Making Thanksgiving Unique

There’s a joy in making every meal a matter of great taste, most especially Thanksgiving dinner with all its traditions. The 2020 holidays will most certainly look like no other, and for many of us it will mean a much smaller gathering. I come from a large family, and am used to cooking for dozens. There will be something elegant in prepping for an intimate group. As this year’s holiday menu has been drafted, I look forward to deviating from tradition, and will let you in on a secret….. I purchased a 7-Layer Caramel Cake from Caroline’s Cakes since, I didn’t have time to bake. I know what many of you traditionalist are thinking …… she couldn’t bake her own cake. But, I cannot tell you how liberating it felt when I arrived home from running errands over the weekend and saw boxes sitting on the counter. Whew… that’s definitely how you start the holiday by purchasing a few items, as well as making and baking a few.

Gather round to give thanks for family, friends, health, and happiness!!!
Kathleen

Holiday Planning

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{Clementines, tangerines and walnuts are a traditional holiday treat in our home}

It is officially December and company is coming. The holidays are in full swing and time can truly fly when working, taking care of family or just decorating the house. Despite all the planning and preparations, which can leave the strongest of us totally exhausted, you ask yourself… how can I treasure this wondrous season? Well by taking a few short cuts of course and definitely sticking to basic traditions.

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My colorful holiday notebook amongst cookbooks and notes for creative ideas when cooking.

Guest are confirming their arrival time to Heath, last minute shopping has been accomplished, and decorations are up with a small tree twinkling away in the family room. First on the to-do-list, is a trip to la Madeline to place an order for a two-layer coconut cake and a pecan pie, which will save on baking time in the kitchen during the holidays. Secondly, I have been blanching and then freezing veggies; broccoli rabe, broccoli, cauliflower, mustard and collard greens to be used during and after Christmas so, that creating a gratin, casserole or stir-fry is not such a cumbersome task.  My aim is to spend as much time in the evenings sitting in the window seat, watching the sunset, curled up with a hot cup of cocoa with a big dash of Grand Marnier.

Plan stylishly,
K