Hello folks! Since Thanksgiving is coming up (not for Sharon since Canada already had theirs....and notice how she didn't share her recipes....). For those of us in the US that are preparing for one of the most stressful holidays for some I thought I would take a moment to talk about how I have struggled through the years with the turkey.
My first take at trying to cook a turkey? I called my mom to make sure I had it all right and the bird was already in the oven. She was so proud and then she asked me if I was going to use the giblets for gravy. Pfft MY turkey did not come with any I informed her....and then she told me to take the turkey back out and check BOTH ends for the baggy. Good thing it had only been in the oven for 10 minutes at that point cause yeah my turkey sure did come with those.
The next turkey took several hours longer than it was "supposed" to and I had been struggling to get the skin golden brown and so yeah....the bird was dry and although it wasn't "National Lampoons" dry no amount of gravy brought it back....
How about we skip ahead a few years. Now some years the turkey was better than others and finally I was able to make a consistently okay turkey. Nothing to call my mama about but okay and good for sandwiches the next couple of days....that is until last year when my mama came to Thanksgiving. I had gotten a brand new electric roaster. Oh it is a beautiful thing! So I tenderly separated the skin from the breast and slathered herb butter all along the flesh before covering the skin back and then the skin? More herb butter! Also....make sure you dry 'ol Tom with paper towels cause you want the skin to be nice and dry before you butter him up for browning. Anyhow....so I put the turkey in the roasting pan at 350. And went about cooking all the sides to go with.
No one told me that a roasting pan will cook faster but it makes sense really since the heat is in a smaller contained area than an oven. So instead of everything being done at the same time the bird was done...and I started to panic. I turned the roaster down to almost off enough left just to keep things warm in there and didn't touch the lid. I left it on to keep the heat in there....in another two hours or so when it was time to eat? The turkey had two hours to rest just on warm and I kid you not that was the BEST turkey I have ever eaten.
I am a dark meat type person. I like the thighs and all that under meat that is sopping in juices. But when the breast was so moist that each bite released juice? I couldn't help but want to take the entire bird for myself and eat my way into a turkey induced coma. So this year? I am doing the same thing. Cooking it to perfection and then letting it sit in the juices until dinner is ready.
I have to say that the the butter makes all the difference and sometimes what might seem like another crappy turkey story can end up being really good.
And.....unlike my mom I have never set a turkey on fire. Most everything that I have learned about cooking started with my mom. Turkey is not fire friendly. Just an little FYI from me to you :)
I hope all of your dishes come out to be damn good if not perfection!
~Charity
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
~TT~ Holiday fare!
Happy Thursday Everyone! After you come on in and settle in for a bit make your way over to the other ~TT~ lists! http://thursday-13.com/
Sharon: 13 Must make Items for the holiday season
Charity: okay thanksgiving or christmas?
Charity: just holiday in general?
Sharon: Christmas bish... Canadians are SO done with that a month ago!
Sharon: we came, we stuffed, we moved on
Charity: yeah but we haven't had it yet LOL
Charity: Just cause you all have that premature issue doesn't mean that we have to be quick draws as well. But okay holiday in general.
Sharon: don't make me whack you with bacon
Charity: mmm bacon
Sharon: or go all poutine on your ass
Charity: Okay I will start.
Sharon: k.. stick to the topic! Cause peeps need food
Charity: Turkey. I know its something that shouldn't have to be listed however I have a confession. Last Thanksgiving I nearly ruined the bird. What happened was....I had been given an electric roaster for my birthday and had not used it til then. No one told me that in a roaster the stuff cooks faster than if it were in the oven and so three hours before dinner? The turkey was done. I didn't panic completely though cause my mom had a ham going in her roaster. But that said it was pretty damn embarrassing for my parents to come to MY house for Thanksgiving and I ruin the bird! So I turned the roaster off and let the bird sit in the heat and when we started to slice it 3 hours later? All of the turkey was moist! It was the best turkey I have ever had....So this year I am making it the same way. Also....people.....make an herb butter and rub it under the skin.....do not be afraid it adds flavor trust me. Just go slow and take off your rings ladies.
Sharon: okay..let me add in a new side dish then for this turkey feast... something I made this year for our Thanksgiving like a MONTH ago.... and it was amazing. A different take but Balsamic Glazed Squash... its super easy, hardly any ingredients and even kids (shocker!) will eat it
Charity: You have a thing for squash.
Sharon: well my kids eat it .. i need to run with that
Sharon: But okay.... another good side I tried recently? Shredded Maple Mustard Brussel Sprouts. .. that way kids dont' realize its brussel sprouts and they are good. cause of the maple syrup (dear god no one use table syrup)
Charity: Okay as an app....Deviled Eggs. I recently read an article in I believe it was Food Network Magazine, on all the different ways you can make the filling. Always make a plate of classic and then? Try at least one other way to make them. Search online for different ideas and don't be afraid to try something new. I like to make little note cards that say what it is and if I have never made it before in a different color in the corner write *NEW* or *NEW ITEM* it is a fun way to decorate and people will always offer up their opinion where as they are less likely if they think you make it like that all the time and they don't want to hurt your feelings on your go to plate.
Sharon: ohhhh yeah can't go wrong there! Soft, but firm.. reminds me of how my breasts used to be before kids.
Charity facepalms
Sharon: shrugs. okay another amazing holiday appie? Can't go wrong with a creamy & cheesy lobster crab dip. Ultimate yum
Charity: okay you get to think up the next one too cause I have to go make myself some eggs and toast. Never....ever.....make a ~TT ~ list without first having eaten. It feels a lot like grocery shopping while starving.
Sharon: I know! okay how about another appie.. cause really? lets face it... its ALL about the appies this time of year.
Sharon: heh okay folks? while she's gone? I won't be censored... *smirks*
Sharon: now then ... lets discuss some appies that you can eat without getting crap stuck in your teeth... and not messy enough to ruin that hot new dress you're wearing. Unless of course you strategically drop a dollop of crab dip on your cleavage and that hottie from Accounting sees it, salivates and dives into your boobs like he's bobbing for apples.I'm SO okay with that kind of appie. Seriously... Christmas parties bring out the ho ho ho in me. *coughs*
Sharon: Rolling along now.. I"m a big fan of goat cheese. A super duper EASY 2 minute appie is Goat cheese spread over tomato pesto. Guys? listening? Chicks will cling to you if you bring this .. bake it til its warm then add some garlic crostini and you, my friend, will be unwrapping more than just presents that night if you know what I mean.
