Giving Thanks...

So, this year I decided I'm making a turkey.  Not sure why I'm excited about that, but I've never made one and felt it was time to tackle the bird.  I'm going to use my Saturday Night Chicken recipe and double or triple the recipe.  Should be really moist and tasty!  I will report back!

Here's what I'm cooking...

photo credit: bonappetit

Herb Roasted Turkey

photo credit: bonappetit

Green Beans with Butter, Garlic, and Shallots

photo credit: bonappetit

Cranberry-Orange Relish

photo credit: bonappetit

Golden Brown Butter and Pecan Tart

That's all I can do this year!  The tart, I just found this recipe while writing this post and it sounds so yummy and pretty simple.   Just need a tart pan!  My mom is doing mac & cheese and butternut squash casserole.   Ladybird Dyan and her mom will tackle the rest with some greens, stuffing, and some other tasty sides and desserts.  Thanksgiving should be really fun being in the kitchen with family and friends.  Can't wait!

I'm very grateful and thankful for my family, close friends, health, and all God has blessed me with.  What are you thankful for and what are you cooking?

Happy Thanksgiving!  

and I'm off and running...
 

Festive...

Feeling festive about the Thanksgiving holiday!  Tulips are definitely not a Fall flower, but the gorgeous orange and yellow colors made it so fitting for the season.  They also brightened up our kitchen!  Just want them to open up.  :)

This is a very slow week for me as far as posting.  Just keeping it simple!  Come back tomorrow to see what I'm whipping up for Turkey Day!

Enjoy the short week! 

and I'm off and running...
 

It's Me...

Happy Monday!!!


OMG, I know...I know!  I've been missing for sometime now, and I really apologize. Life is crazy right now, but in a very fabulous way.  I've been a bit under the weather, but hoping to get back into the groove in the New Year. Can't believe we only have 27 more days of the year left...Whoa!  You might see a post here and there, so keep your eye out for them. Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving and now preparing for more holiday fun with family and friends. 


My Thanksgiving recap...


Driving around preparing for the holiday, I came across this lovely street.  You don't see a lot of this in L.A., so it was so refreshing and warm to see it.

My mom made her delicious Cornish Hens glazed with an orange marmalade and chambord liqueur mixture. Paired with Mushroom Wild Rice, Mac & Cheese, Cornbread Stuffing, my Dad's Smokin' Collard Greens, and sauteed Garlic & Onion Haricot Vert aka fancy green beans. Ha! Very tasty evening! 

My Plate!

Gotta love Thanksgiving food, but after a couple of days...I'm done with the leftovers. :)

Have A Great Week!

And I'm off and running... 
J. P. Archie

Thanksgiving Different...

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all that you are thankful for, spend time with family and friends, and eat a whole lot of food. This year, Thanksgiving for us will be very low key and all about family/friends and just hanging out.  We just might have Thanksgiving dinner in our pajamas. Now...that sounds nice! I thought I would experiment with some different dishes this year, so I went to my trusty site...Bon Appetit! Love this magazine, and everything that I've made from this site has been fabulous. 


If your thinking like me this year...try these:

Grits Dressing

Don't want the traditional stuffing, try Grit Dressing. Sounds really tasty, and if you don't do bacon then do turkey bacon. Thanksgiving??? Turkey Bacon...sounds like it could work. Lol! This is definitely on our menu! 

Sweet Potatoes with Blue Cheese

Interesting alternative to Candied Yams or Mashed Sweet Potatoes.  If you don't like blue cheese, then use feta (according to Passion Foodie) or Gorgonzola. Might have to try this! 

Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad

Now this is so tasty, I get this a lot from this cute little cafe called Sweet Butter in Sherman Oaks. So yummy! I was not a fan of brussels sprouts, but after tasting this salad...I love them!  The nuttiness of the Pecorino cheese and the crunchiness of the almonds makes this a winning dish. Add some dried cranberries for a little sweetness. 

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Lasagna

Very non-traditional, but sounds really good. I don't think I will do this for Thanksgiving, but definitely for a Sunday dinner. Take note that this lasagna is not tomato based, but the ricotta mixed with all the fresh herbs it can be very tasty. Not feeling mushrooms or butternut squash, hmmm...not sure what to tell you.  

Chipotle Cranberry Sauce

Ohhhh...this sounds lovely!  A little spiciness drizzled over your turkey definitely can't be a bad idea.  Looks easy to make and definitely should taste great.  It's worth a try!

Pecan, Bourbon, and Butterscotch

I close my eyes and imagine eating this with a nice comfy blanket around me. This sounds so yummy!  Tired of pecan pie or sweet potato pie? Try this! Pecans, bourbon, butterscotch, and bread...it has to be divine. 

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What special dishes are you making? 

What do you think about these?

Bon Appetit!

Happy Thanksgiving

Photo Credit: Bon Appetit

And I'm off and running... 
 J. P. Archie