Traditional Turkey

Simplfying my life

2009-01-23T05:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

I've decided to have one blog that celebrates all of the holidays and the joy of life. You can find me here
http://somewouldevensayitglows.blogspot.com/

The Crunch is on!

2008-11-23T14:42:00.000-08:00

Well the grocery bill totaled $260 and that included the free turkey! Our bird is a little over 23lbs and has been defrosting in our 2nd refrigerator since Thursday. It should be ready by Wednesday to brine. If you didn't catch my earlier post on brining, I've copied the recipe below...

About 5 years ago while watching the Food Network, Alton Brown (as a matter of fact), brined a turkey. I found a great recipe and have used it ever since.
3 cups Kosher Salt
5 cups Sugar
2 medium onions chopped
2 carrots chopped
2 celery stalks
Wrap in cheese cloth:2 bay leaves3 sprigs thyme3 sprigs parsley2 tsp peppercorns
Boil 'til the sugar and salt are dissolved. Cool completely.

I use a 5gallon bucket lined with a brand new trash bag to hold the turkey and the brine. We have an extra fridge in the basement where I brine the turkey overnight. Rinse thoroughly, and stuff with your favorite stuffing and bake as usual. It is so moist and flavorful, it's unbelievable.

This is going to be a busy week, so if I don't get to chat with you, I wish you all wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Thankful and a Recipe

2008-11-17T19:19:00.001-08:00

We have so much to be thankful for. Adam's 22 birthday was Friday and we celebrated with a family dinner at The Texas Roadhouse and a sour cream apple pie. The crust looks a little dark in the photo, but it wasn't it was perfect. The recipe follows.

The Recipe

2008-11-17T19:05:00.000-08:00

Perfect Pie Crust:
Mix in a bowl with a spoon.

2 cups flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
pinch of salt

Roll out between waxed paper. Makes (2) 8" crusts. (Do not double this recipe, make it again if you need additional crusts.) Refrigerate. You will only use 1 crust for this recipe.

Crumb Topping:

Mix in a bowl.

3 T soft butter
1/4 cup plus 2T sugar
1t sugar
2T flour

Refrigerate.

Filling:

Whisk together

1 1/3 cup sour cream
2/3 cup sugar
1/4t salt
2t vanilla
2 large eggs
3T flour
5-6 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored and sliced thinly)

Pour in shell and add topping. Bake @ 350degree oven 1- 1.25hrs. Cool Completely. Enjoy!!

More Fall Decorations

2008-11-02T07:06:00.001-08:00

Can you believe these are the mums that I bought on my birthday (September 7)? I guess having them on the porch with indirect sunlight really kept them from flowering. But they are starting to come to life now.

I cut the hydrangeas this summer and just put them in a vase (without water), they dry perfectly. Isn't the blue color awesome?

Fall Decorating

2008-11-02T06:55:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share some of my Fall/Thanksgiving decorating. I made these ceramic figures when the boys were small and through the years they seemed to have gotten some wear and tear.

I've changed my front door decoration to a wrought iron corn dryer with Indian corn that I keep from year to year. I store all of my decorations in plastic tubs so that the mice can't get to them.

Hot Spiked Cider

2008-11-02T06:39:00.000-08:00

This is the alcoholic hot cider recipe that I talked about earlier:

Tie the following in a cheesecloth bag:

12 whole cloves
6 whole allspice
3 cinnamon sticks (broken up)
1tsp orange rind

Add spice bag to a large pot or crock pot with the following:

2 quarts cider
1 c orange juice
1 c cranberry juice cocktail
1 c pineapple juice
1/2 c dark rum
1/2 c apple brandy

Makes 8 cups. We usually double or triple this recipe. It's sooo yummy and warms the toes on a cold day.

Mum Mountain

2008-11-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

On my way home from Sister's Breakfast, I stopped to take this photo. It's from a local nursery~ Ott's, they plant this mountain of mums every year, although this is the first time I've actually taken a photo. Isn't it great?

Sisters Breakfast

2008-11-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

We had a great breakfast this morning and then went to the Victorian House to do a little Christmas Shopping. The top photo is Amy. The second is a photo of a bed full of comfy pillows that I loved. And once again, the photos showed up 2 times! Not sure why, sorry.

Turkey Fun

2008-10-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

My turkey name is Crazy Merry Foot.

Find out your turkey name here:

http://www.quizopolis.com/turkey-name.php

Let me know!

Thankful

2008-10-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful that Adam wasn't hurt when a deer ran into his car last night. The car has some right fender and mirror damage, but he is fine.

Adam had some good news today, he passed the written part of his fireman's test. Now to pass the physical test in January. The job would be in VA, but it's really only 3hrs south (that's how I'm coming to grips with his possible move).

Where has the time gone? It feels like I just put him on the bus for kindergarten for the first time. I am so proud of the men that he and Bryan have become. Both have given us so much joy, at times it's overwhelming. I always tell them they are my great accomplishment. I would never have changed a thing, from being a stay-at-home-mom until they were older, to our now late (sometimes really late) night chats about relationships with girls, etc.