Sharon: okay.. can't have an appie and not discuss weiners.
Sharon: so....
Charity: uh...the censor is back now....
Sharon: *&%$$%^*(
Sharon: hi
Charity: Hey there....*slaps Sharon's hands*
Sharon: whistles innocently . Just doing some public service announcements
Charity: you have already talked about breasts and crab dip in the cleavage. You will have to save the weiner talk for next week....and we are doing cookies so the public should be safe.
Sharon: did i ever tell you about the penis cupcakes I made for a fundraiser?
Charity sighs and edits.
Sharon: okay! cookies... I found a new recipe for double vanilla sugar cookies and will be baking up some snowflake shaped ones for all the special peeps in my life.
Charity: okay I will be checkin the mail soon then.
Charity: Okay so....balance is always key. You want to have some warm dishes and some cold ones. Have tart green olives with feta cheese stuffed inside. You can have veggies with dips because those will clean out the rich flavors and allow your guests to not have too much of a good thing and go into comas.
Sharon: yeah comatose peeps at Christmas parties suck. They end up getting magic marker pictures drawn on exposed body parts. Kinda funny... so long as its not you.
Sharon: hey you know what? One thing about the holidays is that its pretty busy. I recently read some article that offered up some "make ahead"' casseroles. Not a bad idea. One was this Tex-Mex Casserole with monterey Jack cheese... beef, hot peppers... tortillas.. it was very different and kinda cool if you're down with a little mexican in your holdiay food.
((Charity: I am incredibly shocked she did not take that last bit farther. I mean wow! I am proud of her for censoring herself there...but I wasn't about to say anything cause maybe she didn't realize it?))
Charity: Okay how about we talk about pie....I am a lover of pie. Be it pumpkin or pecan, apple or cherry I love me some pie. That said I am a firm believer that cherry pie needs to stay in summer time. I love all you home cooks out there I do....and I KNOW your pies are the best cause really? My dad's pumpkin pie? You can't touch but if you do not have all that time and a costco is near you? Get one. Have you tasted their pumpkin pie?....a moment of silence please.....can you hear that singing in the background? Top it with fresh whipped cream and you are a hero and no one will care that you did not labor over that pie.
Sharon: Okay sister... back way up .... no one puts cherry pie in a corner
Sharon: that's a four season staple...
Charity: I like my cherry pie in the summer.
Charity: Just like I don't eat pecan pie in the summer
Sharon: .........
Charity: you have your quirks and I have mine.
Sharon: okay how about strawberry rhubarb pie? or is that too June for you?
Charity: nah you put that on up there....and I don't like your tone. Shall we talk about the liver and onions you are enjoying?
Sharon: omg i added thai sauce to it
Sharon: it STILL was major suckage
Sharon: how we doing for numbers? I dunno if readers are still with us.
Charity: we need two more
Charity: oh non wine drinks!
Sharon: wtf.. those exist?
Charity: Have two crock pots going and you can spice some apple cider in one and hot cocoa in the other. Have some spirits nearby in case people want to add to their glasses and you are all set. To hot cocoa? Add a splash or three of peppermint schnapps. My mom calls it a peppermint patty.
Charity: And the cider? You can always add some rum or vodka or whatever makes your heart go pitter patter. BUT the point it the crocks are left untouched by the alcohol so the kiddos can safely ladle til their hearts are content.....a note on the cocoa? Don't be cheap. Use milk instead of water if you are using powdered chocolate. It really makes the cocoa taste like you went out and paid a coffee shop to make it for you.
Sharon: look at you adding chocolate! Atta girl
Charity: And a non chocolate option for our friend Sherilee who isn't a big chocolate fan!
Sharon: Wait.. does this mean I don't get to discuss weiners?
Charity: Nope. We are done with our ~TT~ for this week. Maybe next week.....maybe
Sharon plots....
**Tune in next week when we list holiday cookies and see how long I can come up with topics that Sharon won't be able to list weiners!**
Sharon: 13 Must make Items for the holiday season
Charity: okay thanksgiving or christmas?
Charity: just holiday in general?
Sharon: Christmas bish... Canadians are SO done with that a month ago!
Sharon: we came, we stuffed, we moved on
Charity: yeah but we haven't had it yet LOL
Charity: Just cause you all have that premature issue doesn't mean that we have to be quick draws as well. But okay holiday in general.
Sharon: don't make me whack you with bacon
Charity: mmm bacon
Sharon: or go all poutine on your ass
Charity: Okay I will start.
Sharon: k.. stick to the topic! Cause peeps need food
Charity: Turkey. I know its something that shouldn't have to be listed however I have a confession. Last Thanksgiving I nearly ruined the bird. What happened was....I had been given an electric roaster for my birthday and had not used it til then. No one told me that in a roaster the stuff cooks faster than if it were in the oven and so three hours before dinner? The turkey was done. I didn't panic completely though cause my mom had a ham going in her roaster. But that said it was pretty damn embarrassing for my parents to come to MY house for Thanksgiving and I ruin the bird! So I turned the roaster off and let the bird sit in the heat and when we started to slice it 3 hours later? All of the turkey was moist! It was the best turkey I have ever had....So this year I am making it the same way. Also....people.....make an herb butter and rub it under the skin.....do not be afraid it adds flavor trust me. Just go slow and take off your rings ladies.
Sharon: okay..let me add in a new side dish then for this turkey feast... something I made this year for our Thanksgiving like a MONTH ago.... and it was amazing. A different take but Balsamic Glazed Squash... its super easy, hardly any ingredients and even kids (shocker!) will eat it
Charity: You have a thing for squash.
Sharon: well my kids eat it .. i need to run with that
Sharon: But okay.... another good side I tried recently? Shredded Maple Mustard Brussel Sprouts. .. that way kids dont' realize its brussel sprouts and they are good. cause of the maple syrup (dear god no one use table syrup)
Charity: Okay as an app....Deviled Eggs. I recently read an article in I believe it was Food Network Magazine, on all the different ways you can make the filling. Always make a plate of classic and then? Try at least one other way to make them. Search online for different ideas and don't be afraid to try something new. I like to make little note cards that say what it is and if I have never made it before in a different color in the corner write *NEW* or *NEW ITEM* it is a fun way to decorate and people will always offer up their opinion where as they are less likely if they think you make it like that all the time and they don't want to hurt your feelings on your go to plate.
