicken

Published by

I am not a fan of Turkey and if I am not hosting an extended family dinner, I usually go with a whole chicken – applying the same recipe but on a different bird –  if you will.  Here’s a recipe I found, which is simple enough to follow for the first-time host or the expert. In case you go with the chicken recipe – no lined cheesecloth needed – you can go with the oven bag to lock in the flavors. INGREDIENTS 1 (14-16) pound turkey, giblets and neck removed, patted dry 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 tablespoons fresh sage, plus more for stuffing the bird 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, plus more for stuffing the bird 3 tablespoons fresh parsley zest of 1 lemon 3 teaspoons kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper 1 piece large of double lined cheesecloth 2 lemons, halved 1 garlic head, tips sliced off 1 onion, halved 7-8 cups low sodium chicken or turkey broth WHITE WINE PAN GRAVY 1 cup white wine 4 tablespoons salted butter 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour drippings from the turkey 2-3 cups low sodium chicken or turkey broth, as needed  {more} And of course, we can all use …