Christmas and all it's glory

Well the rush of the season has come and in the midst of going.  Everyone I speak to says the same thing, it came so fast.  Yes, Virginia, Christmas does come the same time of year, every year, but it just seems that the time goes by faster and faster each year.  As usual, it was Christmas Eve at my stepsisters house in her newly and beautifully renovated kitchen (I'm so jealous) then Christmas and a extra few days at mom's house.  It was very nice.  I even got to see friends I haven't seen in a couple of years.

My daughter and I were in charge of bringing some dessert and a dinner dish to my stepsister's house.  So I made sausage and peppers, my daughter made her wonderful Red Velvet cupcakes.  I also made mini strawberry cheesecakes and lemon crunch bars.   The cheesecakes came out so creamy and rich that I will be making them again.  And yes, being that you asked, I will most definitely post the recipe along with the icing.  But you will have to wait until the weekend, sorry.

My daughter only asked for literally (4) things from Santa, so it was somewhat easy to oblige.  Her biggest request was the new Xbox 360 with Kinnect.  Thank goodness for Santa Grandma and Elf G-ma.  So I had one happy girl.  BUT,  the biggest kicker was what she bought for me; this wonderful Cuisinart 4 in 1 slow cooker and paid for it herself.  This gift is unbelievable.  The only thing she said is she wants a meal cooked from cooker for every dollar she spent, so I guess she will be getting something out of the slow cooker each day over the next year!  No honestly, this slow cooker does pretty much everything except for food shopping.  It roasts, sautes, steams and slow cooks.  It's great to brown meats then switch to roast or slow cook.  No more extra pots.  The weekend she gave it to me, I made an incredible roast beef; not pot roast.  Thank you Cuisinart.  Now I need a new food processor and a emulsion blender.  Hmmm which first.  My food processor is the second Black and Decker and was not meant for the abuse it takes when my daughter makes her Oreo truffles, so I am torn between the Cuisinart 12-16 cup or the new Kitchen Aid.  Hey, if any head honcho's out there from either company is reading this, I'm up to doing reviews, hint, hint.  Here's the link if you want to see it http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/cuisinart-multicooker/?pkey=cpressure-rice-slow-cookers .

I know I haven't been consistent in blogging, I promise it will get better and more recipes will be added.  Since I'm a beginner, I'm doing the balancing act of family, work, school and blogging.  But please stick with me, it will get better I promise.

During my time at mom's, one of the things we do is we take my daughter and my 16 year old cousin for a " girls lunch".  For the past couple of years, we have been going to the Grand Lux Cafe.  They are an affiliate of the Cheesecake Factory.  The Grand Lux has different items on their menu but it is still the same high standards and beautifully presented food.    If you get the chance go to have a lunch there, you won't be sorry.  I will put a full review under my review section.

There is some Flint news so check it out.

Well, now see, sometimes it's worth waiting.  You get more bang for the buck and more words on a page.

Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and please have a safe and prosperous New Year.  Eat lentils, the Italians believe it will bring good luck and prosperity.

Sorry it's been too long

I'm very sorry I haven't posted in awhile.  Unfortunately, sometimes life as we know it gets in the way of other commitments. I know, I know, I missed posting about the snow storm of October, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the beginning of the Christmas season.  Well, I'm here and ready to post.  Check out the "Flint News" and the new recipe for Pork Roast with Apple Butter Gravy, yummmm!  I was hoping to get my classes up and running by October, but it looks like it's going to be closer to January, sorry guys.  The one thing that's good waiting so long is how much I have to say.

First thing I want to talk about is brining.  Has anyone brined anything? pork, turkey, a chicken maybe? No?  Don't be afraid, once you do it, you might actually do it more often. Brining is the process similar to marinading.. Putting meat in a liquid to impart flavor.  The difference between the two is; marinating, you are trying to penetrate the flavor of  your marinade all through your protein.  Brining, on the other hand, you are not trying to impart a  flavor profile as much as keeping your protein moist and juicy.  My favorite protein to brine is pork, which is what I did today.  The one thing about brining is, you want to make sure you have enough time for the meat to soak in the liquid.  I will give you the recipe I used, but there are many great recipes for different kinds of brines. So check them out, find one you like. Don't be afraid, you never know, you might just end up brining your next Thanksgiving turkey.

The next thing I want to mention and I think everyone could benefit from this.  My lovely co-worker mentioned something she does for her family at dinner that I think I'm going start making a habit.  She put's out a platter of some kind of fruit on the table with and as part of her dinner.  I will actually starting doing this on a daily basis.  However, I will be putting out the fruit before and keep it out with the dinner.  Since we are all trying to eat healthier and since they all love to pick while I'm making dinner, this will be a great way for my family to get some of their fruit.  I might actually include some cucumbers and carrots.  The other benefit will be to possibly cut down on the portion sizes of dinner.  So this week I have pineapple and cantaloupe.

The last thing I want to mention is, it is the holiday season.  I know we are all running around with the season of stress.  Shopping for parties and family, baking, decorating on top of the normal family life.  I'm sure you hear this all the time about those less fortunate.  One question that I have for you is this..... why is it that we should only remember the less fortunate during the holidays, why should it not be year round.  I was kind of reminded of this today in church when they discussed their "Giving tree".  Where you select a label of the gender and age of a child to buy them a gift. Besides the actual gift for the holiday, doesn't that child also have basic needs throughout the year?  Something to think about.  I was also reminded today when we went to a function for "People and Paws" hosted by our local animal shelter.  Along with people in need, there are those who depend on us fully to provide for them, animals in shelters.  These are helpless creatures that have absolutely no control over their circumstances. I plead to you to get involved more with your local shelters by donating food, old blankets, maybe time, if your able or financially, again only if your able.   We are starting to coupon for food to be donated to the local shelter.  One thing to keep in mind this season.  It's always exciting to get a new puppy or kitten for Christmas, I know, I've been there.  But just remember a few things, a puppy  or kitten is a huge commitment.  Make sure you have the time, the dedication and discipline to give this new addition to your family.  Yes, just like a baby, it's a new addition, because let's face it... it is a baby, just not human. You don't want to go through a heart wrenching act of adding to your local shelter by donating your new addition, if you know what I mean.   If you don't want to go through all the puppy/kitten stuff, consider an older shelter dog/cat that would fit into your life style.  These older animals want and need a loving home.  There are some great animals that need help, they just were in bad circumstances and need your understanding to get them through their difficult time.  You have the opportunity to change that.  We were blessed to get Flint when he was five, he is a wonderful loving dog and we are happy to provide a spoiled lifestyle for his later years.  I hope you consider the same.  

Just remember New Year's resolutions don't have to be; to go on a diet, get more exercise, or even to give up smoking   It could be as simple as being more patient with someone who is difficult, getting more involved with your church, temple or charity of your choice, helping a neighbor in need, or even writing a letter to someone who needs some words of encouragement.  Resolutions are about change, sometimes changes to self improve, but I think we tend to forget, that we can change ourselves by doing good for others.  This is a priceless route to self improvement. 

Enough ranting.  I said what I have to say.  

I encourage you to send me an email to let me know what your resolutions are and your progress on them.  Also on a lighter note please offer up some recipes for me to try and I will give it shot and post those pictures of my successes.