Sharon: ohhhh yeah can't go wrong there! Soft, but firm.. reminds me of how my breasts used to be before kids.
Charity facepalms
Sharon: shrugs. okay another amazing holiday appie? Can't go wrong with a creamy & cheesy lobster crab dip. Ultimate yum
Charity: okay you get to think up the next one too cause I have to go make myself some eggs and toast. Never....ever.....make a ~TT ~ list without first having eaten. It feels a lot like grocery shopping while starving.
Sharon: I know! okay how about another appie.. cause really? lets face it... its ALL about the appies this time of year.
Sharon: heh okay folks? while she's gone? I won't be censored... *smirks*
Sharon: now then ... lets discuss some appies that you can eat without getting crap stuck in your teeth... and not messy enough to ruin that hot new dress you're wearing. Unless of course you strategically drop a dollop of crab dip on your cleavage and that hottie from Accounting sees it, salivates and dives into your boobs like he's bobbing for apples.I'm SO okay with that kind of appie. Seriously... Christmas parties bring out the ho ho ho in me. *coughs*
Sharon: Rolling along now.. I"m a big fan of goat cheese. A super duper EASY 2 minute appie is Goat cheese spread over tomato pesto. Guys? listening? Chicks will cling to you if you bring this .. bake it til its warm then add some garlic crostini and you, my friend, will be unwrapping more than just presents that night if you know what I mean.
Sharon: okay.. can't have an appie and not discuss weiners.
Sharon: so....
Charity: uh...the censor is back now....
Sharon: *&%$$%^*(
Sharon: hi
Charity: Hey there....*slaps Sharon's hands*
Sharon: whistles innocently . Just doing some public service announcements
Charity: you have already talked about breasts and crab dip in the cleavage. You will have to save the weiner talk for next week....and we are doing cookies so the public should be safe.
Sharon: did i ever tell you about the penis cupcakes I made for a fundraiser?
Charity sighs and edits.
Sharon: okay! cookies... I found a new recipe for double vanilla sugar cookies and will be baking up some snowflake shaped ones for all the special peeps in my life.
Charity: okay I will be checkin the mail soon then.
Charity: Okay so....balance is always key. You want to have some warm dishes and some cold ones. Have tart green olives with feta cheese stuffed inside. You can have veggies with dips because those will clean out the rich flavors and allow your guests to not have too much of a good thing and go into comas.
Sharon: yeah comatose peeps at Christmas parties suck. They end up getting magic marker pictures drawn on exposed body parts. Kinda funny... so long as its not you.
Sharon: hey you know what? One thing about the holidays is that its pretty busy. I recently read some article that offered up some "make ahead"' casseroles. Not a bad idea. One was this Tex-Mex Casserole with monterey Jack cheese... beef, hot peppers... tortillas.. it was very different and kinda cool if you're down with a little mexican in your holdiay food.
((Charity: I am incredibly shocked she did not take that last bit farther. I mean wow! I am proud of her for censoring herself there...but I wasn't about to say anything cause maybe she didn't realize it?))
Charity: Okay how about we talk about pie....I am a lover of pie. Be it pumpkin or pecan, apple or cherry I love me some pie. That said I am a firm believer that cherry pie needs to stay in summer time. I love all you home cooks out there I do....and I KNOW your pies are the best cause really? My dad's pumpkin pie? You can't touch but if you do not have all that time and a costco is near you? Get one. Have you tasted their pumpkin pie?....a moment of silence please.....can you hear that singing in the background? Top it with fresh whipped cream and you are a hero and no one will care that you did not labor over that pie.
Sharon: Okay sister... back way up .... no one puts cherry pie in a corner
Sharon: that's a four season staple...
Charity: I like my cherry pie in the summer.
Charity: Just like I don't eat pecan pie in the summer
Sharon: .........
Charity: you have your quirks and I have mine.
Sharon: okay how about strawberry rhubarb pie? or is that too June for you?
Charity: nah you put that on up there....and I don't like your tone. Shall we talk about the liver and onions you are enjoying?
Sharon: omg i added thai sauce to it
Sharon: it STILL was major suckage
Sharon: how we doing for numbers? I dunno if readers are still with us.
Charity: we need two more
Charity: oh non wine drinks!
Sharon: wtf.. those exist?
Charity: Have two crock pots going and you can spice some apple cider in one and hot cocoa in the other. Have some spirits nearby in case people want to add to their glasses and you are all set. To hot cocoa? Add a splash or three of peppermint schnapps. My mom calls it a peppermint patty.
Charity: And the cider? You can always add some rum or vodka or whatever makes your heart go pitter patter. BUT the point it the crocks are left untouched by the alcohol so the kiddos can safely ladle til their hearts are content.....a note on the cocoa? Don't be cheap. Use milk instead of water if you are using powdered chocolate. It really makes the cocoa taste like you went out and paid a coffee shop to make it for you.
Sharon: look at you adding chocolate! Atta girl
Charity: And a non chocolate option for our friend Sherilee who isn't a big chocolate fan!
Sharon: Wait.. does this mean I don't get to discuss weiners?
Charity: Nope. We are done with our ~TT~ for this week. Maybe next week.....maybe
Sharon plots....
**Tune in next week when we list holiday cookies and see how long I can come up with topics that Sharon won't be able to list weiners!**
Thursday, November 10, 2011
~TT~ For Ron and his Beloved
Like to read Thursday Thirteens? Well there are so many good ones to be found at
http://thursday-13.com/ Stop over there and see what all the buzz is about every Thursday!
Sharon: okay
Sharon: ready?
Charity: I need some wine first. No naked list this week but I think wine should always be encouraged.
Sharon: ok
Charity: okay I am back and am armed with a full glass of wine....well maybe not full I might have taken a drink on the way back to the computer.
Sharon: Nice! So.. we have a very important TT to do
Charity nods, "yeah the "I'm Sorry" menu.
