Kitchen Comforts Cooking shouldn't be complicated.

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Leftover Turkey Sandwich
2007-11-14 15:23:29
These are delish and a staple for at least a week after Thanksgiving and particularly good with the homemade Cranberry Sauce posted this week. Pictures will be forth coming after Thanksgiving.Leftover Turkey SandwichINGREDIENTSSliced bread (I use an oat and flaxseed bread, basically you just want a good sturdy bread)MayonnaiseThick turkey slicesCranberry SauceStuffingLettucePinch of salt and pepper DIRECTIONSSpread mayonnaise onto two slices of bread. Place a few thick slices of turkey on the bread. Add a little cranberry sauce, then the stuffing. Top with lettuce, add a little salt and pepper and place the other slice of bread on top.Copyright © 2008 Kitchen Comforts This feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this material in your news aggregator, the site you are looking at is guilty of copyright infringement. Please contact zayabibu@gmail.com so we can take immediate legal action ...
Sandwich  Turkey 

Orangette
2007-11-13 16:37:39
Today is all about a little bloglove. Once a month I plan on featuring other cooking blogs and of course have to start with my favorite. I have been enamoured with Orangette since I first found it. Lovely recipes and photos that look absolutely delicious. Molly's anecdotal style to introducing food and recipes lets you get to know the person behind the blog which I just love. Her writing style and even the simple touches, like the linens in the photoes make me want to curl up in a chair and sit a while with a cup of tea. It just feels like home.Anyway, today I'm going to feature my favorite recipe from Orangette, Double Chocolate Cupcakes with Ricotta, Bourbon, and Orange Zest. Also, while I haven't tried them yet, I'm sure the Touch-Of-Grace Biscuits will be gracing my table this Thanksgiving instead of the Carrot Cloverleaf Rolls. I plan on trying them this week so I can post lovely pictures and sing their praises, as I'm sure they'll deserve. I will still share the recipe f ...

Orangette: Double Chocolate Cupcakes with Ricotta, Bourbon, and Orange Zest
2007-11-13 16:32:01
Have you any idea how hard it is to pick a favorite recipe? Luckily Molly of Orangette catalogues her recipes or I'd have never found the one I was looking for. Those who know me can almost guess... it has to involve chocolate... probably something baked... Double Chocolate Cupcakes with Ricotta, Bourbon, and Orange ZestWho can resist the combination of dense dark chocolate and creamy ricotta... with the citrus zip of the orange... and the bourbon... oh the bourbon... Now, I know my tagline is Cooking Shouldn't Be Complicated... and it's geared toward easier recipes for those learning or just needing something fast and easy to get through the week. Seriously... Step away from the fast food. And these muffins while not complicated have more ingredients and steps than I'd normally feature, but they are SOOOOOOO worth it. Where I live orange flower water isn't exactly a staple, so I had to forego that ingredient, everything else should be readily available... it'll be fine I promise. ...
Chocolate  Cupcakes  Orange 

Orangette: My Favorite Post
2007-11-13 15:46:02
And on my favorite blog there was a favorite post, and it has nothing to do with a recipe! Her entry titled So we feasted. describes quite eloquently her quest for the perfect caterer for her wedding, and of course, the food. "We even changed our wedding date – from July 28 to July 29 – to match their availability. We meant business. We just knew they were right."You know someone is dedicated to finding the perfect caterer and the food they are serving when they change their wedding date to suit availability. She went with Ciaò Thyme and their website has some wonderful, mouth watering pictures. There is an apple pie in their catering portfolio that looks heavenly.Now, I must go eat some breakfast. I am making myself terribly hungry just looking at everything again.Copyright © 2008 Kitchen Comforts This feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this material in your news aggregator, the site you are looking at is guilty of copyright infringement. P ...

Cranberry Sauce
2007-11-12 15:27:07
This is the cranberry sauce that I've been making for at least 4 years now. Most people who are used to the cranberry jelly in a can are reluctant to try it. So, I always have that as well, but I much prefer this. I love the way the cranberries pop in your mouth. There really is no comparison in the flavor. I love the citrus zip that you get from the added orange juice and zest. I usually make this 2 days before it is needed.Cranberry SauceINGREDIENTS2 cups orange juice1 large bowl cranberries (extract all stems and soft or bad cranberries, wash thoroughly)1 tsp. ground ginger2 cups sugarZest of 1 orange1 cup walnuts (optional)DIRECTIONSCombine orange juice, cranberries and ground ginger in a pot and bring to a simmer. Let mixture cook for approximately 10 minutes until all or most berries come to a pop. (This is important, if they haven't popped, the skins will get tough after the sugar is added)Turn off the heat. Add sugar, orange zest and walnuts to mixture. Stir until sugar di ...
Cranberry  Sauce 

Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
2007-11-12 15:26:51
This is adapted from a Baked Country Ham that I saw done on a show several years ago. It took me a while to find it, but many of my Thanksgiving recipes are adapted from Jamie Gwen's recipes that were showcased that day. She got me through my first Thanksgiving. I've changed amounts a bit over the years, and I dropped the fruit since no one would ever eat it. If you want to give it a try with the fruit that she originally recommends, follow her original recipe linked above.Ham with Brown Sugar GlazeINGREDIENTS1 precooked smoked ham, about 16 lbs.whole cloves1/4 cup Dijon mustard1 1/2 cup brown sugar1 - 2 cups apple juiceDIRECTIONSPeel skin from ham and trim fat to a l/4" layer. Using a sharp knife, score fat in a diamond pattern. Insert a whole clove into each diamond. Spread mustard evenly all over ham. Sprinkle brown sugar over top and sides of ham and pour 1 cup apple juice into pan. Add additional Apple Juice as necessary, you want a glaze as opposed to a water like consiste ...
Sugar 

Quicky Quiche
2007-11-12 03:41:23
Quiche isn't that difficult, but this cheat makes it even faster and easier. I like to also sprinkle in some bacon, or other fillings. Sometimes mushrooms, or peppers and onions. It all depends on what I have handy to use up.Quicky QuicheINGREDIENTS1 9" pie crust6 eggs beaten1 container Allouette cheese spread (I use Spinach and Artichoke)Salt and Pepper to tasteDIRECTIONSCombine eggs, cheese spread, salt and pepper and pour into pie crustBake at 350F for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brownCopyright © 2008 Kitchen Comforts This feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this material in your news aggregator, the site you are looking at is guilty of copyright infringement. Please contact zayabibu@gmail.com so we can take immediate legal action ...

Baked Macaroni and Cheese
2007-11-12 03:31:26
Baked Macaroni and Cheese is on my list of personal comfort foods. This is not the neon orange cheese food that comes in a box from Kraft (though I admit I love that as well), but rather a creamy concoction started on the stovetop, but finished to a crusty perfection in the oven. If you'd like something a little quicker you don't have to finish in the oven, but then you lose the combination of the crusty goodness along the edges and top mixed with the creaminess in the middle. I always use finely shredded sharp cheddar, but feel free to use your cheese of choice. For a sharper flavor, substitute a 1/2 cup of the cheddar for a 1/2 cup of blue cheese. This recipe is featured in one of my favorite cookbooks, the Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook, and made with little variation it's just that good. The only way to really mess this up is to use high instead of medium heat when using the saucepan. Ingredients assembledWhisk flour and melted butter until smoothAdd Milk and whisk until ...
Baked  Cheese  Macaroni 

Buttermilk Pecan Pie
2007-11-11 06:16:09
Check back the day after Thanksgiving for pictures. I don't care for the corn syrup in typical pecan pies. So this is my substitute. This is one of the more complicated recipes you will find on this site. It's being featured for Thanksgiving, I will try to find an easy Pecan Pie recipe as well. If you don't want to go through all the work. After 15-20 minutes, I recommend slipping a pie crust guard or aluminum foil over the exposed crust at the edge of the pie. This is adapted from a Holiday Cooking Special I watched on DIY Network about 3 years ago.Buttermilk Pecan PieINGREDIENTSOne 9" baked pie shell, bring to room temp if it's coming out of the refrigerator6 Tbs. unsalted butter, cut into 1/2"-1" pieces1 cup granulated sugar1/3 cup light brown sugar1/3 tsp. salt3 large eggs2/3 cup buttermilk2 tsp pure vanilla1/2 cup chopped toasted pecansDIRECTIONSAdjust oven rack to center position, and heat oven to 275 degrees. Melt butter in medium heatproof bowl set in skillet of water m ...
Pie 

