Holidays

It's that time again. Busy doing cooking, shopping, making gifts, etc. We need to stop and literally smell the roses. Go out and buy some! Take care of yourself and you'll make it through so you can enjoy the season. I love the smell of freshly cut Douglas fir trees. The first days our cut tree is in the house is spectacular. Aromas take us back to our childhood where we truly loved the holidays. I love to see my grandkids' eyes light up when they see decorations, the tree and presents. When they first walk into my kitchen, Kenny gasps at what he smells. He's imagining all kinds of fun things to eat. The little one just sniffs the air and smiles. Soon it will be Christmas. Say a prayer for those who can't be with family, have no family and have no food. Give to a food bank.
So tomorrow, we'll say thanks. But we should say it everyday. Gratitude makes one feels so well and happy.
Take care all of you.

Sewing and cooking

Earlier this month, I made a lot of mincemeat. I used a British recipe from last year. It didn't make much and then tried one with meat. Both taste really good. Dying to eat a small pie. No one in my family likes mincemeat. So I have gifts and lots for me. It needs to age a bit. So they are settled in a dark, cool place waiting for future scrumciousness. Not sure that's a word.....
I used to make pumpkin butter and searching the recipe file, I found a good one using apple cider and a good amount of pumpkin. That's the next project. Do you know you can sterilize canning jars in the oven. So fast : 350ºF for 5 minutes. Keep the jars apart so they don't touch each other.
Making stitchery gifts for neighbors and friends. Much to do this time of year.
Anxious to put the Bertazzoni to work cooking our brined turkey. Will keep you advised on the results. It can't do any worse than our old oven which barely cooked.