Enjoy each and every moment!

Thankful for Family

2008-10-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

Wow the first is this weekend, it hard to believe. I'm having breakfast with my sisters-in-law (Cathy, Amy and Heidi). We'll have breakfast, catch up and then do some early Christmas Shopping at "The Victorian House". It's really neat, this couple turn their entire house into a craft show. I always pick up a few really unique gifts.

The next Saturday (8th) I'm going on our semi-annual shopping trip to Lancaster, PA with my Aunt, Cousins and my Mum. I'm hoping to do some Christmas shopping that day too, along with somethings for Thanksgiving.

The 14th is Adam's 22nd birthday, so we'll celebrate that on the following Saturday.

And the next week is the big day... I can't wait!!!

Hot Pilgrim

2008-10-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

This non-alcoholic hot drink serves 16 people.

1 gallon cranberry juice
2 oranges thickly sliced and seeded
20 cinnamon sticks (keep 16 to garnish)
8 whole cloves

Heat to boiling, then simmer for 2 minutes. Serve in mugs. Decorate each mug with a cinnamon stick.

I'll post our hot cider recipe later this week. It's for adults only...

Shopping Trip

2008-10-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

I've been doing my weekly grocery shopping on Thursdays so that I don't have to do it on Sat or Sun (it's also a lot less crowded). I started to buy a lot of non-perishables for both Thanksgiving and Christmas as I see them on sale.

I'm hoping that our local supermarket will offer free turkey coupons again this year. Basically you get a coupon for every $50 that you spend. You need 5 coupons to get a free turkey. I usually get enough to get (2) free turkeys (Thanksgiving and Christmas) for us and then 3rd for a local soup kitchen.

It's definitely feeling like Fall weather, we had a light frost on Tuesday morning. Brrr...

To Brine or Not to Brine

2008-10-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

About 5 years ago while watching the Food Network, Alton Brown (as a matter of fact), brined a turkey. I found a great recipe and have used it ever since.

3 cups Kosher Salt
5 cups Sugar
2 medium onions chopped
2 carrots chopped
2 celery stalks
Wrap in cheese cloth:
2 bay leaves
3 sprigs thyme
3 sprigs parsley
2 tsp peppercorns

Boil 'til the sugar and salt are dissolved. Cool completely.

I use a 5gallon bucket lined with a brand new trash bag to hold the turkey and the brine. We have an extra fridge in the basement where I brine the turkey overnight. Rinse thoroughly, and stuff with your favorite stuffing and bake as usual. It is so moist and flavorful, it's unbelievable.

Do you brine your turkey?

Pumpkin Log

2008-09-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

This is so easy and always a big hit in our family:

Combine the following:

3 eggs
2/3 cup of pumpkin (I use canned, but not the pie filling)
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Grease a 14.5" x 19.5" jelly roll pan. Then line with waxed paper. Pour batter.

Bake @ 375 for 15 minutes.

Place a clean dishtowel on your counter. Sift powdered sugar over the entire towel. Place the cake directly on the towel. Remove the waxed paper and roll the cake. Place in the refrigerator 45min to 1hr. Unroll and fill with filling.

Filling

8oz cream cheese
1tsp vanilla
2tsp softened butter
1cup powdered sugar

Re-roll. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator.

Blessings

2008-09-06T05:04:00.000-07:00

I am thankful today for the Lord's mercy. My Uncle John passed away early this morning. His two-year battle with cancer and heart problems ended peacefully. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. He was a character, and always knew what you should be doing and told you so :)

Fall is in the Air

2008-09-01T15:20:00.001-07:00

Well I never made the place cards, they are still on my to-do list.

I just love it - the days are getting shorter, last night DH noticed that it was dark by 8pm. At night the temps are dropping into the 50's. I just pulled some light blankets out of the cedar chest to throw in the wash tonight and hang on the line in the am.

With the Labor Day holiday at an end and the families gone home for the night, I'm thankful that we had today together. It was wonderful to have my parents here for the day. They are going through a lot (being the caretakers of my Uncle who has stage 4 of lung cancer) and needed a break. They say the Lord only gives us as much as we can bear, and they are very strong people!

God Bless!

Talkin' Turkey

2008-08-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

It seems as if I have more time on my hands this month, so my blogs are getting some extra attention. Today's weather is warmer than it has been. However, I've made mayonnaise cake cupcakes. They are wonderfully moist and really chocolaty good...

2 cup flour
1 cup sugar
4tbl cocoa
pinch of salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 cup of Miracle Whip
1 cup of water
1 tsp vanilla

Mix as listed. Pour into cupcake pan with paper liners. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. To bake as a cake I usually bake in a bundt pan 'til a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and frost with your favorite frosting. I'm making homemade butter cream - yummy!!

Ok, my subject is Talkin' Turkey so I better start talkin'... I belong to a Stampin' Up stamp club. We meet 1x per month and learn new techniques and create fun projects. Last night was our meeting. We made the cutest little bags from 1 piece of 12x12 paper and 1 length of ribbon. Hopefully I will get the digital camera I've been asking for for my b-day and be able to start posting craft projects to share (I digress). Anyway, I think that I'll do make the bags as place card holders for Thanksgiving.

