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Sunday, December 31, 2023

Lucky Cabbage Salad for the 6th Day of Christmas #SundayFunday

And here it is.....New Year's Eve....the last day of 2023 and the 6th day of Christmas.  Time just flies.  Eating fortuitous foods to celebrate the New Year is a custom in many cultures to bring us luck throughout the year.  

Cabbage Salad

This food need not be extravagant or difficult.  It can be as simple as this Easy Cabbage Salad.  

Saturday, December 30, 2023

And that's a Wrap...the end of a year and the end of the Foodies Read Bingo Challenge on the 5th Day of Christmas

The very last category in my Foodies Read Bingo Challenge was A Book that had been on my To Be Read list for far too long.  Last Christmas I got the book Coffee and Cookies with God: 31 Devotions for December as a gift.  This year I pulled the book out and started each morning this month with a cup of coffee while I read the devotion, spent some time in prayer and thanksgiving, and found some calm in all the busyness of the season.  I finished my last devotion this morning.

Coffee with God

This book was completed on the 5th day of Christmas, as a bonus, it completed my Foodies Read Bingo Challenge by completing my goal of a Coverall.

Friday, December 29, 2023

Planning the Weekly Menu for into the New Year and a Book Review on the 4th Day of Christmas

On the 4th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Four Calling Birds.  These Calling Birds signify the 4 Gospels as written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the New Testament.  This classic Christmas Carol is sometimes believed to have been written in code signifying Christianity when it was forbidden to practice the faith.  

12 Days of Christmas Graphic
graphic provided by Google images

This theory, however,  has been debunked, mostly because it is a French Carol written in 1780.  The French Revolution, when Catholicism and all Christian religions were outlawed, didn't occur until 1790.  

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Pasta to finish up the Leftovers on the 3rd Day of Christmas

Santa brought me pasta attachments for my Kitchen-Aid Mixer this year.  I had fun playing with it on this 3rd Day of Christmas and as a bonus, I used up the leftover shrimp I had in the refrigerator from Christmas Day.

Homemade Pasta with Shrimp

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Celebrating with Cousins starting with Leftovers on the 2nd Day of Christmas

On this second day of Christmas, we are having Frank's cousin Bob and his two daughters and their husbands over to celebrate the season.  Don't tell anyone but I am serving up leftovers.....

2nd Day of Christmas graphic
courtesy of google images

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Baked Mac and Cheese with Ham for the First Day of Christmas

Our Christmas Season continues until January 6th when we celebrate the Epiphany.  Until then, our decorations remain, the tree stays lit, and the feasting continues.  It is a joyous time of year.

Mac and Cheese with Ham

Our feasting this week includes enjoying all the wonderful leftovers from our abundant Christmas Dinner. Tonight we enjoyed some leftover ham and leftover cheese from my cheese tray in a Macaroni and Cheese Casserole.  There was some Broccoli Slaw left to enjoy as a side dish.

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Eggnog White Russian #SundayFunday

Enjoy this Holiday twist on a classic cocktail by using Eggnog in place of the cream in your White Russian.

Eggnog White Russian

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing Eggnog recipes today....Cheers!!

Saturday, December 23, 2023

A Holiday Cocktail and the Weekly Menu including Christmas

Be Cheered; It is Christmastime........

Cocktail

And we are serving up Candy Cane Kahlua and Cream Cocktails......

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Celebrating the Holidays with Friends, Appetizers, and Dominio de Los Duques Cava #WorldWineTravel

We had friends over for dinner last night to celebrate the season.  We started the festivities with appetizers and a bottle of Dominio de Los Duques Cava.  Spain's answer to Champagne.  Just as crisp, dry and delicious, and much more affordable.

Cava with Appetizers

It is time for the Holiday version of World Wine Travel where we have been visiting South America in 2023.

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Kings of the Epiphany Galette #CakeSliceBakers

This Almond Galette is commonly served in France for the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th.  Traditionally a feve, which translates to dried bean but is in fact a little trinket of some sort, is hidden within the cake for the youngest at the table to find.  

Almond Galette

It is not, however, only delicious during Epiphany but is the perfect dessert for any occasion or no occasion at all.  Flaky puffed pastry surrounding an almond paste center...who could ask for more?

