New Years Eve 2020

 Chocolate Cake:

2 Cups Flour

1 2/3 Cup White Sugar

2/3 Cup Cocoa powder

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 Cup oil

2 Eggs at room temperature

1 Cup buttermilk

1 Cup boiling water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees,  Grease 3 6 inch pans.

Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Add oil, eggs, vanilla and buttermilk on low speed until just combined.

With mixer on low, slowly add hot water.  Increase speed to medium for approximately 2 minutes.

This is a very thin batter.

Divide batter between pans.  Approximately filling, 2/3 full.

Bake 40 minutes.  Let cool for 10 minutes and carefully remove from pans to fully cool on baking rack.

Once fully cooled frost with your favorite frosting.  For this cake I used butter cream frosting.

Butter Cream Frosting:

2 sticks of butter at room temperature

2 tsp. vanilla

1-2 tablespoons milk

4 Cups of powdered sugar

Mix butter and vanilla on low speed for 1 minute

Slowly add powdered sugar.

Add milk until it reaches your desired consistency. 

It's been quite some time since I have made a tiered cake.  I need to get this skill back.  It looks pretty good and it is very tasty which is the most important thing.

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year!  May 2021 be a little kinder to us all.

Stay safe!

Five days until 2021

It often is the two of us for Christmas Day but the month of December usually involves some get togethers with friends and family, a Christmas party or two and a trip or two to our favorite Mexican place for lunch or dinner.  None of that could happen this year and in my mind I fight feeling sad about what we couldn't do and guilty to be in such a good place when so many are not.  The ramblings in my brain this month have been a bit overboard.  My emotions this month have gone from sad to thankful and back again more times than I can count.  I know that when the clock strikes midnight on December 31st things are not going to magically improve.  I am putting my hope in being able to maneuver 2021 and all of the new "normals" and just keep my sanity while trying to remember to celebrate each and every day.

Christmas Eve we ended up staying home instead of going to look at lights.  It was bitterly cold here and we were quite cozy at home.  I decided to make loaded baked potatoes with pan seared beef sausage and green peppers and onions.  It has been a long time since we have had either and it was very good.  Loaded baked potatoes are going to be on the menu a little more this coming year.

Christmas morning I made bacon and pancakes.  I chopped up some pecans and warmed them in a pan with butter and maple syrup.  They were so good.  For lunch we had ham, party meatballs, scalloped potatoes, bacon and onion green beans and fresh bread.  I also made an appetizer tray of cheeseball, garlic onion dip, veggies, crackers, deviled eggs,  etc.  It was a munching kind of day.  We have so much candy and cookies right now I decided to put off making a cake.  Maybe I will do it for New Years Eve.

Every year I pick up two bags of these local pecans.  They are so delicious. 

Grandmothers Pecan Nut Cups

Dough:

3 ounces of cream cheese or Mascarpone

1 stick of butter softened

1 Cup of flour

Pinch of salt

Filling:

4 ounces of chopped pecans

3/4 Cup of brown sugar

1 Tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

Mix dough ingredients until dough doesn't stick to the side of bowl.  Refrigerate until chilled.  About an hour.  Meanwhile mix filling ingredients.  Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place in a greased small muffin tin.  Make an indentation in the middle of the dough and fill with filling.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes.  

Hint:  do not put in too much filling.  It will overflow and cause them to stick in the pan.

What are your plans for the New Year?

Stay Safe!

Christmas Eve 2020 Style

I'm off work until Monday to celebrate Christmas.  2020 has thrown many curve balls at us all.  As everything else, the holiday will be very different.

I did go ahead and do the traditional luncheon with the doctors. We are exposed to each other on a daily basis so in a way we are part of each others "bubble".  I made two trays of stuffed shells and served meatballs on the side for those that eat meat, a large salad with the works, a couple loaves of my no knead bread and a cookie tray.  It turned out very well and was a much easier meal than last year. It's been so long since I've cooked for anyone but the big guy, it was nice to share a meal with people that enjoy good food.

We had a cold front move in last night so coffee and French toast was needed this morning.  We're ordering a pizza for lunch and plan to spend the afternoon playing Scrabble, reading and maybe watching a movie.  As soon as it gets dark we're heading out with Yeti's filled with hot cocoa to check out the town's Christmas lights.  It seems this year a lot of people went a little bigger with their decorations so this should be fun.  Tonight we will be relaxing at home together with a few cocktails and appetizers.