Sharon sighs.... "the I"m Sorry I've been on the computer too long" menu
Charity laughs, "I think she took offense to the naked parts of our blog not that he was on the computer."
Charity: okay down to business! First item to list should be a great bottle of wine. If she is a red lover my favorite red right now is Reunite Lambrusco. A white type sipper.....or guzzler... it is a toss up for me between Barefoot Moscato and Yellowtail Moscato.
Sharon: OR... can't go wrong with a good dessert wine.. ice wine ... from Ontario. I would recommend Inniskillian
Charity: Oh good suggestion! Okay so then go for a nice salad...and Ron? Make it courses. So give her one bit at a time....start with wine then bring out a simple salad with her favorite dressing.....I like to make ranch dressing at home, but really there are lots of bottles out there that she might like too.....here is the IMPORTANT PART homemade croutons. Very simple but they will show how much she is your beloved like you told us she is!
Sharon: How about a nice antipasti plate?
Charity: Okay and your favorites?
Sharon: Salami?
Sharon: ok ok ok.. my mind is totally in the gutter today.
Sharon: how about some nice ripe tomatoes, bocca cheese with a pomegranate vinaigrette drizzled over top
Charity: Cheeses. I love to go to the cheese monger and sample, don't take anything home you haven't tried though. Could be stinky! Or even crusty bread, a good olive oil and balsamic vinegar, cheese and deli meats.
Sharon: absolute.. good call. And Ron? You cannot go wrong with sour dough bread. Trust me.
Sharon: Okay so a simple soup.... Char its time for your tomato one. Ron needs us on this
Charity: Oh yeah the tomato is really all that however....I hate to say it however now I might dare I? i found a recipe in Gwyneth Paltrow's cookbook “my father's daughter” for a white bean soup that I cannot get enough of. Of course I doctor it a bit and add a ham hock for added flavor but really it is light and lovely and I am making it Friday for my mom. It is THAT good.
Sharon: Gwyneth doesn't eat. Must be a ghost writer.
Charity: Okay Queen of the Gold Fish diet.....
Charity: If anyone wants to know the recipe how I make it let me know I will gladly share....okay so with this soup take some of the bread from earlier and dip it.
Sharon: okay .. but honestly lets get to the meat. Lets give Ron a few choices here.
Sharon: nice soft pork tenderloin with spicy Thai reduction.. and BOOYAH he's back in business
Charity: hmmm good option Shar....however I am going to have to throw down roasted cornish game hens. They are individual size and roasted with herbs and butter to crisp the skin up? How beautiful is it to have a mini chicken center on a plate with sides?
Sharon: Well.. I'm sure Ron appreciates the breasts.
Charity: Me? I am all about the thighs....but MOVING ON
Sharon: sighs
Sharon: okay side dish? crisp.. lightly flavoured with garlic.. asparagus
Charity: A pot roast in a crock pot is a nearly never ever screw up thing.
Charity: Oh I love asparagus as a side. You also cannot go wrong with the Pioneer Woman's mashed potatoes. They are life changing.
Sharon: yes. epic on the mashed, full agreement
Sharon: Okay by now Ron's wife should be on the road to forgiving him.. what we gonna bring this home with.
Charity: More wine.
Sharon: This is why I love you my bish. To Ron and other men reading this? Always more wine.
Charity: Pour it for her....it makes the I'm sorry I love you all the better...so after you refill her wine here is something that will both satisfy the non chocolate lovers as well as those that like sweet and savory together.....now trust me on this....I never liked goat cheese until now. It doesn't have a name I can bold though...so yeah we will come up with a name soon.
Charity: Small baguette round brushed with a reduction of brown sugar, canned pear juice, and butter. Then....top with a bit of creamy goat cheese....the pears which you cooked in the brown sugar and butter until they are just warmed through with a bit of the sauce drizzled over the top.....
Sharon: wow. why can't you make that for me when I come to visit?
Charity: I did.
Sharon: oh yeah! Then we watched Paranormal Activity
Sharon: we ate a lot that day
Charity: yeah we really did...and then couldn't sleep cause we kept seeing doors move.
Sharon: omg yeah... ok lets not get Ron off track here.
Charity: Oh right....now if you are dead set against goat cheese? I would go for a crumble. You can use stone fruits which are plentiful and with a little corn starch and sugar, some oats and brown sugar you can bake up signature comfort food....top with ice cream.
Sharon: gourmet coffee for afterward.... make a strong finish
Charity: and yeah coffee and she will let ya have your keyboard back in no time!
Charity: Okay we got it
Sharon grins, "yeah .. I think Ron's out of the dog house"
Charity: well if he goes for it and tells her how we are not all bad on our ~TT~ posts....
**Note....I did a lot of editing to make this a Ron appropriate post. There was talk about raw oysters and shucking....so I think we earn some points there right? Also....see where Sharon did not deny her goldfish cracker addiction? Just want there to be witnesses is all. End of note have a great day! Happy cooking!**
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Another NAKED ~TT~
We have been terrible ~TT~ participants but are trying to be better. We were going to do 13 comfort foods for fall however this morning Sharon was inspired it seems to be naked with chocolate. We have tried to keep it pretty PG and so some very naughty and enticing things were left off the list...it could have been so very much worse.
After you check out our list go on over and visit the other ~TT~ people at http://thursday-13.com/
Charity: Uh why arent you home? Cause this is your day off woman!
Sharon: Lol yeah never a full day off
Charity: You had to go in??
Sharon: No just run to a print shop
Charity: Okay I'm good with that.
Sharon: While I wait you wanna do TT? I'm thinking chocolate. And nakedness makes chocolate better
Sharon: Start off easy... Salted caramel chocolates
Charity: Okay I do need to ask though....doesn't chocolate taste amazing without being naked?
Sharon: Sure but being naked just assures you don't eat too much. It's like being passive aggressive with yourself.
Charity: I buy that....moving on. Let's list a classic cliche for romantical moments. Chocolate dipped strawberries. Now I prefer to dip them in warm chocolate not the hard kind. When the strawberry is cold and the warm chocolate....yeah it is just....yeah.
Sharon: God you're a classy bish. Good call.
Charity: Yeah I know I got it like that.