Apple Galette
2007-11-11 06:08:53
This is inspired by an Apple Galette I saw on Angry Chicken a while back. I use my Spiced Apples as the filling for this Apple Galette. This is an easy substitute for an apple pie, when you want a pie without all the hassle of a perfect crust and sealing the top and bottom crusts together. Simple, but just as tasty.For a Galette Pie Crust, you want enough for about 1 1/2 pie crusts. This is a basic pie crust, yielding a great flaky crust. To make this quick, I use my food processor, however you can use your fingers, two knives, or a pastry blender to cut in the butter.An Apple GaletteApple GaletteINGREDIENTSCrust:1 1/2 cups white flour1 tsp sugar1/4 tsp salt1/2 cup butter, cut into Tbsp sized piecesice cold water2-3 cups Spiced ApplesDIRECTIONSMix together flour, sugar and salt (Pulse twice if using FP)Add butter, toss in the flour to separate, cut in butter into flours mixture until butter is in pea-sized pieces (Pulse 5-8 times if using FP)Drizzle in ice cold water 1 Tbsp at a t ...
Apple 

Spiced Apples
2007-11-11 05:27:24
These are great on their own or layered in a galette or as filling for an apple pie. They are a great candidate for canning as well. I make these in large batches for canning to have handy for throwing together cobblers, pies or just to dress up vanilla ice cream in a pinch.The apples as a filling for a simple Apple Galette.Spiced ApplesINGREDIENTS3-4 lbs apples, peeled and sliced (McIntosh, Granny Smith, or other pie type apple)2 Tbsp lemon juice1/2 cup brown sugar1 tsp cinnamon1/2 tsp nutmeg1/2 tsp ground ginger1/4 tsp ground cloves2 Tbsp butterDIRECTIONSToss the apples with the lemon juice in a casserole dishMix in brown sugar and spicesCut butter up into small pieces and dot around the top of the applesHeat in the oven at 350 until apples are softened and spices and sugar are bubbling about 20 minutes ...

Annual Cookie Swap Part II
2007-11-10 00:47:00
Well, the date is set and the attendees have RSVP'd, so now all we need is to start baking. If you are interested in hosting your own Cookie Swap, Martha Stewart has a free downloadable planner available on their website. You will need Adobe Reader in order to view it, which is available free for download.Her planner gives you recipes for cookies, cookie label clip art, recipes for cookie swap appetizers, a timetable, decoration ideas and cookie packaging tips.Robin's Cookie Exchange is one of the oldest sites on the web that covers Cookie Swap tips and ideas. It's worth checking out and there is a forum so people share their personal cookie swap tips. ...
Annual  Cookie 

Annual Cookie Swap Part II
2007-11-09 22:56:10
Well, the date is set and the attendees have RSVP'd, so now all we need is to start baking. If you are interested in hosting your own Cookie Swap, Martha Stewart has a free downloadable planner available on their website. You will need Adobe Reader in order to view it, which is available free for download.Her planner gives you recipes for cookies, cookie label clip art, recipes for cookie swap appetizers, a timetable, decoration ideas and cookie packaging tips.Robin's Cookie Exchange is one of the oldest sites on the web that covers Cookie Swap tips and ideas. It's worth checking out and there is a forum so people share their personal cookie swap tips. ...
Annual  Cookie 

Cucumber Salad
2007-11-09 04:56:53
I love this as a simple light salad with pasta dinners. The creamy goat cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing compliment each other nicely.Cucumber SaladINGREDIENTS1/2 cucumber1 roma tomato1 Tbsp goat cheeseBalsamic Vinaigrette, to tasteDIRECTIONSThin slice the cucumber, 1/16-1/8" (Use a mandolin if you have one)Cut the tomato in 6th's lengthwise, then in halfDivide the cucumber and tomato between 2 bowlsCrumble 1/2 the goat cheese on each saladDrizzle with vinaigrette to taste ...
Cucumber  Salad 

Balsamic Vinaigrette
2007-11-09 04:55:03
A basic vinaigrette typically consists of lemon juice or vinegar and oil and various seasonings to taste. The oil to vinegar ratio is usually in the area of 1-1 to 2-1. The seasonings can be as simple as salt and/or pepper to whatever you feel like throwing in with it. A sprinkle of this, a dash of that...This is my preferred Balsamic Vinaigrette, I add a little honey to curb the vinegar for my hubby. If I'm the only one eating it, I leave the honey out altogether. I make it with a 1-1 ratio for Cucumber Salad, and 2-1 for anything else. I like the heavier vinegar flavor for my cucs.Balsamic VinaigretteINGREDIENTS1/2 cup balsamic vinegar1 cup olive oil2 tsp dijon mustard1 tsp crushed garlic1/8 tsp fresh ground pepper1/8 tsp salt1 - 1 1/2 Tbsp Honey, to tasteDIRECTIONSWhisk together first 6 ingredientsTaste at this time, you may not want to add honey.Whisk in honey to taste, I add a tsp at a time until it takes enough of the edge off. ...