Tomorrow's Turkey Day to Do List:

Visit AC Moore for vintage style fall themed paper and ribbon
Make the bags
Go to Peddler's Village Lahaska, PA

Today I am thankful

that Bryan got home from the Beach safely
that we are planning a family reunion
for the beautiful day and hanging laundry outside to dry

Gobble. Gobble.

Double Digits

2008-08-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official, the countdown has begun. This month I'm planing to create my master shopping list for turkey day and begin to buy any non perishables (especially those that are on sale). It should be fairly easy since I've already made my menu's for every meal.

I've been itching to find a few Thanksgiving movies to watch. Does anyone have any favorites?

I also thought that I'd like to include a few things (each post) that I am thankful for:

* my husband still being able to make my heart flutter with just a wink
* my wonderful sons still wanting to share the details of their day (even if it is midnight when they feel like talking)
* having my parents live right up the street
* my health

Gobble Gobble

2 Months in One

2008-08-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

June and July went by so quickly I can't believe it! I really didn't do any specific planning, etc on either Turkey Day, but I did make a Turkey breast this past Sunday that was yummy.

We've been doing a lot of antiquing this summer and having a ball doing it. This past weekend I saw a lot of vintage fall decor - yeah the cool weather is coming!!!

My Mum has been hinting that she wants to do dinner this year. But, it's too much work for her, that's why I took over years ago. I try to keep her involved as much as possible in the planning, cooking, baking, etc.

Gobble Gobble

Check

2008-05-27T19:06:00.001-07:00

Saturday was absolutely gorgeous! We got up at 5:30 am and headed about 1hr East of home to do some major antiquing. I found a vintage print and photo album with the same style of illustrations, so I was pleased with my finds for the day!

I made my menu's for the entire day

Breakfast - Mini-Spinach Quiches. Maple Syrup Glazed Bacon. Bagels with herbed cream cheese. Fresh Fruit. OJ. Mimosas. Bloody Marys. Strong Coffee.
Appetizers - Marinated Cheese. Crab and Cream Cheese Dip. Assorted Crackers. Lil Smokies. Shrimp Cocktail. Ring Bologna and Pepperoni. Vegi's and Spinach Dip. Spiked Hot Cider. Cold Cider. Punch.
Dinner - Brined Turkey. Stuffing. Mashed Potatoes. Gravy. Baked Sweet Potatoes. Shoepeg Corn. Peas. Pearl Onions. Roasted Asparagus with garlic. Coleslaw. Relish Tray. Uncle Bubba's Cheddar Cheese Biscuits. Lemon Water.
Dessert - Pumpkin Log. Pumpkin Pie. Apple Dumplings. Cherry Cheese Pie. Coffee. Tea.

I didn't get the chance to design my place card holders, so that item is moved to next month's Turkey Day, however I did write in my gratitude journal. This is something that I really enjoy. It makes me focus on the positive and I feel so much better after I've made an entry.

6 months and counting...

It's coming...

2008-05-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

I just realized that Turkey Day this month falls during Memorial Day weekend. Not that we celebrate the entire weekend, but there's usually a lot going on.

Friday night: I have stamp club (just joined it wanting to be with other creatives)
Saturday: Antiquing with DH and this is TURKEY DAY (need to check off items from my to do list)
Sunday: Costco shopping with my cousin
Monday: Picnic at our house

I can hardly believe that next weekend is Memorial Day. I'm really looking forward to the long weekend!!

May Turkey Talk

2008-05-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

Happy May Day! Does anyone give May baskets to their neighbors? It's something that we used to do as kids.

Well, it's time to plan for this month's Turkey Day. This month the 24th falls on a Saturday, which will make it much easier to schedule and accomplish things.

MAY TO DO LIST:

Develop menu plan for the entire day (Breakfast, Appetizers, Dinner and Dessert). We usually eat our main meal at 2pm, and have dessert or cold sandwiches and turkey soup for supper. I immediately put my turkey carcass on the stove and make soup with leftover vegi's, etc. while we are still cleaning up from dinner.
Plan place card holders
Write in Traditional Turkey Blog
Write in my Gratitude Journal

I'll leave you with these thoughts from Sir John Templeton

"How wonderful it would be if we could help our children and grandchildren to learn thanksgiving at an early age. Thanksgiving opens the doors. It changes a child’s personality … thankful children want to give, they radiate happiness, they draw people."

Until the 24th...

April 24th ~ Turkey Day

2008-04-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

Turkey Day went pretty much as planned this month.

I created a gratitude journal that I've actually been writing in pretty regularly.

I found a new recipe for cornbread stuffing that I would like to try. However, never fear my dear family, I will continue to make our tradtional stuffing too.

I've decided to keep my white feather tree out all year long and just decorate it for each holiday. So, I'm now on the look-out for Thanksgiving ideas.

I keep hinting that I want a digital camera, so when I finally get one I'll be able to post photos too!

Gobble! Gobble!