I saw an article in the New York Times this week that listed 101 ways and recipes to get an early start on Thanksgiving. The pictures were gorgeous, and the recipes sounded very intriguing and tasty, but highly experimental, like Thai Squash Soup with Ginger-Apricot-Prune chutney. All of the recipes felt cold to me and I imagined them to be something that Joe Fox's girlfriend in You've Got Mail would make (or pay someone to make) if she were in charge of a holiday meal.
To me, the point of Thanksgiving food is to celebrate comfort food at its finest. Take the foods of your family and heritage, kick them up a notch, and indulge. Kicking it up in the South tends to mean more butter, more pecans, more marshmallows, and making sure orange juice is in the sweet potato casserole. Granted, comfort food is different for every person and culture (This really dawned on me one day when watching Giada DeLaurentis cook her favorite easy comfort foods - all of which were completely foreign to me and sounded really difficult - but I'm not Italian.).
Culture and heritage is the same reason why I likely won't even touch sausage or oyster stuffing, but cornbread chicken and dressing is my favorite food on earth. This is why Southerner's are completely perplexed by segments on Today show about whether or not to actually cook your stuffing in the turkey. Like we'd ever do that in the first place (granted - a cajun stuffed chicken is an entirely different matter). You're supposed to use the official dressing pan that was passed down from your grandmother and basically make washtubs full of dressing. This is why women in the South have freezers full of cornbread and Sunbeam Thrift Store white bread that they have gathered throughout the year in preparation, and why my Momma is considered a master because she knows the exact perfect proportion of bread to chicken stock and celery to sage.
This said, I am hypocritically baking a Nutella pound cake for tomorrow's dessert. But, if you ask me, I will say it is merely a chocolate swirl cake - because I want my nephews to actually eat it.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Blessed Indeed
I love my job about as much as I love Southerners' need to feed folks. You can imagine my excitement when the two came together last Friday at my work Thanksgiving lunch. It also celebrated my favorite holiday - so I was on Cloud 9. See the pictures below:
Ham, Turkey, and Dressing
Dessert Table #1
Ham, Turkey, and Dressing
The Salads
The Side Dishes
Dessert Table #1
Dessert Table #2
Yum, Yum, Get Ya Some.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Oh Martha...
I admit it. I love Martha Stewart. I can't help myself. I'm not saying I want to hang out with her or have tea - No, that would scare me near to death. I'm just saying she's pretty fascinating.
I haven't bought her magazine in ages, but it beckoned to me in the checkout line on Sunday night. I was feeling all Christmasey... it's cover was all sparkly...I gave in. Sure enough, it included all sorts of Martha Stewart ridiculousness.
I found this month's featured dessert to a perfect example of the ridiculousness, so I will re-type some of the article here:
From, "Martha's Famous Croquembouche" - (Which, FYI - means "Crunch in the mouth" in French. I looked it up)
This French dessert is a showstopper but is easier to make than it looks. Croquembouche - pate a choux puffs with a creamy filling, dipped in hot caramel, and stacked into a pyramid - is one of my favorite special-occasion desserts. Sometimes I make a towering one and adorn it with spun sugar, but this year I kept it small, simple, and sweet. The cookie stars look like ornaments on a tree.
It's not hard to assemble a diminutive croquembouche like this one. Don't worry about making it perfect - a homeade look is part of its charm. Use the cookie stars to hide gaps between puffs. To make the cookies, follow the sugar cookie recipe on page 222, using small star cutters and medium-size ones. Decorate with royal icing, page 224, and sprinkle the icing with fine sanding sugar; let stand until set.
In comparsion to this, I would like to share a story from last week. I made cookies for a baby shower. I felt a bit guilty that they were so easily made because they used a cake mix. They weren't exactly amazing, but a minor step above Pillsbury. The other ladies in attendance were just proud that one of us baked. This is the reality of 2009.
Photos from Martha Stewart Living.com
I haven't bought her magazine in ages, but it beckoned to me in the checkout line on Sunday night. I was feeling all Christmasey... it's cover was all sparkly...I gave in. Sure enough, it included all sorts of Martha Stewart ridiculousness.
From, "Martha's Famous Croquembouche" - (Which, FYI - means "Crunch in the mouth" in French. I looked it up)
This French dessert is a showstopper but is easier to make than it looks. Croquembouche - pate a choux puffs with a creamy filling, dipped in hot caramel, and stacked into a pyramid - is one of my favorite special-occasion desserts. Sometimes I make a towering one and adorn it with spun sugar, but this year I kept it small, simple, and sweet. The cookie stars look like ornaments on a tree.It's not hard to assemble a diminutive croquembouche like this one. Don't worry about making it perfect - a homeade look is part of its charm. Use the cookie stars to hide gaps between puffs. To make the cookies, follow the sugar cookie recipe on page 222, using small star cutters and medium-size ones. Decorate with royal icing, page 224, and sprinkle the icing with fine sanding sugar; let stand until set.