Sharon: Ok well keeping with the theme, can't go wrong with a chocolate fountain. Just be careful you don't get forked.
Charity: I thought the point of naked chocolate eating was to get....Nevermind. I think chocolate fountain is okay but normal people don't have those laying around.
Sharon: What!
Sharon: Well ok moving on.
Charity: Chocolate cheesecake bites. So little squares of amazing.
Charity: Easy enough to pop in your own mouth or someone else's AND no fork.
Sharon: Omg yeah. Sounds good
Sharon: I'm not above a little forking
Charity: Then you need to get with that. Just sayin.
Sharon: Wahaha!!!! Ok ok. Next!
Sharon: I'm thinking Oreo truffle balls
Charity: I have never had an oreo truffle ball.
Sharon: They're great.. Super duper easy.
Sharon: Good with milk
Charity: Chocolate chip pancakes for the morning after breakfast.
Sharon: I add bananas.
Charity: lol of course you do.
Sharon: Extra moisture. Good god. Bananas, forking, balls... This is gonna be an NC 17 TT
Charity: Okay I once saw a recipe for tenderloin that they rubbed with cocoa powder for seasoning.
Sharon: No way! Using chocolate on your meat? Niiiice
Charity: I know!
Sharon: And while we're discussing meat..... Chocolate covered bacon
Charity: Okay I tried to do the candied bacon thing and it turned out bad. I didn't like it at all. I'm not sure I can jump on the chocolate covered bacon train.
Sharon: Omg bish trust me. I'm Canadian I know my bacon capabilities
Sharon: Gotta use dark chocolate though
Charity: Okay okay I defer to your brilliance. I'm not a fan of dark chocolate either. This one you are going to have to make for me. So I am going to suspend belief until future proof is provided.
Sharon: Lol deal.
Sharon: Your turn
Charity: hot fudge sundae.
Sharon: Oldie but a goodie
Sharon: Ok this is a showstopper. ... Chocolate "omg I wet my pants" cake. Cadbury chocolate, fudge gooey centre, whipped cream.
Charity: and you just talked yourself into sharing that recipe!
Charity: speaking of chocolate cake though...how about Better Than Sex Cake. I'm not lying that is the name and my MOTHER is the one that shared the recipe with me.
Sharon: Whoa. Quite the family Char. I gotta party with your mom
Charity: Yeah I know
Sharon: How many is that?
Charity: Let me count
Charity: 11
Sharon: Oh wow. Time flies when it's chocolate
Sharon: Rocky road bars! We haven't mentioned nuts yet
Charity: We have mentioned everything else but nuts.
Charity: Okay warm nut filled brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Sharon: Damn... I um... Oopsies. Was it good for you?
Charity: Did you lick chocolate off your wallet again?
Sharon: Well that was a one time show. The poor guy that saw it is still recovering
Charity: Hand him our naked chocolate menu to help him out.
Sharon: Lol yeah. That'd kill him
Charity: Dare ya.
Sharon: Damn you!!
Charity: I know.
**Yes we realize that two grown women that dare each other to do things are a bit stuck in their childhood. However...I have to suggest that you go up to a coworker one day and dare them to dance around the office or something silly and fun and it will make both of have a brighter day.**
After you check out our list go on over and visit the other ~TT~ people at http://thursday-13.com/
Charity: Uh why arent you home? Cause this is your day off woman!
Sharon: Lol yeah never a full day off
Charity: You had to go in??
Sharon: No just run to a print shop
Charity: Okay I'm good with that.
Sharon: While I wait you wanna do TT? I'm thinking chocolate. And nakedness makes chocolate better
Sharon: Start off easy... Salted caramel chocolates
Charity: Okay I do need to ask though....doesn't chocolate taste amazing without being naked?
Sharon: Sure but being naked just assures you don't eat too much. It's like being passive aggressive with yourself.
Charity: I buy that....moving on. Let's list a classic cliche for romantical moments. Chocolate dipped strawberries. Now I prefer to dip them in warm chocolate not the hard kind. When the strawberry is cold and the warm chocolate....yeah it is just....yeah.
Sharon: God you're a classy bish. Good call.
Charity: Yeah I know I got it like that.
Sharon: Ok well keeping with the theme, can't go wrong with a chocolate fountain. Just be careful you don't get forked.
Charity: I thought the point of naked chocolate eating was to get....Nevermind. I think chocolate fountain is okay but normal people don't have those laying around.
Sharon: What!
Sharon: Well ok moving on.
Charity: Chocolate cheesecake bites. So little squares of amazing.
Charity: Easy enough to pop in your own mouth or someone else's AND no fork.
Sharon: Omg yeah. Sounds good
Sharon: I'm not above a little forking
Charity: Then you need to get with that. Just sayin.
Sharon: Wahaha!!!! Ok ok. Next!
Sharon: I'm thinking Oreo truffle balls
Charity: I have never had an oreo truffle ball.
Sharon: They're great.. Super duper easy.
Sharon: Good with milk
Charity: Chocolate chip pancakes for the morning after breakfast.
Sharon: I add bananas.
Charity: lol of course you do.
Sharon: Extra moisture. Good god. Bananas, forking, balls... This is gonna be an NC 17 TT
Charity: Okay I once saw a recipe for tenderloin that they rubbed with cocoa powder for seasoning.
Sharon: No way! Using chocolate on your meat? Niiiice
Charity: I know!
Sharon: And while we're discussing meat..... Chocolate covered bacon
Charity: Okay I tried to do the candied bacon thing and it turned out bad. I didn't like it at all. I'm not sure I can jump on the chocolate covered bacon train.
Sharon: Omg bish trust me. I'm Canadian I know my bacon capabilities
Sharon: Gotta use dark chocolate though
Charity: Okay okay I defer to your brilliance. I'm not a fan of dark chocolate either. This one you are going to have to make for me. So I am going to suspend belief until future proof is provided.
Sharon: Lol deal.
Sharon: Your turn
Charity: hot fudge sundae.
Sharon: Oldie but a goodie
Sharon: Ok this is a showstopper. ... Chocolate "omg I wet my pants" cake. Cadbury chocolate, fudge gooey centre, whipped cream.
Charity: and you just talked yourself into sharing that recipe!
