Cookie Exchange- Blog style

It's almost December and that means a whole lot of baking for my family

I thought it would be fun to do a blog cookie exchange.

with most cookie exchange you bring "x" amount of cookies and you trade with the others to get a bunch of different kinds so you don't have to bake as much & you get a variety and most importantly you may get a flavor you have never had (good time to try things you may not get to).

Idea:

post a recipe everyday for a week

I will start 12/6

my big baking day is 12/13 with my dad and I will share everything we did on the 14th

Your help:

post recipes in the comments

I will post them so everyone can read and enjoy them!!

Thankful

I am Thankful for so many things"

my family and how we all support each other

my husband

my health

my friends

that I am able to provide for my family

that I love with all my heart

that I have made huge changes over this last year

that I am learning to let go

this is only the short list

I hope that everyone has a great Thanksgiving and enjoys the company that they have.

Time line- Turkey day

This will all depend on when you have dinner. We don't eat until 6 pm so I have all day. To tell you the truth sometimes I feel as if I am way behind. I don't put my turkey in until 2 pm!!

Day before- I bake, bake and bake! I get all my pies, breads and home made cranberry sauce done.

Big day-

9-10- Macy's Thanksgiving parade!!
10- baked another loaf a bread
10:30- baked squash
11- started my stuffing put in oven @12, remove squash removed from skin put in bowl added butter, brown sugar let sit
11- cutting my celery, onion that I would need for the day
12- put stuffing in oven for 45 minutes
12- peeled sweet potatoes put in oven 12:30
12:30- dishes and cleaned kitchen
12:45-1 break time- Blog
1:15- start getting my turkey ready- for the first time ever I have decided to use a turkey bag. Several people have recommended it and it cuts down on cooking time
1:30 out turkey in oven (3 1/2-4 hours) 5:30 done time
1:30- peel potatoes I am also using a different recipe than I post. It was giving to me last minute and you use your crock pot and chicken broth. takes 4 hours, make ice cubes
2- clean up kitchen. empty dish washer for after dinner dishes.
2:30 shower, get cleaned up
3:30- set table, make lemonade, ice tea, cut cheese foe pies, organize refrigerator
4- mom should be arriving, visit relax
4:30- everyone else should arrive
4:45-5 check turkey, pull turkey out, remove pan drippings, let turkey sit for 15-20 minutes
5:15- make gravy, put stuffing, sweet potatoes, squash back in oven to warm up, put mashed potatoes in serving bowl
5:30 carve turkey and sit down and enjoy my family and friends

WHY????

I am so puzzled by the world today.

I had a rough weekend emotionally but regrouping and back at work on Monday

I noticed someone came in to the office and I got up to greet and saw this customer that is a pain in the a$$. He always ask to see me which is fine I know that he is a pain.

W: hello, can I help you? (I think to myself push those thoughts of him being a pain and be positive)

C: Yes, is Wendy here today?

W: it's me Wendy ( I am far away so I can understand)

C: Why I did think it was you. You look so young

W: THANKS

C: well it could be because I'm getting older

W: What can I do for you (giggling because I know that is his humor)

I take care of his transaction and we get into a discussion of his family and how they are going through a tough time. I console him and tell him that I hope it works out the way it is supposed to be. I also tell him that I will think of his family ans pray for them (I never say things like that to customers because I don't share any type of religious or political views). As I stand up and tell him Happy Thanksgiving and re assure him that things will work out.

he states:

C: Don't eat too much you can't afford to put anymore weight on.

W: wow, OK, have a nice day

I was in total shock.

WHY would anyone say that.

I don't need to worry about what I eat on Thanksgiving I am not obese. Even if I was WHY does he feel he has the right to say something.

WHY do people feel they have a right to say something.

I didn't say have a better attitude don't be so negative and think that everyone is out to get you.

I came a way from this with angry but I have turned it into sympathy.

This person feels bad about his life and I would say does everyday. I have know him for several years and he always has the angry face on.

I can only say that I am not an angry person that I am a happy person and I feel bad for him.

I love myself and yes it did hurt when he told me that basically I am fat I know that I am not and I love me.

Day 7- Caramel=pecan Cheesecake pie

In fall or any time of year, nutty, rich and delicious pie is one I am proud to serve. While it seems very special its a snap to make.

Ingredients:

1 sheet refrigerated pie pastry

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

4 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/4 cup chopped pecans

1 jar (12 1/4 oz) fat free caramel ice cream topping

Directions:

1. line a 9-in. pie plate with pastry. trim and flute edges. in a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, 1 egg and vanilla until smooth. spread into pastry shell; sprinkle with pecans.