This is followed by the full page recipe for the easy croquembouche.
In comparsion to this, I would like to share a story from last week. I made cookies for a baby shower. I felt a bit guilty that they were so easily made because they used a cake mix. They weren't exactly amazing, but a minor step above Pillsbury. The other ladies in attendance were just proud that one of us baked. This is the reality of 2009.
Photos from Martha Stewart Living.com
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Minnie Pearl, The Tennessee Girl
Last night, I went on a random trip to Kmart to buy some house shoes I'd seen in a sale ad. I did actually need house shoes, but perhaps not 2 pair like I wound up with. One pair is indoor only, good for traveling, and a very Golden Girls meets Uggs combination. The other pair is hot pink with white pom-poms, a furry lining, and an outdoor sole that makes them my new dog-walking shoes.
On my 2nd or 3rd trip to take the dog out in my new dog-walking shoes, I noticed that I hadn't taken the tag off yet, and that I didn't mind. I thought to myself "I must still be Minnie Pearl after all."
You see, when I was a kid, I didn't take the tag off of anything. Especially nothing I was proud of. This meant that most of my stuffed animals still had their tags. Along with my music lesson book-bag, my tape case (and my cd case later in life), and anything else I had received for Christmas or my birthday that was not an item of clothing.
At that time, we were living in Tennessee and would frequently visit The Grand Ole Opry. My grandparents were in Alabama, but we would visit them as much as possible. The mix of living in TN and keeping the tag on everything led my nick-naming grandfather to call me "Minnie Pearl, The Tennessee Girl" much more often than he called me by my given name. This was quite alright with me, since I thought Minnie Pearl was the funniest and coolest person at The Opry.
Quite unintentionally, I wound up going to Belmont University - the same college as Minnie Pearl, otherwise known as Sarah Ophelia Cannon, where they have a scholarship in her honor. She was actually quite intelligent with a extensive theatre training. Minnie Pearl, the boy-crazy-tag-loving country bumpkin from Grinders Switch became her most famous character. Later on, during a very intense and rapid-fire phone interview for a fellowship in the U.S. Senate, I listed her as one of three famous people through history I'd want to have dinner with. This is the only time my interviewer stopped to take a breath, as my answer completely caught him off guard. He said he'd never gotten that one before. So, Minnie Pearl just might have gotten me a job that changed my life.
As of now, the tag is still on my house shoes. I'll probably take it off in a week or so, after I've gotten the shoes worn in good. Or, maybe I won't.
(I lost the link to the picture - but it's from The Country Music Hall of Fame)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thank You Friend!
I have a friend named Brooke. She has two (yes two!) awesome blogs that are life-giving and great work-day stress relievers. One of her blogs is about Southern story-telling, which is one of my most favorite things. Today, she was sweet enough to post a poem I wrote for class, and she picked the most perfect picture to go with it.
Check out Stories from the Back Porch and her other great blog, Playing Grown Up.
Don't forget her Etsy shop! You can find it at:http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlayingGrownUp.
Check out Stories from the Back Porch and her other great blog, Playing Grown Up.
Don't forget her Etsy shop! You can find it at:http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlayingGrownUp.
I'm a health educator that just can't help herself
This is a bit out of the norm for my blog, but I'm posting a recent newspaper article I wrote on H1N1 (before the vaccine shortage!). I love me some infectious disease prevention :). Hope you get something out of it! And, yes, they actually publish my rantings sometimes. Perhaps I should be more aware of that when I'm writing them...hmm...
Your Guide to Preventing the Flu (Otherwise known as “Wash Your Hands People!”)
In this modern day and age, we expect some fancy way to avoid big-bad viruses. And yet, the CDC recommends 2 basic actions for preventing the flu:
1.) Take time to get a flu vaccine.
2.) Take everyday preventive actions.
You might be thinking, “That’s what the government brochure says, but how does it play out in my everyday life?” Good question. I’ll take these on one at a time.