Charity: speaking of chocolate cake though...how about Better Than Sex Cake. I'm not lying that is the name and my MOTHER is the one that shared the recipe with me.
Sharon: Whoa. Quite the family Char. I gotta party with your mom
Charity: Yeah I know
Sharon: How many is that?
Charity: Let me count
Charity: 11
Sharon: Oh wow. Time flies when it's chocolate
Sharon: Rocky road bars! We haven't mentioned nuts yet
Charity: We have mentioned everything else but nuts.
Charity: Okay warm nut filled brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Sharon: Damn... I um... Oopsies. Was it good for you?
Charity: Did you lick chocolate off your wallet again?
Sharon: Well that was a one time show. The poor guy that saw it is still recovering
Charity: Hand him our naked chocolate menu to help him out.
Sharon: Lol yeah. That'd kill him
Charity: Dare ya.
Sharon: Damn you!!
Charity: I know.
**Yes we realize that two grown women that dare each other to do things are a bit stuck in their childhood. However...I have to suggest that you go up to a coworker one day and dare them to dance around the office or something silly and fun and it will make both of have a brighter day.**
Monday, September 19, 2011
Back to School Snacking
So my two sons, 9 & 11, went back to school... I'm trying to be the good mom and follow the guidelines of what I can send in their lunches. Yes.. I said lunches as in plural... the new school system where I live has two "nutrition' breaks .. or two opportunities to eat instead of one. So in between packing healthy snacks that won't get sent back home or worse, traded away for a peak of little Eleanor's new booblets she developed over the summer, I'm left scratching my head as what to give them when they get home. I'm not always home when they bound in the door and if I'm not they quickly get their hands around the school lunch taboos.. namely anything that contains peanut butter, chocolate or resembles a bag of chips. Fruit.. veggies.. applesauce, basically anything I've rammed into their lunchbags so teachers can see what a fabulous mother they have, are overlooked for more junky and, lets face it, yummy gooey goodness.
SO ... I found this today. I'm not going to tell my boys what it is.. just make it (sight unseen) and toss it in a bowl for them to munch on. The recipe says its crunchy and the spices sound something my kids would gravitate to, so I'll give it a whirl. But yeah.. its healthy and my kids seem to have a built in radar for that. But we'll see.. I'll let you know tomorrow. If they like it? my boys will have more fibre, iron and folate.. if they don't? I'll have more fibre, iron and folate... and be searching for the next recipe.
Roasted Chickpeas in 3 Varieties
*makes 2 cups*
1 can (19 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tbs olive oil
Variety 1: Pizza Crunch Spices:
2 tsp parmesean cheese
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
Variety 2: Sweet Cinnamon:
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp sugar
Variety 3: Southwestern Spice:
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp black pepper
dash cayenne pepper (or several dashes if you need to mute them for a bit)
Directions:
1. Preheat Oven to 350
2 Drain and rinse chickpeas and dry them REALLY well in paper towel. Place in large bowl, toss 'em up with olive oil. Set aside.
3. Mix the spices of your chosen variety together. .. toss that in with teh chickpeas. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet
4 Bake for 50 minutes until crunchy (seriously.. crunchy is the deal breaker for kids to like 'em).. Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
**recipe from the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario*.. I so did NOT make this crap up.
Happy Crunching.... thank god the bastards are back in classs, non?
Sharon
So my two sons, 9 & 11, went back to school... I'm trying to be the good mom and follow the guidelines of what I can send in their lunches. Yes.. I said lunches as in plural... the new school system where I live has two "nutrition' breaks .. or two opportunities to eat instead of one. So in between packing healthy snacks that won't get sent back home or worse, traded away for a peak of little Eleanor's new booblets she developed over the summer, I'm left scratching my head as what to give them when they get home. I'm not always home when they bound in the door and if I'm not they quickly get their hands around the school lunch taboos.. namely anything that contains peanut butter, chocolate or resembles a bag of chips. Fruit.. veggies.. applesauce, basically anything I've rammed into their lunchbags so teachers can see what a fabulous mother they have, are overlooked for more junky and, lets face it, yummy gooey goodness.
SO ... I found this today. I'm not going to tell my boys what it is.. just make it (sight unseen) and toss it in a bowl for them to munch on. The recipe says its crunchy and the spices sound something my kids would gravitate to, so I'll give it a whirl. But yeah.. its healthy and my kids seem to have a built in radar for that. But we'll see.. I'll let you know tomorrow. If they like it? my boys will have more fibre, iron and folate.. if they don't? I'll have more fibre, iron and folate... and be searching for the next recipe.
Roasted Chickpeas in 3 Varieties
*makes 2 cups*
1 can (19 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tbs olive oil
Variety 1: Pizza Crunch Spices:
2 tsp parmesean cheese
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
Variety 2: Sweet Cinnamon:
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp sugar
Variety 3: Southwestern Spice:
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp black pepper
dash cayenne pepper (or several dashes if you need to mute them for a bit)
Directions:
1. Preheat Oven to 350
2 Drain and rinse chickpeas and dry them REALLY well in paper towel. Place in large bowl, toss 'em up with olive oil. Set aside.
3. Mix the spices of your chosen variety together. .. toss that in with teh chickpeas. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet
4 Bake for 50 minutes until crunchy (seriously.. crunchy is the deal breaker for kids to like 'em).. Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
**recipe from the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario*.. I so did NOT make this crap up.
Happy Crunching.... thank god the bastards are back in classs, non?
Sharon
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
We're baaaaaaaack!
First I have to give a shout out to Anthony Bourdain...after the rant I posted he did something commendable (no doubtingly because I believe he is a secret fan of The Accidental Cooks and he took my words to heart...). A restaurant that he used to own in New York City had plans on selling a wine made for the 9-11 anniversary. The sale price per bottle would be $19.11 and less than 10% of the sales would be donated to the memorial...Okay...I have to give props to Anthony for calling up the restaurant and going WTF??? He actually said "That's vomit inducing. What kind of piece of sh*t would create such a product?" Shrugs, he said she said...whatever. The point is he came through and stopped the sale from that restaurant and that I applaud him for.
That said....if 100% of the profits went towards the memorial? I would be slightly better with it. No, I am not an idiot and I see the entire thing was created with hope to cash in on the grief of others, and to line the pockets of the winery as well as the merchants selling the bottles, however there needs to be a line people and Anthony? Today you are good in my book (again I know he was waiting for my approval...pins and needles!)