Balsamic Vinaigrette
2007-11-09 04:25:00
A basic vinaigrette typically consists of lemon juice or vinegar and oil and various seasonings to taste. The oil to vinegar ratio is usually in the area of 1-1 to 2-1. The seasonings can be as simple as salt and/or pepper to whatever you feel like throwing in with it. A sprinkle of this, a dash of that...This is my preferred Balsamic Vinaigrette, I add a little honey to curb the vinegar for my hubby. If I'm the only one eating it, I leave the honey out altogether. I make it with a 1-1 ratio for Cucumber Salad, and 2-1 for anything else. I like the heavier vinegar flavor for my cucs.Balsamic VinaigretteINGREDIENTS1/2 cup balsamic vinegar1 cup olive oil2 tsp dijon mustard1 tsp crushed garlic1/8 tsp fresh ground pepper1/8 tsp salt1 - 1 1/2 Tbsp Honey, to tasteDIRECTIONSWhisk together first 6 ingredientsTaste at this time, you may not want to add honey.Whisk in honey to taste, I add a tsp at a time until it takes enough of the edge off. ...

Cucumber Salad
2007-11-09 03:04:00
I love this as a simple light salad with pasta dinners. The creamy goat cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing compliment each other nicely.Cucumber SaladINGREDIENTS1/2 cucumber1 roma tomato1 Tbsp goat cheeseBalsamic Vinaigrette, to tasteDIRECTIONSThin slice the cucumber, 1/16-1/8" (Use a mandolin if you have one)Cut the tomato in 6th's lengthwise, then in halfDivide the cucumber and tomato between 2 bowlsCrumble 1/2 the goat cheese on each saladDrizzle with vinaigrette to taste ...
Cucumber  Salad 

Thanksgiving Planning: Your Grocery List
2007-11-08 04:39:30
If you don't have readily available access to fresh herbs this time of year, like myself, consider picking up anything you need this weekend. The closer we get to Thanksgiving the harder it will be to find items like Rubbed Sage. If you haven't gotten your grocery list together already, consider setting aside some time before Saturday to find your preferred recipes and compile your grocery lists.If you are using a fresh turkey, get it ordered if you haven't done so already. ...
Thanksgiving 

Thanksgiving Planning: Your Grocery List
2007-11-08 04:35:00
If you don't have readily available access to fresh herbs this time of year, like myself, consider picking up anything you need this weekend. The closer we get to Thanksgiving the harder it will be to find items like Rubbed Sage. If you haven't gotten your grocery list together already, consider setting aside some time before Saturday to find your preferred recipes and compile your grocery lists.If you are using a fresh turkey, get it ordered if you haven't done so already. ...
Thanksgiving 

Buttermilk Pecan Pie
2007-11-08 04:20:00
Check back the day after Thanksgiving for pictures. I don't care for the corn syrup in typical pecan pies. So this is my substitute. This is one of the more complicated recipes you will find on this site. It's being featured for Thanksgiving, I will try to find an easy Pecan Pie recipe as well. If you don't want to go through all the work. After 15-20 minutes, I recommend slipping a pie crust guard or aluminum foil over the exposed crust at the edge of the pie. This is adapted from a Holiday Cooking Special I watched on DIY Network about 3 years ago.Buttermilk Pecan PieINGREDIENTSOne 9" baked pie shell, bring to room temp if it's coming out of the refrigerator6 Tbs. unsalted butter, cut into 1/2"-1" pieces1 cup granulated sugar1/3 cup light brown sugar1/3 tsp. salt3 large eggs2/3 cup buttermilk2 tsp pure vanilla1/2 cup chopped toasted pecansDIRECTIONSAdjust oven rack to center position, and heat oven to 275 degrees. Melt butter in medium heatproof bowl set in skillet of water m ...
Pie 

