Tag: food

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Holiday Remnants

IMG_3023{The Reston Town Center in early morning fog, photos by great family friend C. Kelley}

There is nothing like being home for the holidays, where the food is unbeatable, the decorations are inviting, and friends and family make the season festive. This Christmas had to be the warmest that I could remember, and to have the ovens and all four burners on for majority of the day made the house unbearably hot. It rained the entire day, we are talking deluge instead of the traditional snow. But, no matter the consequences, this was still one of the best celebrations, as the majority of the family was together along with friends!!!

IMG_3032 IMG_3043Nothing says utter relaxation like a home cooked meal by my fabulous friend Quy, who takes the time to spoil loved ones when in dire need of comfort. Her bowl of Vietnamese egg noodle soup and fruit platter of Asian pears, grapes and tangerines… are truly delicious!

Here’s to continued good friends & family in the 2016!
K

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Thanksgiving Prep

IMG_0854 IMG_2714{French bread to be toasted in oven for dressing and herbs from the garden; rosemary, thyme, bay leaf and parsley to make gravy and dressing}

The cooler weather, festive decorations have me excitedly anticipating the holidays! Although, I still have our pumpkins on the front porch along with colorful leaves spiraling the stairwell, I prefer to enjoy the fall and keep the Christmas decorations put away until after Thanksgiving.

IMG_2719{A few dahlias remain in the garden, which I hope to pick for decorating the holiday table}

Over the last few years I partake in a few annual traditions that are a must to feel the season is well underway. The Friday before Thanksgiving, NPR’s Susan Stamberg does her yearly rendition on how to make “Mama Stamberg’s Cranberry Relish” and another local radio station begins playing seasonal tunes, which are great to cook meals by or to wrap gifts.

Preparations have begun at Heath for a very quiet Thanksgiving dinner. Our big family meal is going to be during Christmas when the entire group can come together for nostalgia and holiday hilarity!!

Recipe for Mama Stamberg’s Cranberry Relish Recipe from NPR
2 cups raw cranberries
1 small onion
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons horseradish
Grind the cranberries and onion together. Add remaining ingredients and mix. Put in a plastic container and freeze. An hour before serving, move the container from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment to thaw. The relish will be thick, creamy, and shocking pink.

Makes 1 1/2 pints.

Stay connected stylishly,
K