First of all, let’s discuss vaccines. There are two different types this year, one for the regular seasonal flu, and another for H1N1, or “swine flu.” Please do not be afraid of these. It is always your personal choice whether to take a vaccine, but these are safe and are the best way to protect yourself from the flu. People have had a lot of questions about the H1N1 vaccine. It has been prepared and tested the same as the yearly seasonal vaccine, but it is an extra dose because the epidemic spread too late for manufacturers to include protection in the usual vaccine. If H1N1 had spread earlier in 2009, it would have been part of the annual flu shot. H1N1 vaccines have been tested and are FDA approved. Flu vaccines are very important for people at risk of a serious flu case, like young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older. Children up to age 9 will need to get 2 doses of the H1N1 vaccine, about a month apart. Please ask your doctor about these vaccines. I have had both the seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 flu mist because I am a health care worker, which means I am more likely to be around people that have the flu. This was my first flu mist vaccine, which is only for people aged 2-49. I simply inhaled it up both nostrils. It did not hurt or smell. Later, I did notice some drainage down the back of my throat that tasted a little funny, but the taste was gone in 5 minutes. I had no other problems or side-effects.
It is worth it to take the time to get the shots or mist. It took me around one hour total time to get both vaccines on two separate days. In comparison, most people with H1N1 miss several days of work. It is worth your time!
Secondly, wash your hands with soap!! Hand-washing with soap is the single-best and cheapest way to prevent disease in the whole world. Do it! A recent study from the American Journal of Public Health found that only 32% of men and 64% of women washed their hands with soap after using the bathroom. Interestingly enough, women were more likely to wash their hands if there was a fact about hand washing posted in the bathroom. Facts had no effect on men, but they were more likely to wash their hands if there was a disgusting sign, saying something such as “Soap it off or eat it later.” (I wonder what would happen with a sign that said “Pretty women like men with washed hands.”) Relating hand washing to being a good person made both men and women more likely to wash their hands. We often judge people by whether or not they do the right thing when nobody is watching. Take this to heart with hand washing too.
If soap and water are not there, then an alcohol-based hand rub will do. Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away, and wash your hands! (again with the gross factor). Cough into your elbow if you do not have a tissue handy. Touch your face as little as possible, because you most often give yourself a virus by putting your hand to your nose or mouth without realizing it.
Finally, if you are sick, stay home! Your coworkers and classmates really do not need your germs! They will be just fine without them and be glad you kept them to yourself. I promise.
In summary, the best defense against the flu in 2009 is good old common sense. And if you are not washing your hands, we know who you are, and we are grossed out.
1.) Take time to get a flu vaccine.
2.) Take everyday preventive actions.
You might be thinking, “That’s what the government brochure says, but how does it play out in my everyday life?” Good question. I’ll take these on one at a time.
First of all, let’s discuss vaccines. There are two different types this year, one for the regular seasonal flu, and another for H1N1, or “swine flu.” Please do not be afraid of these. It is always your personal choice whether to take a vaccine, but these are safe and are the best way to protect yourself from the flu. People have had a lot of questions about the H1N1 vaccine. It has been prepared and tested the same as the yearly seasonal vaccine, but it is an extra dose because the epidemic spread too late for manufacturers to include protection in the usual vaccine. If H1N1 had spread earlier in 2009, it would have been part of the annual flu shot. H1N1 vaccines have been tested and are FDA approved. Flu vaccines are very important for people at risk of a serious flu case, like young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older. Children up to age 9 will need to get 2 doses of the H1N1 vaccine, about a month apart. Please ask your doctor about these vaccines. I have had both the seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 flu mist because I am a health care worker, which means I am more likely to be around people that have the flu. This was my first flu mist vaccine, which is only for people aged 2-49. I simply inhaled it up both nostrils. It did not hurt or smell. Later, I did notice some drainage down the back of my throat that tasted a little funny, but the taste was gone in 5 minutes. I had no other problems or side-effects.
It is worth it to take the time to get the shots or mist. It took me around one hour total time to get both vaccines on two separate days. In comparison, most people with H1N1 miss several days of work. It is worth your time!
Secondly, wash your hands with soap!! Hand-washing with soap is the single-best and cheapest way to prevent disease in the whole world. Do it! A recent study from the American Journal of Public Health found that only 32% of men and 64% of women washed their hands with soap after using the bathroom. Interestingly enough, women were more likely to wash their hands if there was a fact about hand washing posted in the bathroom. Facts had no effect on men, but they were more likely to wash their hands if there was a disgusting sign, saying something such as “Soap it off or eat it later.” (I wonder what would happen with a sign that said “Pretty women like men with washed hands.”) Relating hand washing to being a good person made both men and women more likely to wash their hands. We often judge people by whether or not they do the right thing when nobody is watching. Take this to heart with hand washing too.