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Beef Tongue Vinaigrette and A Review of Under Cooked #CooktheBooks

 Slices of tender, lean, beef tongue marinated in a garlic, onion and pepper vinaigrette.  This dish is delicious to serve as an appetizer by itself, as part of a charcuterie or as a topping for a green salad.

Beef Tongue Vinaigrette

If you have never tried beef tongue this would be a great first recipe.......

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings #SundayFunday

Classic Chicken and Dumplings with a twist.  These Dumplings are made with cornmeal and fresh herbs providing a savory, delicious, and unexpected addition to your dinner.

Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are serving up recipes using ground corn today.......

Friday, December 15, 2023

Two Book Reviews, One Movie Review, A Recipe and The Weekly Menu #Movies&Munchies

Tender Beef Filet seared golden brown then roasted to a perfect medium rare and topped with a creamy brandy sauce.

Steak Diane

This recipe comes from Jacques Pepin of television fame and the Executive Culinary Director for Oceania Cruise Line.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Abbesse de Loire Crémant de Loire Rosé to Celebrate the Holidays #Winophiles

This sparkling Rosé from Loire Valley is made from Grolleau grapes in the Champagne Method.   It is bright, vibrant, and bone-dry.  Perfect for welcoming guests with appetizers, pairing with a meal, or toasting with dessert. 

Rose Cremant Wine

The French Winophiles are celebrating the holidays with Bubbly.......

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Apple Pie Thumbprints and a Book Review

Sugar Cookies with an Apple Pie Jam filling are sure to be a hit at the Christmas Cookie Walk or Bake Sale Fundraiser this holiday season.

Apple Pie Thumbprints

I was inspired to make these cookies after reading Murder by Chocolate.  The first in the Bite-Sized Bakery Cozy Mysteries.......

Monday, December 11, 2023

Mediterranean Cod and a Book Review

Tender, flaky Cod Fillets baked with Zucchini, Onions, and Peppers in a Zesty Tomato Sauce.

Mediterranean Cod

I was inspired to share this recipe after reading the first in a fun, cozy, mystery set in Ireland......

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Lasopy #EattheWorld #SundayFunday

Delicious vegetables are cooked until tender in a rich, meaty broth and then pureed to a silky, smooth goodness. 

Lasopy

The Eat the World crew are traveling to Madagascar with the Sunday Funday Bloggers as we Eat the World.

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Cheers! It is Christmastime in Michigan #WinePW

Our halls are all decked and we are feeling jolly.  It is time for the parties to commence.  We start tonight with a dinner at Jessica and Julien's.  Julien's parents have been visiting from France and tonight is their last evening here.  

Gift Basket

I am taking this Michigan-themed basket to share with everyone.......

Friday, December 8, 2023

Peppermint Candy Sandwich Cookies #ChristmasCookieWeek

You are going to love how quick and easy it is to make these festive cookie treats.  They are a perfect addition to your cookie tray, dessert buffet or to leave on the hearth for Santa.  

Peppermint Candy Sandwich Cooies

Today is the final day of Christmas Cookie Week......

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Cinnamon Shortbread #ChristmasCookieWeek

These scrumptious shortbread cookies are even better with a touch of cinnamon in the dough and a sprinkling of spiced sugar on top.

Cinnamon Shortbread

Welcome to Day 4 of Christmas Cookie Week.  It's hard to believe it's nearly over......

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Peppermint Palmiers #ChristmasCookieWeek

 These puffed pastry cookies look very impressive but are so easy to make that they are sure to become one of your favorite holiday treats.

Peppermint Palmiers

Today is Day 3 of Christmas Cookie Week......

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Cherry Winks #ChristmasCookieWeek

 These classic cookies from Pillsbury make an appearance on my cookie trays every Christmas.  They are festive and delicious.  They freeze well, pack up well for sending and gifting, and are great "fill the cookie jar" treats.

Cherry Winks

Welcome to Day 2 of Christmas Cookie Week......

Monday, December 4, 2023

Yuletide Bliss Pinwheel Cookies #ChristmasCookieWeek

These fun little pinwheel cookies will surely be a hit this Christmas Season.  Cream Cheese cookies with a dollop of jam in a whimsical form.

