Tag: recipes

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Trader Joe’s Fall Spree

Lately, I’ve become captivated by the seasonal pumpkin craze and can’t figure out why these various scents and spices have suddenly captured my attention. It’s not a flavor I’ve ever focused on before and have never tried a “pumpkin spice latte”, but no matter, I’ve taken to popping into Trader Joe’s every other week just to peruse the shelves for their latest stash of goodies.

The Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix is something I can’t wait to try. This weekend the temps will be cooling down and I won’t mind turning on the oven to bake a loaf of bread. This Pumpkin Biscotti is fantastic with an espresso for an afternoon pickup.

I can’t stop snacking on these Organic Corn Chip Dippers with guacamole, onion-dip or salsa. The Caramelized Onion goats milk cheese is perfect mixed with sour cream, a dash of black salt and pepper to make a delicious onion dip.

I’ve mixed the Pomegranate Juice concentrate with sparkling water and it was wonderfully refreshing. And very soon will add a few splashes to Prosecco for a seasonal Mimosa. This morning, I made French Toast using the Pumpkin Brioche Twist and will be making it again for breakfast tomorrow ……. delicious!!!

Stay stylish,
Kathleen

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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