I'm trying to remind myself to be thankful for all that I have because I am truly blessed.  It's just been such a difficult year.  I miss seeing friends and family.  I miss the occasional meal out at our favorite Mexican place.  I miss parties.  But, so many others are missing way more.  So I will be thankful for all I do have.

I hope everyone has a magical Christmas Eve!

Things That Make Me Smile

Jet LOVES boxes and takes them over as soon as they are emptied.  If you look closely he has his tongue out.  I think he was a little upset that he didn't quite fit in this one.

 

The group I work for really spoils me over the holidays.  This was a nice surprise delivered to my office.  It is 100 percent real greenery, holly, flowers, pinecones.  The picture from my office doesn't do it justice.  I will get another picture of it as a center piece on my dining room table.

My almost 23 year old niece graduated this week.  She now has a Masters Degree in Social Work.  She has secured a good job in one of the largest Hospitals in Illinois and is planning to work on her PHD soon.  I'm very happy for her.

All and all it's been a very good week.  Now to sit down make a list and check it twice.  There's more baking to be done and preparations for our Monday luncheon at work.  I did simplify it quite a bit this year.

Hope everyone is staying safe and taking time this coming week to slow down and enjoy the meaning of the Season.

Discombobulated

This week at work was stressful to say the least.  The covid vaccine will be delivered Monday or Tuesday so scheduling all of my doctors has been a logistical nightmare. I'm trying to prepare myself for another very challenging week. I feel like my mind is spinning in 101different directions.

With all of this, I still have been trying to remember to slow down and enjoy the season.  I've been watching Christmas movies, usually while I'm in the kitchen either making dinner or baking.  All of the fairy lights and candles seem to brighten up these long, cold nights and warm my soul.

Last weekend I made a batch of pecan, chocolate chip cookies.  They were wrapped and frozen.  Yesterday I made pecan tassies.  They too have been frozen.  I still have two or three different cookies to make but they do not freeze well so will wait until closer to the holiday.  I take a large tray to work for the doctors and I put together a tray for us to enjoy at home.  This year I am also going to make a cake for Christmas Day.  I haven't worked it all out yet, but I hope it comes out as good as it looks and tastes in my mind.  

Today I'm going to take time to sit down and finalize the menu for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  I've been keeping meals on the simple side the last couple of weeks.  It's funny how simple can still be so delicious.

                                Spicy chili and all the fixings is always a treat on a cold night.

This is one of my favorite quick and simple meals.  Spicy Mexican rice with chicken stir fry.  Filling and so flavorful.

Well I'm off to start my day.  There is so much to be done.  I hope everyone is taking a little time to enjoy this season.  I know 2020 has been rough but we have to remember to look for the little joys.\

Stay safe!!

It's beginning to look like Christmas

 We decorated our Christmas tree Monday and I spent a little time really thinking about each ornament as I pulled them out of the boxes.  Christmas decorations are like a trip down memory lane for me.  

This is the stuffed Santa I received for my first Christmas from my Mom and Dad.  He is in amazing condition for being 53.  The big guy thinks he's a little too creepy.  LOL

My Grandmother made this little cutie many years ago.

This is the new ornament for 2020.

This ornament was my Grandmothers.  I have no idea how old it is, but it is old.

My beautiful hand painted egg ornament from my friend in Newfoundland.  She has since passed away so this is a reminder of our friendship.

Both of these were made by my Grandmother.

This was made by my Great, great Grandmother for my first Christmas.

Another ornament made by my Grandmother.

I made this ornament probably 25 years ago.

This is one of my favorites.  My Grandfather made the sleigh and my Grandmother made the packages and painted the sleigh.  It's funny but I had put this decoration out for 5 or more Christmas's before I found the note she had written and tucked in under the packages.  It was like a sweet surprise. 

Today I'm doing some things around the house.  We're having lamb burgers and home made fries for dinner.  I plan on spending the evening making a couple different kinds of cookies to freeze for Christmas gifts.  Chocolate chip cookies are one.  I haven't decided on the other yet.  I like to make 6-8 different varieties to package and give away and some for us too of course.  

