All posts filed under: Thanksgiving

Holiday Series: Vegan Pumpkin Mousse

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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}

Happy ‘Thanks Giving’ Americans

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Over the years, the controversy over the Thanksgiving holiday in America has outweighed the idea of giving thanks – meaning – all my life, I chose and still choose to view the holiday as a day to simply give thanks for  family, good health, and all things that pushes us to live a positive and fulfilling life.  This does not mean, I don’t understand history or acknowledge those who suffered for the purpose of others.  It simply means – I am thankful {featured source}      

Food: Holiday Series – What To Bring for Potluck

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I was over the moon when I found this recipe online. A reminder of my childhood days, during the holidays when my mother and aunts got together to bake and make holiday desserts for a family gathering. I always helped in the kitchen, but only because I wanted to taste all the goodies being whipped together across the kitchen counters all the way to the dinning table – where the women gathered to share secrets to their version of the same old recipe, and laugh out loud at all the fun being poked about this and that. I loved every minute of it. So, since potluck is the sharing of the responsibilities of the hostess – here’s a great recipe for a unique dessert – chocolate salame – that’s been tried and tested by our extended families, eons ago, somewhere in a Mediterranean kitchen: Ingredients 100 g di biscuits like digestives or similar 100 g of butter at room temperature 150 g of sugar 100 g of good quality unsweetened cocoa powder 2 eggs Icing sugar Butcher’s twine Instructions Break the biscuits coarsely with your hands: do …

Thanksgiving: Turkey 101 or Whole Chicken

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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 …

Sunday Morning Thoughts

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I woke up early this morning. By early I mean 4 a.m. – usually because my dog is working on the old time – his clock being 5 a.m. and ready for his breakfast. I don’t mind, he’s aging and I am not going to try to teach my old dog new tricks. He is the king of this castle, and I am okay with that.  The first thing I did after his feeding, is grab my laptop and got back into bed. Actually fluffed my pillows and sat, in bed, aiming to write a post. Since I haven’t for a few days – thanks to having to shift gears last week, and working long hours to meet a demanding deadline. On Saturday I decided to drive down to Stanford and hang around the mall. I needed a bit of happy chaos, and to get ideas for the coming holidays. I knew that most of the mall would already be decorated for Christmas, with a bit of detail intertwined about the Thanksgiving holiday. The smell of …

November Floral Arrangement 101

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Those who tell you they don’t love a great floral arrangement are ones that are fibbing. Floral arrangements, no matter the occasion, bring the kind of joy that is unsurpassed. So if you need a tip or two on how to create that special or unique bouquet of flowers for the holidays – or just for the Fall season, then here are some tips to pass on as well as share with you some of my favorite arrangements:   Happiest of birthday MOM – You are truly a gem like no other and the most stable part of my life. I love you

How To’s For A Stress-Free Thanksgiving or Any Dinner Party

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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}

Thanksgiving Full Menu and Easy Prep

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This site is my go-to for most any dish. Whether dinner for the family or a simple get-together appetizer ideas. So it’s no wonder I turn to HalfBakedHarvest for my Thanksgiving menu inspiration. The site truly cuts down on all the guesswork and stress. For example check out the “prix fixe” concept also known as menu guide BREAKFAST Tip: I always start the morning off with a good breakfast. We eat a little later than most, so breakfast is essential. Pumpkin Spice French Toast with Cider Syrup COCKTAILS Tip: both cocktails can be made a day in advance (see directions with recipes). Cranberry Thyme Spritz (party punch!) Pomegranate Ginger Paloma APPETIZERS Tip: each appetizer can be prepped a day in advance and warmed before serving. The acorn squash can be eaten at room temp. Honey Butter Roasted Acorn with Burrata and Pomegranate Pastry Wrapped Baked Brie with Maple Butter Roasted Apples Simple Salty Sweet Potato Skin Chips MAINS Tip: the lasagna can be made a few days ahead and baked before serving Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White …