Now onto our regularly scheduled programming....
Now that school is back in session and I am being forced to get up at 5:30am...five days a week I can assure you that I will be posting a lot of breakfast and lunch type recipes. If I am awake for dinners then you might just get some of those thrown in for good measure. My hints and tricks might be jibberish depending on what time of the day I decide to post, I know though that if your child has to be out the door by 6:40am you will most likely will be able to understand....
Topic of today...set your cooking goals.
I have decided to make my life a little easier I will do as much in advance for one week as I can. This includes making menus. Following the menus...unless I claim the alarm did not go off and a banana handed out at the door will be acceptable.
My goal is to make the kids a hot breakfast 3 times a week. Also I have to be able to make breakfast and pack lunch within a 40 minute span as I refuse to get up any earlier than 5:30am no matter how much I love the little buggers.
An easy morning breakfast that you can actually squeeze two days out of is banana pancakes. I confess that during the week I use a mix for the pancake batter...Don't judge its before 6am! Before I mix the batter I mash up one banana for every 1 cup of mix you use. RANDOM TIP***if your bananas are not on the overly ripe side slice them up into a bowl and sprinkle about a tablespoon of sugar over them. The sugar helps break the banana down and make it easier to mash. It works with all types of fruit.
Make double what you are going to need. Why? Because the next morning you can microwave them in no time. The good thing about banana pancakes is that the bananas give the pancakes a good texture even after microwaving. My kids love them and I have witness them...eating them straight out of the fridge! It takes a little longer to continue to flip the cakes but I promise the next morning that is extra time you get to sit in your Eeyore pajamas in the recliner.
20 minutes is all you need to make crispy oven bacon. Line a cookie sheet with foil to make clean up much easier and put the bacon slices in the oven at 400. Do not preheat. Let the oven and bacon come up to temperature together. It might take a little longer than 20 minutes. I average about 24 minutes to get it as crispy as I want it to be. I flip the slices about half way through and I am tellin ya, there is not that all day lingering fried bacon smell in the house and the bacon cooks perfectly. And? I don't sit there saying bad words while I get splattered. Another tip....make extra bacon too. Not only can you warm it up the next breakfast but for their lunches that you are about to make......
For lunch! I am getting excited about wraps. Lunches are not all about sandwiches anymore and there are so many recipes out there for different fillings. My kids love BLTA sandwiches/wraps/salads...you name it. The 'A' is for avocado and I use it in place of mayo, mashing it up and spreading it. If you go the sandwich route I encourage you to toast the bread to help against the sandwich mushies and put the tomatoes in the middle. Layer the lettuce and bacon as barriers. I promise if your kids like BLTs they are going to love them in their school lunches. And with a little breakfast preplanning the day before you won't be cussing at 6am over bacon splatter.
I like those little cheap Ziploc containers, the smallest set. I make jello and put fruit in it and then use those little containers to put into their lunches as a dessert. Yes I know you can get them premade but at added expense. I can make an entire week worth of jello for a fraction of the cost of a four pack of the premade stuff. It takes about 10 minutes to make and the rest of the time it is setting in the fridge already in the containers. I will do make it Sunday night and I am good to go the entire week.
Okay folks...coming up this week...I am going to make crunchy fish taco wraps. And I am going to try homemade graham cracker cookie thingies with chocolate on the bottom. I will let ya know how it goes.
Also we are going to have a ~TT~ this week!
Cheers to school being back in session!
~Charity
That said....if 100% of the profits went towards the memorial? I would be slightly better with it. No, I am not an idiot and I see the entire thing was created with hope to cash in on the grief of others, and to line the pockets of the winery as well as the merchants selling the bottles, however there needs to be a line people and Anthony? Today you are good in my book (again I know he was waiting for my approval...pins and needles!)
Now onto our regularly scheduled programming....
Now that school is back in session and I am being forced to get up at 5:30am...five days a week I can assure you that I will be posting a lot of breakfast and lunch type recipes. If I am awake for dinners then you might just get some of those thrown in for good measure. My hints and tricks might be jibberish depending on what time of the day I decide to post, I know though that if your child has to be out the door by 6:40am you will most likely will be able to understand....
Topic of today...set your cooking goals.
I have decided to make my life a little easier I will do as much in advance for one week as I can. This includes making menus. Following the menus...unless I claim the alarm did not go off and a banana handed out at the door will be acceptable.
My goal is to make the kids a hot breakfast 3 times a week. Also I have to be able to make breakfast and pack lunch within a 40 minute span as I refuse to get up any earlier than 5:30am no matter how much I love the little buggers.
An easy morning breakfast that you can actually squeeze two days out of is banana pancakes. I confess that during the week I use a mix for the pancake batter...Don't judge its before 6am! Before I mix the batter I mash up one banana for every 1 cup of mix you use. RANDOM TIP***if your bananas are not on the overly ripe side slice them up into a bowl and sprinkle about a tablespoon of sugar over them. The sugar helps break the banana down and make it easier to mash. It works with all types of fruit.
Make double what you are going to need. Why? Because the next morning you can microwave them in no time. The good thing about banana pancakes is that the bananas give the pancakes a good texture even after microwaving. My kids love them and I have witness them...eating them straight out of the fridge! It takes a little longer to continue to flip the cakes but I promise the next morning that is extra time you get to sit in your Eeyore pajamas in the recliner.
20 minutes is all you need to make crispy oven bacon. Line a cookie sheet with foil to make clean up much easier and put the bacon slices in the oven at 400. Do not preheat. Let the oven and bacon come up to temperature together. It might take a little longer than 20 minutes. I average about 24 minutes to get it as crispy as I want it to be. I flip the slices about half way through and I am tellin ya, there is not that all day lingering fried bacon smell in the house and the bacon cooks perfectly. And? I don't sit there saying bad words while I get splattered. Another tip....make extra bacon too. Not only can you warm it up the next breakfast but for their lunches that you are about to make......