Hot Artichoke Spinach Dip
2007-11-07 07:14:25
I'll have to make this again for pictures, I was too slow in getting the camera, everyone was already digging in.Hot Artichoke Spinach DipINGREDIENTS1 block frozen spinach1 can small artichoke hearts1 brick cream cheese1/4 tsp garlic powder1/8 tsp crushed red pepperDIRECTIONSMicrowave spinach 90 seconds til heated through, squeeze out all waterDrain artichoke hearts and snip into 1/4-1/2 inch piecesAdd brick of cream cheese and artichoke hearts to spinach and microwave additional 45-60 secondsAdd seasonings and stir wellOptional, place on top rack of broiler until just brown and bubbly ...
Spinach 

Hot Artichoke Spinach Dip
2007-11-07 06:03:00
I'll have to make this again for pictures, I was too slow in getting the camera, everyone was already digging in.Hot Artichoke Spinach DipINGREDIENTS1 block frozen spinach1 can small artichoke hearts1 brick cream cheese1/4 tsp garlic powder1/8 tsp crushed red pepperDIRECTIONSMicrowave spinach 90 seconds til heated through, squeeze out all waterDrain artichoke hearts and snip into 1/4-1/2 inch piecesAdd brick of cream cheese and artichoke hearts to spinach and microwave additional 45-60 secondsAdd seasonings and stir wellOptional, place on top rack of broiler until just brown and bubbly ...
Spinach 

Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
2007-11-06 03:41:02
I have no idea where this recipe came from, so unfortunately I can't give credit. However, if anyone is familiar with this recipe and knows for sure, let me know. I'm guessing it was adapted from this recipe from McCormick. They are close but not quite the same.Cheesy Garlic Mashed PotatoesINGREDIENTS6 potatoes - cubed & cooked until tender1/4 c milk1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese1 c sour cream1 t parsley flakes1/2 t crushed garlic1 c shredded cheddar (or other cheese)DIRECTIONS1) Blend all ingredients until smooth and stir in 1/2 c cheese2) Spoon into greased casserole dish. Cover and bake at 325 for 30-40 minutes.3) Uncover, sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes, until melted. ...
Cheesy  Garlic  Mashed  Mashed Potatoes  Potatoes 

Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
2007-11-06 03:34:00
I have no idea where this recipe came from, so unfortunately I can't give credit. However, if anyone is familiar with this recipe and knows for sure, let me know. I'm guessing it was adapted from this recipe from McCormick. They are close but not quite the same.Cheesy Garlic Mashed PotatoesINGREDIENTS6 potatoes - cubed & cooked until tender1/4 c milk1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese1 c sour cream1 t parsley flakes1/2 t crushed garlic1 c shredded cheddar (or other cheese)DIRECTIONS1) Blend all ingredients until smooth and stir in 1/2 c cheese2) Spoon into greased casserole dish. Cover and bake at 325 for 30-40 minutes.3) Uncover, sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes, until melted. ...
Cheesy  Garlic  Mashed  Mashed Potatoes  Potatoes 

Brandied Candied Sweet Potatoes
2007-11-06 00:00:00
Absolutely, hands down, my favorite Thanksgiving side dish. If I have enough leftover I always make Sweet Potato Pound Cake from the same cookbook, just a few modifications to account for the extra stuff added to the sweet potatoes in this recipe. I will share that recipe later this month as well, both as intended and tweaked to use leftovers from this dish. Brandied Candied Sweet PotatoesFrom Better Homes & Gardens Best Loved Community Recipes Vol I (Just about impossible to find anymore, if you can find it, I HIGHLY recommend purchasing it. I linked to Amazon's Used & New Listings for it, if you are interested)INGREDIENTS1 40 oz can of sweet potatoes, or 2.5 lbs fresh cooked1/2 cup packed brown sugar1/4 cup butter melted3 Tbsp Brandy (I use an Apricot Brandy)2 Tbsp Frozen Orange Juice concentrate2 Tbsp water1 tsp vanilla1/2 tsp salt2 eggs, slightly beatenTopping:1/2 cup packed brown sugar2 Tbsp flour1/4 tsp ground cardamom or cinnamon2 Tbsp cold butter1/4 cup chopped pecans (I pref ...
Potatoes 