If soap and water are not there, then an alcohol-based hand rub will do. Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away, and wash your hands! (again with the gross factor). Cough into your elbow if you do not have a tissue handy. Touch your face as little as possible, because you most often give yourself a virus by putting your hand to your nose or mouth without realizing it.
Finally, if you are sick, stay home! Your coworkers and classmates really do not need your germs! They will be just fine without them and be glad you kept them to yourself. I promise.
In summary, the best defense against the flu in 2009 is good old common sense. And if you are not washing your hands, we know who you are, and we are grossed out.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Nose for Beauty
Here is a poem I just reviewed for my creative writing class. I rather liked it, although I don't think it is universally applicable for all dogs. I like to think that Mathilda does indeed have a nose for beauty :).
This poem is available online in the Summer 2009 edition of The Georgia Review.
by Todd Boss
My Dog Has No Nose
for beauty. She
knows not where it
nests, nor how it
flushes and goes,
nor how best
to close it
in her mouth’s
soft wallet, nor
whether, if she
brought it and
laid it at the feet
of her lord, he’ d
mete out any but
the usual reward.
This poem is available online in the Summer 2009 edition of The Georgia Review.
by Todd Boss
My Dog Has No Nose
for beauty. She
knows not where it
nests, nor how it
flushes and goes,
nor how best
to close it
in her mouth’s
soft wallet, nor
whether, if she
brought it and
laid it at the feet
of her lord, he’ d
mete out any but
the usual reward.
Tastebud Nostalgia
Lately, I've been having very odd food cravings. No worries - not of the pregnant kind, but of the elementary school kind.
I think it all started when I was in the store one day and felt the need to buy Kraft macaroni & cheese. Unfortunately, I bought the single microwave packs and one taste was all I needed to think those were gross. But, the cravings have evolved since then.
While at the Piggly Wiggly with my mom, I saw sloppy joe mix, and had to have it. I thought, why don't I eat sloppy joes anymore? I bought the jar instead of the canned options because it looked to taste better. I made it a couple of nights ago with ground white turkey, and it was amazing! My dad almost ate two sandwiches and was excited to eat the leftovers the next day. I honestly cannot remember the last time I ate sloppy joes before this week. Why have I been depriving myself of this delicacy? Oddly enough - that's what my sister made for dinner last night, so I must not be alone in this. And side note - I did learn to not eat sloppy joes before going to ballet class. They do not mix well with jumping. Of course, common sense should have told me that.
Last week, I got a sudden urge to drive to the store for some peaches and cream oatmeal. Thankfully, it is still delicious and I liked it much better than the microwave macaroni.
I think it all started when I was in the store one day and felt the need to buy Kraft macaroni & cheese. Unfortunately, I bought the single microwave packs and one taste was all I needed to think those were gross. But, the cravings have evolved since then.
While at the Piggly Wiggly with my mom, I saw sloppy joe mix, and had to have it. I thought, why don't I eat sloppy joes anymore? I bought the jar instead of the canned options because it looked to taste better. I made it a couple of nights ago with ground white turkey, and it was amazing! My dad almost ate two sandwiches and was excited to eat the leftovers the next day. I honestly cannot remember the last time I ate sloppy joes before this week. Why have I been depriving myself of this delicacy? Oddly enough - that's what my sister made for dinner last night, so I must not be alone in this. And side note - I did learn to not eat sloppy joes before going to ballet class. They do not mix well with jumping. Of course, common sense should have told me that.
Last week, I got a sudden urge to drive to the store for some peaches and cream oatmeal. Thankfully, it is still delicious and I liked it much better than the microwave macaroni.
Furthermore, I seem to have reverted back to preferring milk chocolate over dark. A year ago, I would have turned my nose down at a milk Dove promise, but right now I'd really go for one.
I even liked the Chuck E. Cheese pizza I ate last week. So, I'm not sure what's going on with me. I've been such a food snob for so long, maybe I'm rebelling a bit. Maybe I'm wanting things that seem real and comforting. So far, my taste buds don't seem to mind.
Gorgeous
If you don't already receive the anthropologie catalogue, I recommend you go online and check out November's edition. It is particularly lovely. I want the dress featured on page 9. (note that I said want and not need - I listened to my sermon on Sunday about financial stewardship).
Monday, November 2, 2009
Baby Carrots
I always feel guilted into buying baby carrots in order to find some easy way to work vegetables into my diet. Too often, I open my refrigerator door and just stare at them, then throw them out once they've dried all up. Then, there are days like today, when I make myself eat them and remember that I really do like them!
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