Yuletide Bliss PInwheel Cookies

It's time for Christmas Cookies Week......

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Chocolate Chip Pie #SundayFunday

Delectable, Chocolate Chip Cookie in a flaky pastry crust.  I topped mine with ice cream and a drizzle of dark chocolate.  A perfect ending to a Holiday Dinner.

Chocolate Chip Pie

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are turning on the ovens for Christmas Bakes today......

Saturday, December 2, 2023

A Book Review and the Weekly Menu

I read another Dean Koontz novel as we drove from Michigan to our son's home in Virginia for Thanksgiving.  


After Death

Friday, December 1, 2023

Aletta's Chocolate Cream Pie #LitHappens

 Creamy deep dark chocolate pudding in a flaky crust topped with a fluffy meringue.  


This recipe was shared by the author of Christmas at Carnton, our Lit Happens selection this month.....

Thursday, November 30, 2023

La Pappardella Croatina served with the Pasta for which it is named #ItalianFWT

When you buy a bottle of wine named Pappardella it is only natural that you should pair it with the pasta for which it was named.  

Pasta and Wine

We are traveling to the Lombardy Region of Italy today......

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Come Fly With Me and enjoy this Dijon Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts seared to perfection and served with a delicious Dijon mustard sauce.

dijon chicken

I was inspired to make this chicken after reading Fly With Me by Andie Burke.......

Monday, November 27, 2023

Pumpkin, Orange, and Date Muffins, A Book Review and the Weekly Menu #MuffinMonday

These muffins are an explosion of flavor with citrus in the forefront and earthy pumpkin and dates in the background.

Pumpkin, Orange and Date Muffins

It's time for Muffin Monday.......

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Seared Chicken with Chestnuts #SundayFunday

Seared Chicken Breasts served on a bed of Celery Root Puree and topped with Chestnuts.  This is a lovely, elegant dinner to grace your Holiday table.

Seared Chicken with Chestnuts

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing recipes featuring Chestnuts today.......

Friday, November 24, 2023

Churasco and Carmenere; A Perfect Match #WorldWineTravel

Our World Wine Travel Group has been exploring South America in 2023.  This month we were invited to open a bottle of Carmenere.

Carmenere Wine

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Vegetable Lo Mein and a Book Review

 A quick and easy Meatless Monday Dinner.  This colorful, delicious dish is ready in a snap and is a wonderful way to start your week off by Eating a Rainbow.

Vegetable Lo Mein

Monday, November 20, 2023

Mini Almond Rum Cakes #CakeSliceBakers

You can make this easy and delicious cake in a 9" round cake pan for serving up as your holiday dessert or to take to a potluck but I chose to make 12 mini-cakes for inclusion on my dessert buffets and gifting to hosts at holiday parties.

Mini Almond Rum Cakes

It's time for the Cake Slice Bakers.......

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Pork and Mandarin Orange Tacos and a Book Review #SundayFunday

Teriyaki pork stuffed inside flour tortillas and topped with an Asian Slaw that includes Mandarin Oranges is a fun, easy change to your Taco Tuesday meal.

Pork and Mandarin Orange Tacos

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing recipes that feature Mandarin Oranges today......

Friday, November 17, 2023

Easy Peasy Christmas Pear Bundt #ChristmasSweetsWeek

The Holidays are very busy but we still want to serve up an elegant and delicious dessert.  This easy, peasy recipe allows that to happen and takes only a few minutes of hands-on time.

Christmas Pear Bundt

We are finishing up Christmas Sweets Week with a bang......

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Roasted Salmon with Beaujolais and Grape Coulis #Winophiles

Tender, flaky salmon fillets, roasted to perfection and topped with a Beaujolais wine and Grape Coulis.  

Roasted Salmon with Coulis

Enjoy this meal paired with the same wine used to make the coulis for a wonderful, easy meal this Holiday Season......

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Cranberry Studded White Chocolate Blondies #ChristmasSweetsWeek

These Blondies are studded with White Chocolate Chips and Dried Cranberries and topped with Cream Cheese Frosting and Gold Sprinkles.  They make a perfect addition to your Holiday Dessert Buffet.  

Cranberry Studded White Chocolate Blondies

It's Day 2 of Christmas Sweets Week......

