Taste Testing

This weekend a few of us tested recipes for Thanksgiving utilizing flavors from spices and herbs to homemade chutneys. I would like to alter the taste of our meal without psyching out my family. They each have favorite dishes and are adamant in how these flavors are to be prepared. I must stay within the confines of seasonal taste while cooking for this group using sage, rosemary and thyme from the garden along with nutmeg, cloves and of course cinnamon for baking.    

Today I tested and prepped stuffing for a chicken and ended up making our family’s traditional rosemary and sage dressing with onions and celery. But then decided to alter the gravy by adding a touch of Napolean brandy {just a touch} to the dish to enhance the flavor. This tasty addition made all the difference and I can’t wait to use this during the holiday’s.

Recipe for Gravy
To a pan add turkey giblets and neck
2½ cups of chicken broth
1 diced shallot
2 or 3 bay leaves
2 or 3 tablespoons of corn starch
¼ to 1/3 cup of brandy depending upon taste.

Stay stylish,
Kathleen

Fall Playlist [Thanksgiving]

It’s chilly in the Mid-Atlantic, yet this is not stopping me from getting out to run errands after work. Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and last minute preparations are underway. Shopping for the holiday began last week, and will continue until Tuesday. This time-frame works in case I’ve forgotten anything and must run a last minute trip to the grocery stores. On Wednesday morning I’ll hit the kitchen running to bake, sauté, and prep for Thursday’s dinner.

I’ve compiled a brief playlist of holiday and jazz music to listen to while working in the kitchen. Having a strong pot of coffee and a few tunes makes the work load enjoyable!

]Sambacu [Pete Escovedo]
Thanksgiving Theme [Vince Guaraldi]
Like Someone in Love [Oscar Peterson]
Mamblues [Cal Tjader]
Night in Tunisia [Stix Hooper}
Third Wind [Pat Metheny Group]
Christmas Time is Here [The Stephen Kummer Trio]
Overture [Cliff Eidelman]
Oye Como Va [Tito Puente]
Almost Like Being in Love [Red Garland]
Christmas Waltz [Oscar Peterson]
Latin Snowfall [Henry Mancini]
Eastside [Four80East]
Moonlight Serenade [The Boston Pops Orchestra & John Williams]

Happy Sunday, and hope you have a great week cooking [if you’re at home in the kitchen like me]!!!

Kathleen