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Dress(ing) Rehearsal
Posted on October 31, 2009
This year, I’ll be hosting my first Thanksgiving. It’ll be interesting since I’ve never made a turkey before. So in an effort to keep from poisoning our families, I’m doing some trial runs.
First up is my favorite: Stuffing.
Everyone’s made the kind that comes in a box, but I want to make it from scratch.
Take a loaf of crusty French bread and cut it into 1″ chunks. I also made a loaf of cornbread and did the same with that. Either set the cubes out to dry for a day, or place in a 300-degree oven for about 30 minutes to really dry them up.
When they’re crusty and cooled, place them together in a large bowl.
Then chop up a few celery stalks and an onion (I used half of a medium onion.)
Melt one stick of butter in a large pan.
Melt one stick of butter in a large pan.
When it’s melted, add the celery and onion and cook until the onion is translucent.
Then add four cups of chicken stock.
Add them to your boiling mixture, then spoon ladels of it over the bowl of bread. Taste & season as you go. I didn’t use all the mixture – probably only half of it. I didn’t want my bread too soggy.
Of course the resident hound is never too far when there’s food cooking.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
While that’s happening, get your spices ready. Get 1/2 teaspoon each of rosemary, basil, thyme, and sage. I used a good chunk of fresh parsley, too.
Add them to your boiling mixture, then spoon ladels of it over the bowl of bread. Taste & season as you go. I didn’t use all the mixture – probably only half of it. I didn’t want my bread too soggy.
Of course the resident hound is never too far when there’s food cooking.
Place the mixture in a greased baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until it’s browned.
While it’s baking, it’s probably a good idea to tackle your dishes.
Here’s the finished product. Mmmmmmm does it ever smell good.
And it tastes divine. Way better than anything out of a box.
And it tastes divine. Way better than anything out of a box.
I’d say my first foray into Thanksgiving fare was a success. Can’t wait to make it again!
Autumn…
Posted on October 22, 2009
This is my favorite time of year.
I drive past this hill every day, and after a couple weeks of getting closer and closer, it’s finally peaking.
DONE.
Posted on October 20, 2009
I’ll let these speak for themselves.
Little Sis, continued.
Posted on October 18, 2009
We’re finishing up her senior portraits this weekend. We’re off to a GREAT start!
A Tale of 24 Hours
Posted on October 11, 2009
The Autumn foliage is really starting to burst right now. Friday evening, I ventured out to take advantage of a lovely evening.
The next morning, I woke up to SNOW. The contrast between the fall colors and the white dusting was beautiful.
And within a couple hours, it was all melted away. Funny how Mother Nature works sometimes, isn’t it?