Thursday, December 31, 2020

A New Year, A New Start, A New Weekly Menu

 Happy New Year's Eve.  I'm sure that you are as glad as I to do away with the old and welcome the new.  2020 was a tough year for all of us. 

Good bye 2020 Graphic

And even in the midst of the turmoil that was 2020 I still was so very, very blessed in so many ways.  I thank God for those blessings and I praise Him for the promise of this New Year.  

Monday, December 28, 2020

Happy 4th Day of Christmas and the Weekly Menu

Today is the 4th day of the 12 days that we celebrate Christmas.  I shared my menus for the first and second day of Christmas with you in this post.   

Four Calling Birds Cartoon
On the 3rd Day of Christmas we had leftover ham and leftover butternut squash lasagna.  

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Shrimp Chip Dip #SundayFunday

Surprise your family and friends with the addition of this Shrimp Chip Dip on your appetizer buffet this New Years Eve.

Shrimp Chip Dip

The Sunday Funday crew are ringing in the New Year.........

Saturday, December 26, 2020

The Jack Frosties featuring Prosecco DOCG #ItalianFWT

 Happy 2nd Day of Christmas.  In our household we celebrate the 12 days of Christmas.  We start celebrating the birth of Christ with Advent as we await the birth of Christ.  Then we celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus, on Christmas and for the following days up until January 6th when we celebrate the Epiphany, also known as Little Christmas, the day the wise men came to pay homage to our Lord.

Family around Christmas Tree

Our birthday celebration for the Lord started on Christmas Eve when we had our our children from Frank's first marriage over for brunch.  Due to the pandemic we separated our celebrations from one large gathering to many small gatherings this year.  

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Pumpkin Roll and the Christmas Menus

Due to the Pandemic we have been having small gatherings this Holiday Season instead of our usual large parties.  I have so missed having all my family gather for Brunch with Santa this year. I missed not hosting our Choir Christmas party.  I will miss not having a house full of family and friends on Christmas Day.  

Tables set for dinner

But we have still had some very nice, small dinners, where social distancing is possible.  The season kicked off with Thanksgiving with 7 of us at two tables served buffet style.

People gathered

We then had my sister, Dawn and her husband Tom over for dinner that started with these delicious Crab Puffs.

People toasting

We had my brother, Dick and his wife Jackie over for a dinner that started with Sake and Asian Appetizers.  You will find out more about that after the New Year.

Girl with Gifts

Then we had the Teen's Godparents over for dinner.  Marissa was very excited to present them with this cross she made from sheets of music.  This is also where we enjoyed the Pumpkin Roll for dessert that I am sharing with you today.

Pumpkin Roll

But before I share this recipe I want to share my Christmas menus with you.  Our children from Frank's first marriage, Nicole, her husband Pierre and Tony are going to join us for Christmas Eve Brunch.  Normally they would be going to Frank's brother's house for Christmas Eve dinner but, again, due to COVID, plans have changed and gatherings are smaller.


Menu

On Christmas Day, Amy and Doug, Jessica, Julien and Melody will be joining the 3 of us for Chritmas Dinner.  The Teen's Aunt, Uncle and Brother will be stopping in for some refreshments later in the evening after others have left.

Menu

On Saturday our dear friends John and Kirsten and their military son, Chris and his wife will be joining us for dinner.  

Menu

I might also have to make another one of these easy and delicious pumpkin rolls because the Teen LOVED it.......




Desserts, Holidays, Pumpkin, Cream Cheese, Cakes
Desserts
American
Yield: 12 servings
Author: Wendy Klik
Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin and spice sponge cake wrapped around a buttery cream cheese filling. It is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 15 Mininactive time: 1 H & 30 MTotal time: 2 Hour

Ingredients

Cake
  • 1/4 c. powdered sugar + more for sprinkling
  • 3/4 c. flour
  • 1/2 t. baking powder
  • 1/2 t. baking soda
  • 1/2 t. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 t. ground cloves
  • pinch of salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 2/3 c. pumpkin puree
Filling
  • 6 T. butter, room temperature
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 t. vanilla
  • 1 c. powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Lay a thin linen kitchen towel on the counter and sift 1/4 cup of powdered sugar onto it covering completely.
  2. In the large bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, mix the eggs and sugar until thickened.  Add the pumpkin puree.  Turn speed to low and add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt until combined.
  3. Spread onto a 15x10" jelly roll pan that has been lined with parchment paper and sprayed with cooking spray.  Bake in a preheated 375* oven for 15 minutes, until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
  4. Remove from oven and flip onto the linen towel.  Remove the parchment paper.  Starting at the short end, roll the  cake and towel together.  Place onto a wire rack to cool.
  5. When cake is cooled cream together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth.  
  6. Unroll the towel and cake.  Spread the filling over the cake and reroll.  Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
  7. Remove plastic wrap, place onto a serving platter and sprinkle with additional sifted powdered sugar before serving.