For lunch! I am getting excited about wraps. Lunches are not all about sandwiches anymore and there are so many recipes out there for different fillings. My kids love BLTA sandwiches/wraps/salads...you name it. The 'A' is for avocado and I use it in place of mayo, mashing it up and spreading it. If you go the sandwich route I encourage you to toast the bread to help against the sandwich mushies and put the tomatoes in the middle. Layer the lettuce and bacon as barriers. I promise if your kids like BLTs they are going to love them in their school lunches. And with a little breakfast preplanning the day before you won't be cussing at 6am over bacon splatter.
I like those little cheap Ziploc containers, the smallest set. I make jello and put fruit in it and then use those little containers to put into their lunches as a dessert. Yes I know you can get them premade but at added expense. I can make an entire week worth of jello for a fraction of the cost of a four pack of the premade stuff. It takes about 10 minutes to make and the rest of the time it is setting in the fridge already in the containers. I will do make it Sunday night and I am good to go the entire week.
Okay folks...coming up this week...I am going to make crunchy fish taco wraps. And I am going to try homemade graham cracker cookie thingies with chocolate on the bottom. I will let ya know how it goes.
Also we are going to have a ~TT~ this week!
Cheers to school being back in session!
~Charity
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Paula vs. Anthony
I am taking a break from unpacking to comment on something I saw in the news yesterday. Is it ground breaking? No. However it did make me wonder where some people get off....
For those of you that haven't heard Anthony Bourdain the guy from "No Reservations" on the travel channel decided to attack some of the food network stars. This in itself isn't all that terrible everyone is entitled to their opinion after all but to publicly call out certain people he has never met?
Paula Deen the goddess of down home southern cookin, was accused by Anthony of encouraging people to eat food that is killing America. So perhaps he wants to see her use her influance as a good example. Maybe he feels that she should promote healthy foods so people won't have to worry about portion control cause they think without butter or oil they can eat all they want....cause that is what that translates too. Just ask.
What confuses me is in "No Reservations" what I get from him is a brooding man looking out to the sunset smoking and drinking, eating, brooding more smoking, rinse repeat. So is that a better example? Obviously Anthony must be of the same opinion as some that McDonalds is causing people to get fat and it isn't the fault of the people that can't seem to get their enlarged rears off the couch and go for a walk. Instead they sit there watching him encourage his own lung cancer and those around him that have to inhale his second hand. What a great guy!
Yes I watch his show every so often and find him at times to be witty and on the rare occasion to be profound. The every so often rare occasion part comes if there is nothing else on. I apologize if this offends fans of Anthony but he is less bad boy with a deep meaningful light in his soul, and more middle aged man that offends people everywhere he goes. Don't know what I am talking about? Instead of watching him on the show, look at the facial expressions of those around him and see how often his demeanor causes their eyes to twitch and strained smiles to tug at the corner of their lips.
And one more point to be made. He wonders if Rachel Ray ever cooks anymore and I have to wonder, does he? Have I ever seen a show that he made anything? Nope.
Come on man. Get off your high horse and get a clue.
To those people that find butter and oil to be offensive...Even the "bad" foods in moderation is really okay I promise. Food does not always have to be without fats or without proteins, carbs or whatever it is you are taking out to be healthy. Life is about balance people. You want to have fried chicken? Serve a salad and some roasted veggies on the side. Use pop as a treat not a daily habit. Having The Pioneer Woman's mashed potatoes? Let that be the only starch on the plate. After you are done? Put the dishes in the sink and take your family for a walk. Encourage healthy eating in your children by promoting balance of all the food groups and that they need to get out and play, ride their bikes and run around instead of so many video games and cartoons.
Okay soap box moment is over for today I need to get back to unpacking my house.
~Charity
You can read more about the feud at the OMG now site. Yeah I read gossip articles as a guiltless pleasure.
http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/thefamous/fight-fight-paula-deen-tells-anthony-bourdain-to-get-a-life/1912
For those of you that haven't heard Anthony Bourdain the guy from "No Reservations" on the travel channel decided to attack some of the food network stars. This in itself isn't all that terrible everyone is entitled to their opinion after all but to publicly call out certain people he has never met?
Paula Deen the goddess of down home southern cookin, was accused by Anthony of encouraging people to eat food that is killing America. So perhaps he wants to see her use her influance as a good example. Maybe he feels that she should promote healthy foods so people won't have to worry about portion control cause they think without butter or oil they can eat all they want....cause that is what that translates too. Just ask.
What confuses me is in "No Reservations" what I get from him is a brooding man looking out to the sunset smoking and drinking, eating, brooding more smoking, rinse repeat. So is that a better example? Obviously Anthony must be of the same opinion as some that McDonalds is causing people to get fat and it isn't the fault of the people that can't seem to get their enlarged rears off the couch and go for a walk. Instead they sit there watching him encourage his own lung cancer and those around him that have to inhale his second hand. What a great guy!
Yes I watch his show every so often and find him at times to be witty and on the rare occasion to be profound. The every so often rare occasion part comes if there is nothing else on. I apologize if this offends fans of Anthony but he is less bad boy with a deep meaningful light in his soul, and more middle aged man that offends people everywhere he goes. Don't know what I am talking about? Instead of watching him on the show, look at the facial expressions of those around him and see how often his demeanor causes their eyes to twitch and strained smiles to tug at the corner of their lips.
And one more point to be made. He wonders if Rachel Ray ever cooks anymore and I have to wonder, does he? Have I ever seen a show that he made anything? Nope.
Come on man. Get off your high horse and get a clue.
To those people that find butter and oil to be offensive...Even the "bad" foods in moderation is really okay I promise. Food does not always have to be without fats or without proteins, carbs or whatever it is you are taking out to be healthy. Life is about balance people. You want to have fried chicken? Serve a salad and some roasted veggies on the side. Use pop as a treat not a daily habit. Having The Pioneer Woman's mashed potatoes? Let that be the only starch on the plate. After you are done? Put the dishes in the sink and take your family for a walk. Encourage healthy eating in your children by promoting balance of all the food groups and that they need to get out and play, ride their bikes and run around instead of so many video games and cartoons.
Okay soap box moment is over for today I need to get back to unpacking my house.
~Charity
You can read more about the feud at the OMG now site. Yeah I read gossip articles as a guiltless pleasure.
http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/thefamous/fight-fight-paula-deen-tells-anthony-bourdain-to-get-a-life/1912
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