Do you have any Christmas decorations that really tug at your heart strings and bring good memories?

The end of November and the leftovers

One turkey yielded us a nice dinner on Thursday, two turkey sandwiches each, a remake of the leftovers, one jar of broth to use later and a large pot of soup that will end up giving us three dinners.  Not bad for a 12 pound turkey.

For the remake I took some of the cornbread stuffing and made waffles.  I added some of the cheese ball to the left over mashed potatoes and heated in the oven and warmed some turkey.  The sauce was a maple syrup with Sirracha sauce for the big guy and turkey gravy for me.  This was Friday's dinner and it was SO good. The big guy was especially happy with it.

The spicy turkey soup I made is one I do with chicken as well.  The flavors and spices are just amazing.  I started the turkey stock in the crock pot on Friday evening and used it Saturday to make the soup,  In a large pot I cook the diced onion until tender, add green chilis and diced garlic.  Then I add the stock and simmer for a bit.  The spices I use are cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.  Once I add them I let simmer for awhile.  Then add the turkey and great northern beans.  I made cream cheese, cheddar cheese and cilantro roll ups to go with it. We each had a big bowl for dinner and there are four more bowls in the freezer for a couple of dinners in the next week or twol.  This soup, whether made with chicken or turkey is one of my absolute favorites.  Sorry Brunswick stew, but I just wasn't in the mood.

My four day weekend is coming to a close and I am fully aware that returning to work tomorrow is going to be brutal.

I have gotten the decorations down and some out.  The tree is going up today but may not get decorated until tomorrow evening or later.  I did get out my countdown to Christmas and put on the fridge.  This is how I start my day every December morning.  

Are you looking forward to December and the Holiday season?

Stay safe!

Thanksgiving 2020

The last few years I have streamlined our meal and the prep for the holiday. Tuesday I made two pie crusts, baked sweet potatoes and the cornbread for the dressing.

Wednesday I made pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, cranberry sauce and the dough for our bread.

Thursday I got up and made deviled eggs, a cheese ball and then I put the cornbread dressing together in the crock pot and the bread in the oven. Last but not least, roast the turkey, cook mashed potatoes and green beans. The house smells like Thanksgiving. I confess I had pumpkin pie for breakfast because well the rules are out the window with 2020.  We snacked a little on dip, veggies, cheeseball and crackers.  The main meal was at 4pm. Every thing was delicious and we were stuffed.  My bread came out better than ever before and I really think it is the flour I used.

After dinner we watched Christmas Chronicles 2 which was a fun movie.  A number of channels started showing Christmas movies before Halloween.  I always start on Thanksgiving.  

Today I will slowly start decorating for Christmas.  Tomorrow I will make a big pot of Brunswick Stew which I look forward to after every Thanksgiving.

Stay safe!

                                                                        The big guys plate.

                                                             This bread was amazing.

    

                                                                        Pumpkin Pie

Saturday

It is a dreary, cold November day here in my corner of the Midwest.  We left home this morning at 7am to top off supplies for Thanksgiving.  We entered a new phase of shutdowns yesterday so the big guy has closed his Tae Kwon Do school again for at least two weeks.  I'm rather happy about that because even though he was doing wellness questions, taking temperatures, wearing masks and shields and maintaining distance, this virus is out of control here.

I grew up with Grandparents that were very self reliant.  They grew or raised most of their food and stocked up for emergencies, bad weather or whatever else may happen.  I carried on this tradition because there is nothing worse than not feeling well and having to run to the store.  Living in hurricane territory for 20 years was another reason.  I do not hoard, I simply make sure to have an ample supply of items we routinely use.  I like the insurance of knowing I have what I need at home to get through a few months if needed.  Thankfully, I didn't need much today but fresh veggies, fruits dairy and meats because the stores are once again getting pretty empty in our area.  I did stock up on cat food because it would be ugly around here if we ran out of food for Jet.  He is a bit of a bully when he is hungry.  

So it will be the big guy and I for Thanksgiving.  I bought a 12 pound turkey a few weeks ago and will take it out of the freezer and put in the refrigerator for the next 3 or 4 days to thaw.  I'm really looking forward to Brunswick stew with the left overs.  I am going to follow the menu and prep list I did last year since it worked SO well and I had little to no Thanksgiving day stress. 