2. In a small bowl, whisk remaining eggs; gradually whisk in caramel topping until blended. pour slowly over pecans.

3. Bake at 375 for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned (loosely cover edges with foil after 20 minutes if pie browns to quickly). Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight before slicing. Yields 6-8 servings.

Prep: 15 minutes

Bake 35 mins + chilling

**when you bake this pie the caramel will sink to the bottom and the pecans will rise to the top**

Day 6- Cherry Bread

Cherry Bread- Grandma's recipe

Cherry Nut Bread* 1 cup of sugar, 1 1/2 cups four, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 eggs(beaten), 1-8 oz jar maraschino cherries(chopped) with juice, 1 cup nuts

Preheat oven to 350. Combine sugar, flour, baking powder in bowl. Add eggs, cherries with syrup and walnuts. Mix well; spread batter in greased loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes. *this bread freezes well*

****Reminder***

Don't forget to take your turkey out of the freezer

Day 5 Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

12 oz of fresh or frozen cranberries

6 oz unsweetened apple juice concentrate

Directions:

In a sauce pan, combine the cranberries and apple juice. Cook over medium-low heat until berries burst. Additional sugar may be added if desired. Mix well, chill and serve.

*you can use orange juice as well*

I don't usually make cranberry sauce. not many in my family like it so I have tons leftover. I plan on making it the day before and whatever I have left freezing it.

Day 4 - Stuffing- Dressing

Easy Sausage Stuffing

Ingredients:

1 pound Bob Even Savory Sage or Original Recipe Sausage roll

1 large onion, diced

3 stalks celery, diced

1 (14 oz) package cubed stuffing

1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

2 1/2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup melted butter

Directions:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble sausage. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally until sausage is brown. In a large bowl, place cubed stuffing. Add sausage mixture. Sprinkle with poultry seasoning. Pour broth and butter over the top toss and combine. Spoon mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish; cover.

bake at 250 for 45 minutes

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Ready in 1 hour

serves: 8

recipe from Allrecipes.com

***I don't like chunks of celery & onion. I use my food processor and chopped them very fine**

Day 3- Sweet Potatoe

Sweet Potatoes

I love them. I like them as fries, baked and mashed but for Thanksgiving I make a casserole.

Ingredients:

3/4 large sweet potatoes

3-4 tablespoons butter

3-4 tablespoons brown sugar

sprinkle of cinnamon

handful of Cranraisins

**for this recipes like many of mine I don't have a written follow to the tea recipe.**

Directions:

Peel and slice s. potatoes (the thinner you slice them the faster they will cook, slice all the same so they all are done at the same time)

put in a 9x13 casserole dish

sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon and cranraisins on top

cover with foil and bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes until potatoes are soft

This is my favorite dish of Thanksgiving!!!

Day 2- mashed potatoes

Day 2- mashed potatoes

I love this recipe for many reasons. One being I can make them ahead and have them turn out as if I just made them.

Ingredients:

5 pounds potatoes, peeled & cubed

1 cup sour cream

2 (3oz) packages cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoons butter, divided

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon onion salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Place potatoes in pot; cover with water. Cover and bring to a boil. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until very tender; drain well.

2. in a large mixing bowl, mash potatoes. Add sour cream, cream cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, salt, onion salt and pepper; beat until fluffy. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Dot with remaining butter. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until heat through.

Serves 8

Prep time 35 minutes

Cook time 20 minutes

Ready in 55 minutes

* I put them in when I take my turkey out. My turkey need to rest for 15-20 minutes.

* I boil and mash my potatoes the day before and have them ready to put in oven on T-day.

Thanksgiving 2010/ Day 1

I love Thanksgiving.

I thought I would share some of my favorite foods/recipes.

I will post everyday a new recipe that I use or have used for Thanksgiving.

Day 1- turkey

Day 2- mashed potatoes

Day 3- sweet potatoes

Day 4- stuffing

Day 5- cranberry sauce

Day 6- rolls/bread

Day 7- pies apple/pecan tassie & pumpkin

Day 8- Timeline

Day 9- What I am thankful for & pictures of my 2010 Thanksgiving

Day 1- TURKEY

the most important item of the day. I am lucky that we don't eat until 6 pm. No having to get up early and put the bird in!!! I have a basic recipe for turkey. I don't stuff my turkey I cook mine separate. My goal is to have a moist turkey with flavor (aren't we all).