Notes:

Adapted from a recipe by Libby's.

Calories

237.47

Fat (grams)

8.76

Sat. Fat (grams)

4.84

Carbs (grams)

36.90

Fiber (grams)

0.45

Net carbs

36.45

Sugar (grams)

29.73

Protein (grams)

3.66

Sodium (milligrams)

169.47

Cholesterol (grams)

68.13
Created using The Recipes Generator

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin with L'Ecole Semillon

 I was provided with two bottles of L'Ecole wine for tasting purposes.  I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions are my own.

We had the Teen's Godparents over for dinner the other night, in fact it was the same night that I participated in a Zoom Meeting with the folks of L'Ecole Wines.  I had decided to serve a Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin with a side of Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Mash and corn.  I opened a bottle of L'Ecole Semillon to pair with this dinner.  It was heavenly.

Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin with wine

When dinner was finished, I left to attend the Zoom meeting while the others played games and visited. 

Monday, December 21, 2020

Instant Pot Smoked Turkey and Navy Bean Soup #MultiCookerMonday

Using an Instant Pot for bean soup has become my new favorite thing about this small kitchen appliance.  No soaking, no precooking and perfectly prepared, soft, creamy beans every. single. time!  This navy bean soup is paired with smoked turkey and was an amazing way to use up my Thanksgiving leftovers.  I might smoke some turkey legs just so I can make this soup again.

Instant Pot Smoked Turkey and Navy Bean Soup

Please join us for Multi-Cooker Monday...................

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Honey Thyme Feta #SundayFunday

 Feta cheese, dredged in bread crumbs and fried to a crispy golden brown in lemon scented olive oil then drizzled with honey and thyme is a wonderful addition to a cheese/charcuterie board or as that star on a plate of it's own.

Honey Thyme Feta

We are celebrating Holiday Cheese Boards with the Sunday Funday Crew.........

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Stuffed Cabbage Soup #SoupSaturdaySwappers

 This soup is so dang comforting and delicious.  Each bite is like a spoonful of stuffed cabbage in broth. All the same ingredients and wonderful flavors without the work.  You're Welcome.

Stuffed Cabbage Soup

Welcome to the final Soup Saturday Swapper for 2020.......

Friday, December 18, 2020

Drunken Shrimp #FishFridayFoodies

 Start your Holiday gathering with a little nibble to get the appetite started.  Shrimp, wrapped in bacon, seared and set upon a dollop of guacamole before being drizzled with a tequila reduction is sure to whet everyone's appetite and leave them begging for just one more bite.

Drunken Shrimp

Welcome to the December 2020 edition of Fish Friday Foodies........

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Christmas Wreath Bundt and the Weekly Menu up until Christmas Eve #BundtBakers

 One of our Christmas Traditions is to make a Birthday Cake for Jesus.  This festive wreath cake is perfect for celebrating the birth of Christ.  

Christmas Wreath Bund

It's time for Bundt Bakers.........

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Countries United Through Food and Wine #Winophiles

France and the USA have long been friends.  They provided us with the Statue of Liberty in 1886.  They sent the Friendship Train in 1949 and now French Winemakers have come to Oregon, USA to open wineries and share their knowledge with us.

I received a bottle of Resonance Pinot Noir as a gift for this event.  All opinions and writings are my own.

Wine

Join the Winophiles as we visit Oregon + Bourgogne Tied Houses................

Monday, December 14, 2020

Crab Puffs #BakingBloggers

Creamy, spicy crab dip surrounded by golden brown puffed pastry for an elegant and tasty appetizer for your next socially distanced gathering.

Crab Puffs

It's time for Baking Bloggers.........

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Sicilian Salad #SundayFunday

 This delicious and beautiful salad is perfect to grace your holiday table. Seasonal citrus combined with the flavors of Italy on a platter is a great way to eat the rainbow.

Sicilian Salad

Welcome to Sunday Funday..............................

Saturday, December 12, 2020

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas and the Weekly Menu

 

Fireplace with stockings

We spent all last week decorating the inside of the house.  The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.  I hope St. Nick doesn't trample the carolers when he arrives.