Brandied Candied Sweet Potatoes
2007-11-05 22:57:01
Absolutely, hands down, my favorite Thanksgiving side dish. If I have enough leftover I always make Sweet Potato Pound Cake from the same cookbook, just a few modifications to account for the extra stuff added to the sweet potatoes in this recipe. I will share that recipe later this month as well, both as intended and tweaked to use leftovers from this dish. Brandied Candied Sweet PotatoesFrom Better Homes & Gardens Best Loved Community Recipes Vol I (Just about impossible to find anymore, if you can find it, I HIGHLY recommend purchasing it. I linked to Amazon's Used & New Listings for it, if you are interested)INGREDIENTS1 40 oz can of sweet potatoes, or 2.5 lbs fresh cooked1/2 cup packed brown sugar1/4 cup butter melted3 Tbsp Brandy (I use an Apricot Brandy)2 Tbsp Frozen Orange Juice concentrate2 Tbsp water1 tsp vanilla1/2 tsp salt2 eggs, slightly beatenTopping:1/2 cup packed brown sugar2 Tbsp flour1/4 tsp ground cardamom or cinnamon2 Tbsp cold butter1/4 cup chopped pecans (I pref ...
Potatoes 

Tortellini with Beef and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
2007-11-04 21:36:12
This is a quick meal that works well for us on nights when we go to hockey games and only have a short time to prepare dinner.Tortellini with Beef and Sun-Dried TomatoesINGREDIENTS1 Tbsp Olive Oil1/2 lb Beef, in small cubes or slices (I buy stew meat when in a hurry)1 oz sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, about 1/8 cupGarlic PowderOnion PowderItalian SeasoningCooked Tortellini (I buy Buitoni's in the refrigerator section)Grated Parmeson or RomanoDIRECTIONSHeat Olive Oil in a skillet on medium heatAdd beef to the skilletSprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder and Italian Seasoning, to taste. I use about 1/8 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp onion powder and about 1/4-1/2 tsp Italian SeasoningBrown beef until cooked through, add tomatoes and reduce to lowStir and heat for 1-2 additional minutesToss with Tortellini, sprinkle with cheese and serveServes 2 ...
Beef  Tomatoes 

Tortellini with Beef and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
2007-11-04 20:50:00
This is a quick meal that works well for us on nights when we go to hockey games and only have a short time to prepare dinner.Tortellini with Beef and Sun-Dried TomatoesINGREDIENTS1 Tbsp Olive Oil1/2 lb Beef, in small cubes or slices (I buy stew meat when in a hurry)1 oz sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, about 1/8 cupGarlic PowderOnion PowderItalian SeasoningCooked Tortellini (I buy Buitoni's in the refrigerator section)Grated Parmeson or RomanoDIRECTIONSHeat Olive Oil in a skillet on medium heatAdd beef to the skilletSprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder and Italian Seasoning, to taste. I use about 1/8 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp onion powder and about 1/4-1/2 tsp Italian SeasoningBrown beef until cooked through, add tomatoes and reduce to lowStir and heat for 1-2 additional minutesToss with Tortellini, sprinkle with cheese and serveServes 2 ...
Beef  Tomatoes 

Thanksgiving Planning: What To Ask For When Others Offer
2007-11-03 16:21:27
First, if someone offers to bring something, accept their offer. This is not the time to be a martyr and try to do it all yourself.While you can't dictate exactly what they make (No handing over of specific recipes), you can ask for a specific type of dish. You can specify the vegetable for instance. However, be prepared because it may not be exactly what you had it mind, but it will all be fine.If you noticed in my menu I have "various salads", I have NO idea what that will consist of because I'm going to give them all up for someone else to bring. Same thing with crudites.I happen to have an upstairs stove, downstairs stove and a standalone roaster. So, I have no problem coordinating hot foods at various temps. However, if you have one stove and that's it, give away the items that require different temps for long periods of time. You can spend all morning chopping veggies and assembling salads, corn on the cob can be cooked on a grill. However, green bean casserole and dishes ...
Thanksgiving 

Thanksgiving Planning: Invites and Menu
2007-11-03 16:04:08
I probably should have reversed the order of the first two items, because you can't really think about your menu until you've determined who you will be inviting and how many people you will have to serve. Decide whether you will send formal invitations or just call everyone. I host Thanksgiving every year and don't send invitations out, I just call people to let them know "Yes, I am hosting Thanksgiving again this year"In my case, I'm going to need to make sure I have enough food for 28 people. I'm assuming my husband's grandmother, parents, siblings and their families, and niece and her family will be joining us, plus 4 possible unknown others. My father-in-law doesn't eat Turkey, so I make ham and turkey every year. My favorite dish is the Brandied Candied Sweet Potatoes, so while I could probably do with just the mashed potatoes each year, I make both. I do divide the mashed potatoes in half though, and leave half plain and use the other half to make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. ...
Menu  Thanksgiving