22 lbs turkey

vegetable oil

salt & pepper

thaw turkey according to safety tips below (22lbs=4 days in refrigerator)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Remove turkey from bag. Drain juices and pat dry with clean paper towels.
Place turkey lifter across full length of flat rack in a shallow roasting pan, 2 to 2 1/2 inches deep.
Tuck wings back to hold the neck skin in place. Doing so will help stabilize the turkey in the pan and when carving. Place thawed or fresh turkey, breast up, on the turkey lifter. Raise one loop over wings and breast, and the other loop over drumsticks. Rest loops on turkey, not over edge of pan during roasting.
Brush skin lightly with vegetable oil or spray with cooking spray to prevent the skin from drying.

Sprinkle salt and pepper on turkey and in the cavity of the turkey
Insert oven-safe meat thermometer deep into the lower part of the thigh muscle but not touching the bone. When thigh is up to temperature and if turkey is stuffed, move thermometer to center of stuffing. Stuffing should be 165 degrees when done.
Place your turkey in the pre-heated oven at 325 degrees.
When the turkey is about 2/3 done, loosely cover the breast and top of drumsticks with a piece of lightweight foil to prevent overcooking.
Your turkey is done when the meat thermometer reaches the following temperatures:
180 degrees deep in the thigh. At this temperature juices should be clear, not reddish pink, when thigh muscle is pierced deeply.
165 degrees in the center of the stuffing, if turkey is stuffed.
Lift roasted turkey onto platter with turkey lifter and discard lifter.
Before removing stuffing and carving, let your turkey stand 15 minutes to allow juices to set.

I cover my turkey with tin foil and a kitchen towel to keep warm while resting.

22 lbs = 3 1/2 to 4 hours un-stuffed

4 1/2-5 hours stuffed

**great tool @ butterball.com to determine thawing time, cooking time and how big of a turkey you will need**

Turkey Safety Tips:
Thawed turkey may be kept in the refrigerator up to 4 days before cooking.
Use paper towels, not cloth, to wipe off turkey and clean up juices.
Combine stuffing ingredients and stuff turkey just before roasting, not the night before.
Food Safety Tips:
Keep cold food below 40 degrees and hot food above 140 degrees.
Thaw your frozen meat on a tray in the refrigerator or in cold water with the breast side facing down. Once thawed, prevent uncooked juices from dripping onto other foods in the refrigerator by placing packaged meats on a separate tray or in a sealed dish.
Cook fresh meat as soon as possible, but no later than the Use-By date on the package. Fully cooking meat destroys bacteria that could cause food-borne illness.
Store raw meats away from the cooked meats, as well as away from fresh fruit and vegetables, to prevent cross contamination from occurring.
Store cooked meats in the refrigerator as soon as your meal is over. The maximum time limit for keeping cooked meat at room temperature is 2 hours.
When transporting cooked meat from your home to a party or another location, remember to keep it cold in a cooler or similar vehicle.
Experts recommend using two cutting boards, one strictly to cut raw meats and the other for vegetables and cooked foods. Cutting boards should be washed thoroughly in hot, soapy water after each use and allowed to air dry or be dried with clean paper towels.
Wash hands, work surfaces, and utensils touched by raw meat and its juices with hot, soapy water.
Use a meat thermometer to determine turkey’s doneness. If you don’t have a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the stuffing in the turkey, the stuffing should be cooked separately.

Use cooking methods that allow the turkey to reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees in less than 4 hours and a final temperature of 180 degrees in the thigh. If stuffed, the stuffing should reach 165 degrees. Avoid using a low roasting temperature or partial cooking method.
Store turkey, stuffing, gravy, broth, and other leftover cooked foods in separate containers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Remove turkey from bones before storing.

I hope this helps!

Day 2 mashed potatoes

Blog name

This is the last time I will be changing my blog name.... I hope. I have tried to think of a creative name and nothing.

BAM

it hit me Wendy's dish.

Dish= food dish (idea's recipes, what works, what doesn't) & my dish on topics

I love it!

PB Snap Crackle 'n Pop brownies

Peanut Buttery Snap Crackle ‘n Pop Brownies

1 box brownie mix, prepared in a foil-lined baking dish

1 cup sugar1 cup light corn syrup

1 1/3 cups peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 cups Rice Krispies
Prepare brownies in a foil-lined baking dish. Heat sugar and corn syrup in a heavy bottomed saucepan over high heat until mixture reaches a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth. Pour over rice krispies and stir to combine. Immediately press the peanut butter and rice krispies mixture over the brownies

NOvember

I can't believe that we are in the 2nd week on November!!!!!

