Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Brussels Sprouts

~ lk529 ~ 6 Comments

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday – I love the tradition. Unlike the Hollywood American Family, I love gathering with family. And, I love the food!

I think Thanksgiving as turned into my favorite holiday because after getting married, I’ve become the hostess for this family oriented holiday. Stuart’s family and my family converge on our home for not only Thanksgiving, but also for the Iron Bowl!

I am presenting a Thanksgiving side dish early so that I can participate in the Thanksgiving Side Dishes Link Party hosted by Let’s Dish. (Don’t worry, I’ll still do my week of Thanksgiving sides closer to the holiday.)Image

In combining our two families, there have been merging of traditions and additions to Thursday’s menu.

This dish is one of those that were introduced to my family by my mother-in-law. And each year, there’s never enough! I think this year a double recipe will need to be prepared.

Thanksgiving Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients:

  • 2 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 oz pancetta, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 C chicken broth

Steps:

  1. Cook Brussels sprouts in salted boiling water for 4 minutes. Drain.
  2. Crisp up the pancetta in a large skillet in the olive oil for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Toss in the sprouts 5 minutes. Season with S+P.
  3. Pour the broth into the skillet and simmer for 3 minutes, or until the broth reduces so that it coats the Brussels sprouts.

*This recipe is adapted from Giada at http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/brussels-sprouts-with-pancetta-recipe/index.html*

Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta Sew You Think You Can Cook

Fall Mantle

~ lk529 ~ 1 Comment

September is here! And even though it’s not officially Fall yet, football season has started, pumpkin-flavored everything is hitting the stores, and the days are getting shorter. For me and my house, that’s close enough!

Growing up in South Florida, we didn’t have fireplaces. But apparently Northern Florida thinks they’re North enough to demand fireplaces. I am completely baffled by this architectural choice – we don’t use ours, ever.

My absolute favorite thing about the fireplace is the mantle. Why? Because it gives me a surface to decorate! I am completely in love with my fall motif. I opted to go with the scarecrow/straw theme. (The Tommy Tuberville signed Auburn Football made the cut this year — War Eagle!) On October 1st I’ll add a Jack-O-Lantern scarecrow and on November 1st I have a totally adorable stuffed turkey that says “Gobble til you Wobble”. I also plan on trying a Pinterest-inspired pine cone garland. If I get around to it (and it’s successful), I’ll do a how-to.

Fall Mantle | Sew You Think You Can Cook

I found my decorations at Michael’s. The bird painting is one that I did at The Emerald Cork, a BYOB painting studio. Disclaimer: I have not been paid or sponsored by Michael’s or The Emerald Cork.