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Sourdough Cloverleaf Rolls #BreadBakers

These tender, delicious, pull-apart, cloverleaf rolls start with sourdough and make a perfect addition to your holiday meal.

Cloverleaf Rolls

The Bread Bakers are sharing Thanksgiving Breads today .......

Monday, November 13, 2023

Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips #ChristmasSweetsWeek

Tender, moist, pumpkin bread studded with chocolate chips.  Perfect for breakfast or dessert.  These little mini-breads make perfect gifts for hosts, teachers, and coworkers.

Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

We are getting ready for Christmas gifting and giving.  Today is the first day of Christmas Sweets Week.

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Leftover Pork Ragu #SundayFunday

This warm, comforting bowl of pasta smothered in a hearty ragu started with leftover pork loin roast from a dinner enjoyed earlier in the week.  

Pork Ragu over Pasta

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are cleaning out their refrigerators this week.......

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Oatmeal Kiss Cookies #MoviesandMunchies

A fun take on the class peanut blossom cookie, this recipe starts with an oatmeal base to cradle the kiss.  

Oatmeal Kiss Cookies

I was inspired to make these cookies after watching Mall Cop 2 for our Movies and Munchies Group this month.

Friday, November 10, 2023

It's Friday; Time for a Caipirinha Cocktail and the Weekly Menu....Cheers!! #EattheWorld

I have been doing a lot of traveling in the past month. I am leaving again in 10 days.  While researching Brazil for our Eat the World Challenge, I came across a popular cocktail called Caipirinha.  

Caipirinha Cocktail

I thought a cocktail was perfect for this month's challenge.  It is easy to make and relaxing with a cocktail in between trips sounded marvelous to me.

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Getting to know Cinnabari from Dracaena #WinePW

My favorite California Winery has a new blend this year that they call Cinnabari.  Dracaena wines specializes in Cab Francs. They also have a Chenin Blanc that is the best I have ever enjoyed and a Rose that is a summertime favorite for me.  When I opened my club selection this time I was excited to see this bottle of Cinnabari included.

Wine

Monday, November 6, 2023

Sweet Potato Soup inspired by Other Birds

This delicious soup fragrant with cumin, thyme, and turmeric and garnished with a dollop of marshmallow cream makes a fun, unique first course for your holiday dinner.

Sweet Potato Soup

Sunday, November 5, 2023

Salata Baladi and the Weekly Menu #SundayFunday

While on the All-Star Live Aboard Yacht, diving the Red Sea in Egypt, we enjoyed many gourmet meals and each one included a vast array of salads.  One of my favorite salads was this simple compilation of fresh, crisp veggies in a tasty dressing that can also be served as a refreshing drink alongside the salad.

Salata Baladi

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing Egyptian Recipes today......

Friday, November 3, 2023

Wine Braised Pork Loin and a 2019 Travaglini Gattinara #ItalianFWT

We kicked off the Holiday Entertaining Season here on the Farm with the Food and Wine of Piedmont (Piemont), Italy.

Wine Braised Pork Loin and Gattinara Wine

The Italian Food, Wine, and Travel group are heading to Piedmont and the Valle d'Aosta this month....

Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette #HolidaySideDishes

Tender baby greens topped with roasted squash and red onions, sprinkled with dried dates and roasted almond slices, and drizzled with a savory tahini dressing.

Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette

Today is the final day of this year's Holiday Side Dish Event.......

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Spaghetti Carbonara inspired by The Farmer's Wife #LitHappens

This quick and easy, Spaghetti Carbonara, is a wonderful, comforting dish that will warm your soul this fall.

Spaghetti Carbonara with Mushrooms

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Root Vegetable Gratin #HolidaySideDishes

Russet Potatoes, Carrots, Turnips, and Beets, thinly sliced and drenched in cream, garlic, and herbs, topped with cheese, and baked to perfection.  A perfect side dish for your holiday dinner.

Root Vegetable Gratin

It is Day 2 of our sharing Holiday Side Dishes........

Monday, October 30, 2023

Spinach Souffle #HolidaySideDishes

Easy and Delicious this creamy, cheesy, side dish is the perfect side dish for whatever you are serving this holiday season.

Spinach Souffle

It's time to share Holiday Side Dishes......