November News:

• i went monthly shopping last Friday with no success. I finished at Sam's club, went to Walmart and it hit me my famous dizzy spell. I had only gotten my H&B and started to look at humidifiers and BAM I couldn't see, I was hot, and needed to get out fast. I made the decision to check out.... I have no problem with people that are on a tight budget and I am sure it was due to my spell that I became so annoyed she questioned every price not to be budget wise but to complain!! Any woo, I checked out went outside in the fresh air and started to feel better. It did not last as long as most spells. I feel it was related to my allergies. This year in NY it will be 30 on day and 70 the other.So now I need to find some extra time to finish up
• Bomb dropped that I may end up with 20+ people at Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving. It's a family tradition (my dad's family) to come to my house and I love it. I don't find making a big meal is a big deal. This year like ever year we invited my husbands parents (usually they are out of town) to come over. When we saw them 2 weeks a go they mentioned that my husbands sibling's may be in town=+10. I love all of them dearly. I love all my nieces and nephews (we love kids) but I don't know if I have room. It is still in limbo. I just want to know what's going on. I love my family and I can't wait to Thanksgiving!
• 30 day challenge- not so good but not so bad. I work out 5 days a week. I mix it up so I don't get bored. I made a great chart on my calendar to let me see my accomplishments and I actually feel so much better and feel bad on my rest days. I know that my body needs my rest days and it works for my schedule. My rest days are Tuesdays and Saturday. I have lost about 3.5 pounds so far. I have been eating on track but I have cut portions and not eating snacks as much as I have been. Eating only when I am hungry. I am proud of the steps I am taking to gain control.
• out of town- this weekend I am headed to visit my grandma. I am excited, nervous, happy, sad. November 13 will mark ONE year since my grandpa passed away. This has been the toughest year of my life but also the most rewarding year of my life. It sounds crazy but I have made huge changes in my life and I am proud that I took a step back and started to focus on more on me. I know that my grandpa would be so proud of me. I have stepped in to help my family mourn the loss of a great man. I have stepped out of my comfort zone and done things that I didn't think I would. I have my days but they are not about the selfish reason like they were when he first passed. I miss him and I know he is my guardian angel and he is watching over me.
• Christmas shopping- hoping to take grandma to quilting store to shop for my mom's gifts then on the way home from my visit with grandma I will stop at the outlets. Last year i did 80% of my shopping at the outlets. Plan is to have 80% of my shopping done by 11/13! I don't have many to shop for my parents, grandma, husband, nephew and AP (she's almost done).
• Christmas decorations- this year for the first time I am going to start decorating in November for Christmas. I want to have winter decorations up for Thanksgiving. We always travel for Christmas and we are they only ones besides my dad that gets to see my Christmas decorations. I can't wait. I am going to out up my winter garlands, snow mans things that will fit in with Fall & winter.

Menopause......

the musical!

2nd show in a month

it was awesome!!

I was given two tickets for last night's show last minute

i called my friend Joan and we decided how fun!!

the audience was packed with women (4 men)

we all laughed and cheered the whole time.

the entire action of the musical takes place in Bloomingdale's, NYC

it's a hilarious celebration of women and THE CHANGE.

i would recommend every women go and see it!!

what 30 day challenge

i have fallen off the challenge game plan. this weekend i went crazy. we had the annual halloween/b-day bash and i didn't go over board with eating i did with drinking!!! we had a great time and i haven't had so many drinks in such a long time. the spiral continued until today. I am back on track and that is what part of this challenge is about letting yourself enjoy things but also focusing so you don't continue to stay off track.

my exercise has been great i worked out 4 times last week and plan to continue this week. i am going to try my DVD's again instead of just Elli. i always enjoyed them and i want change so i don't get tried of the same routine. i do get so bored just doing Elli. time goes by fast because i watch sex in the city re-runs but still i get bored.

another note we got DSL!! i was online last night from home not pulling my hair out. dail up is no longer a part of our life!!

it's been a month????

Wow, I can't believe it has almost been a whole month!!

as i look back and jump for joy that i was able to last the whole month with out running to the store i am so impressed!!

I DID it. i was able to go a whole month and only have to go for milk

i can't tell you how much time and energy i have saved over the last month

I will be making my next monthly trip this Friday

i don't go on the 1st or 3rd of the month because every rude crude person is out

this month i will need to plan the Thanksgiving meal

as of right now i will have 10 people (just found out Saturday i may have 10 more coming {more on that later})

i already have most of my meals planned out

i worked on taking inventory this weekend

i have been writing things down as i use them so it is easier at the end of the month.

things i will need to purchase more of for November:

bread, yogurt, cheese, fruits

i didn't run out but it always good to have extra just in case

over all

SUCCESS!!!