Friday, December 11, 2020

Frozen Eggnog Cocktail #ChristmasSweetsWeek


Homemade Eggnog Ice Cream blended with Brandy to create a frosty seasonal cocktail to cheer in the season.

Frozen Eggnog Cocktail

This ice cream drink made me feel like I was spending Christmas on a dive vacation in the Tropics......

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Hungarian Short Ribs paired with Draceana Cab Franc #EattheWorld #WinePW

These amazing shortribs were made in the Instant Pot.  They were fall off the bone tender and perfectly seasoned.  Served over egg noodles and paired with a great bottle of Dracaena Cab Franc, it was a perfect comfort meal to help us through this pandemic.

Hungarian Short Ribs with Wine

Please join me as I combine Eating the World with my Wine Pairing Weekend................

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bites #ChristmasSweetsWeek

Bite size little brownies topped with a fun little cherry on top.  Perfect addition to your cookie platter this Holiday Season.

Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bites

We're still celebrating Christmas Sweets Week........

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Turkey Cranberry and Cheese Pull Apart Bread #BreadBakers

Starting with Sourdough Pizza dough mixed with leftover turkey and cranberry sauce, seasoned with Italian Herbs and two different cheeses.  This pull apart bread is a fun and delicious way to get rid of the very last of the leftovers.

Turkey Cranberry and Cheese Pull Apart Bread

And while you can see that it didn't release very nicely from the pan, it was absolutely delicious and took care of all the remaining Thanksgiving leftovers in my refrigerator.

Monday, December 7, 2020

Egg Nog Ice Cream #ChristmasSweetsWeek

Who says that ice cream is only for the summertime.  This Eggnog Ice Cream is perfect during the holidays.  I enjoyed mine curled up on the couch with a Christmas movie on the television.

Egg Nog Ice Cream

Welcome to Christmas Sweets Week..........

Sunday, December 6, 2020

Macaroon Kiss Christmas Cookies #SundayFunday #FoodnFlix

These almond flavored coconut macaroons topped with a kiss are so good that you are going to have to hide some away if you want any left to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve.......

Macaroon Kiss Christmas Cookies

Join the Sunday Funday group as we share Cookies for Santa........

Saturday, December 5, 2020

Cheers to 2021......2020 Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out #ItalianFWT

I don't know about you but I cannot wait for 2021.  More specifically, I cannot wait for 2020 to get the hell outta town!  So when Cam of Culinary Adventures of Camilla invited us to join her in sharing the Sparkling Wines of Italy I couldn't think of anything better to celebrate than the end of this horrid year.

Toasting

Friday, December 4, 2020

The First Week of Advent and the Weekly Menu

 Advent is here.  Each evening during dinner we have been lighting the first of the Advent candles.  This reminds us that Christ is in our midst and that He brings with Him Hope.  In the following weeks leading up to Christmas we will be reminded that He also brings Love, Joy and Peace.  


Advent Candles and holder

My Advent wreath is this beautiful cross in which I place three purple and one pink candle.  Each week of Advent another candle is lit to remind us of the promises listed above.  The pink candle is reserved for the 3rd week.  This represents JOY and is the turning point from repentance towards celebration.

Please Join Us for #CabFrancDay

I am happy to be joining in a celebration today with other like minded individuals who believe that Cabernet Franc is more than just a blending grape.  We are all meeting up this evening for twitter chat at 8 pm to discuss this grape and it's emergence as a stand alone wine.

Dinner Plate with Wine

I started my celebration last Saturday when I shared a pairing of Palazzo Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley.  I paired this wine with Pan Seared Duck Breasts with a Pomegranate Reduction.  The wine was lovely and the pairing wonderful.  You can read all about this bottle and get the recipe for the duck at my first Cab Franc Day post.

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Winter Crunch Grape and Cranberry Sauce #FamilyBakingChallenge

I received product from Melissa's Produce for use in this recipe.  I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions and content are strictly my own.

This delicious sauce is the perfect accompaniment for your roasted Turkey, Chicken or Pork.  I served it up on Thanksgiving where it was a huge hit.  It keeps well in the refrigerator for two weeks and was perfect for dressing up a simple roast pork tenderloin.

Winter Crunch Grape and Cranberry Sauce

This recipe was created for Melissa's Produce Family Baking Challenge.......

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Bagels and Lox on the Casual Side #FoodieExtravanganza

Crisp Bagel Chips, spread with softened Cream Cheese, topped with Cajun Style Smoked Salmon and sprinkled with capers.

Bagels and Lox

We are sharing Everything Bagels today at Foodie Extravaganza......