Since we were planning on leaving so early this morning, last night I made a coffee cake.  I found the recipe in an old Amish cookbook I have called The Wooden Spoon cookbook by Miriam Miller.  It comes together quickly and it is delicious.

 Sour Cream Coffee Cake

1/2 Cup Walnuts or Pecans-finely chopped

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 Cup Brown sugar (recipe called for regular sugar)

1 stick softened unsalted butter

1 Cup Sugar

2 Cups flour

8 oz sour cream

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

In a small bowl, combine nuts, cinnamon and brown sugar. (I also included raisins)

Grease 9 inch pan. and preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Beat butter with the sugar until light and fluffy.  Combine dry ingredients and combine wet ingredients.  Pour wet ingredients into butter and sugar and mix until well combined.  About 2 minutes.  Slowly incorporate dry ingredients until well combines.  This is a thick wet batter.  Spread half of the batter in pan and sprinkle half of the nut mixture on top.  Spread evenly with remaining batter.  Top with rest of nut mixture.  Bake for 55 minutes.

You can make a quick powdered sugar icing to drizzle on.  I did not do that this time.

Hope everyone is safe and healthy.  Anyone planning their Thanksgiving meal?

Counting Down To Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. I always try to make the holiday a little special,  and after everything 2020 has brought, this is the year to really celebrate.  It will just be the big guy and I so it should be a very relaxing holiday.

Lately, I seem to be in the taking one day at a time mode but I'm planning out the menu this weekend and doing my final shop next Saturday.  We've had our turkey for a couple of weeks, we just need to pick up fresh produce and dairy.  I'm planning on a pretty 'traditional' dinner.  

Covid has been increasing here like most places.  It seems people that did not social distance during Halloween have caused quite the surge.  I'm sure it will increase even more as the next three major holidays come.  It's a very scary time for most.

A few weeks ago I was finally given remote access to work from home because of being in direct contact with the physicians seeing the Covid patients.  Unfortunately with my responsibilities it isn't always possible to be out of the office so I've actually still been working more from the office than at home. The doctor's are giving me a little space and staying out of my area whenever possible.  Well, some are anyway.

I don't have much of a sweet tooth but I do find myself baking a lot more lately.  I find it so relaxing and we all need to be doing more that relaxes us. Today I made brownies.  This is a simple and delicious treat.

Brownies:

1 1/4 Cup sugar

2 Eggs

1 stick melted unsalted butter

2 tsp. vanilla

2/3 Cup all purpose flour

1/2 Cup good cocoa 

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 F and grease or line an 8x8 pan.

Sift together all dry ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.

Beat sugar and eggs on low speed until blended.  Turn up speed to high and mix until light and fluffy.  About 3 minutes.  With mixer still running, slowly add melted butter until combined. 

Gradually add dry ingredients and combine well.

If adding extras such as nuts, chips, coconut, etc. fold in the batter now reserving some to scatter on the top.

Bake 30 minutes for a chewy brownie or 35 minutes for a more cake like brownie.

Cool and Enjoy.

Things That Make Me Smile

                      It's November!!  I hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween.   I  made a pie because                                                                    well, pie is always better than candy.                                                                                                   

                                                     Apple Pie with vanilla bean ice cream

 

Baked Potato Soup

I made this Wednesday night because it was such a cold and rainy day I had been dreaming of creamy soup.  It was SO delicious we had the leftovers on Thursday.  Very rarely do we eat leftovers the very next day.  This soup is that good. Add a slice of buttered crusty bread on the side and you have a hearty dinner.

Baked Potato Soup

 4-6 strips of Bacon cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 small onion, diced

4 cloves of garlic, minced

5 Cups of Yukon Gold Potatoes cubed

14 ounces Chicken Stock

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon chipotle or regular chili powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 12 ounce can evaporated milk

2 1/2 Cups of cheddar cheese shredded

Garnish:

Fresh chives and sour cream

In the bottom of your Dutch Oven or other large pot, saute' your bacon and onion until bacon is crispy.  Remove bacon and drain off bacon grease.

Add garlic, potatoes, chicken broth and seasonings.  Stir and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Add milk and cheese, saving about 1/2 cup for garnish. Bring back to a simmer and remove from heat.

Garnish and Enjoy!!