Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the biggest celebration of romance and love in our culture. Sweethearts go out to dinner and exchange gifts. Children send cards and almost everyone eats heart shapped candies. Its the ideal date for married couples as they take time for themselves and nuture their relationship.

 

There are varying stories about the origin of Valentine’s Day. One of the most well-known tells us the day was named for a priest imprisoned and killed by the Roman government because he was Christian. As the story goes, Valentine became a friend with the daughter of his jailer. Knowing he would die, he sent her a farewell message signed, “From your Valentine.” He died in 269 CE on Feb. 14, the day ancient Romans honored Juno, the goddess of women and marriage.

 

This Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate loved ones, family & friends. Have a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Happy New Year!

I would like to wish everyone who visits the blog a very Health, Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Holidays in Balad, Iraq

As most of you know my husband Lou is in the Air Force and was in Balad, Iraq for the holidays.   I didn’t receive too many pictures but this picture is of a Christmas Tree which is about 15 feet high at the  round about of the Air Base.  What a pretty sight this must have been for everyone away from home.

Lou also sent me a copy of what was on the menu……doesn’t look too bad!

Just a peak at the Holidays here in Balad; Menu

SMOKED TURKEY & RICE SOUP

WINTER SOLSTICE SOUP

SHRIMP COCKTAIL

CRUSTED STEAMSHIP ROUNDS

GARLIC STUFFED PRIME RIB

SMOKED TURKEY

BAKED TURKEY

HOLIDAY HAM

HERBED CORNISH HENS

SAVORY BREAD DRESSING

CORNBREAD DRESSING

BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE

CANDIED YAMS

SEASONED CORN

SOUTHERN STYLE COLLARD GREENS

HOMESTYLE GREEN BEANS

MASHED POTATOES

TURKEY GRAVY

GIBLET GRAVY

AU JUS

CORNBREAD/ROLLS/ BISCUITS

ASSORTMENT OF DESSERTS

EGGNOG CHEESECAKE

ASPARAGUS SALAD

AMBROSIA SALAD

DEVILED POTATO SALAD

CRANBERRY SAUCE

Table and Home Tour

I was thrilled to be asked to to set up a table at the Wilbraham United Church’s Home and Table Tour.  From what I understand they had an amazing turnout…below are a sampling of some of the designed tables.

This was my Table "Old St. Nick"

Winter Soltice

Christmas Table

Christmas Morning

Christmas Buffet Table

“Ladies Night”

I want to Thank all the ladies from the Wilbraham Welcome Wagon who attended our Ladies Night, to learn some “Quick & Easy Decorating Tips for the Holidays”.   Part of the fun and success of entertaining for the holidays or any time is planning.  I showed everyone how to mix and match what they already have in their homes by adding some new seasonal decorations such as candles, ornaments, greenery, showing their artistic side with color, creative dishware and accent pieces to make their dining rooms look spectacular!  I hope you all had a great time and and are ready to have fun with your dining rooms!

Hearty Turkey Soup

Don’t know what to do with the leftover turkey, below is a great soup recipe. Enjoy!

Hearty Turkey Soup

 INGREDIENTS
2 quarts turkey stock or broth
1 turkey carcass, meat removed
1 whole carrot, 1 carrot sliced
1 whole stalk celery, 1 stalk diced
1 onion, peeled and halved, 1 onion peeled and diced
2 bay leaves
3 cups turkey meat (light and dark), diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
3 cups leftover vegetables, diced (sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, green beans)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
creme fraiche, for garnish (optional)
PREPARATION
1. In a large stock pot, add the turkey broth, turkey carcass, whole carrot, whole celery stock, halved onion and one bay leaf. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours.
2. Remove the large bones and carcass from the broth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or colander. Discard the solids and reserve broth hot.
3. In a separate large soup pot, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook until translucent. Add the cut carrot, celery and onion and cook over medium-low heat until all are softened, about 8 minutes.
4. Add the turkey broth, the chopped sage and the remaining bay leaf to the soup pot. Bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add in the leftover vegetables and diced turkey meat. Bring it back up to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover and allow to steam for about 8 minutes or until all the leftover vegetables are softened. Serve with a dollop of creme fraiche if desired. Serves 6-8

Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Whether your style is cosmopolitan or traditional, a dramatic table with personalized touches is sure to be a hit with your guests,  From the table to centerpiece, a well-set table creates a warm and festive holiday mood. Below are some ideas to get you started.

Miniature Pumpkin Flower Vases

Play up the quaint nature of miniature pumpkins by making each one a single flower vase.  Choose this design to create a fun, upbeat feel at your Thanksgiving table.

For this Tablescape you’ll Need:

5 miniature pumpkins, 5 Gerbera daisies in autumn colors, 4 individual taper candles in candleholders.

1. Remove the wood stems from the pumpkins

2. Bore a small hole three-quarters of the way down into each pumpkin as a water reservoir;add water into the holes.

3. Trim the stems on the daisies to 1 1/2 inch lengths from the blooms.

4. Insert a flower into each pumpkin.

5. Place a tablecloth on the table.

6. Alternate minature pumpkin vases and taper candles in candleholders along the middle of the table.

Autumn Elegance

Encase fall-color in a wide wire basket.  Trim with artificial leaves and garnish each place setting with a single leaf.

 

Its been awhile..

Its been awhile since I’ve posted….sorry.  I’ll try to update you as best I can.  The morning of Friday, Novemmber 14th we were visited by the Wilbraham/Hampden Times Newspaper.  A photo shoot took place which will include my shop and an article written by Cherie McBride of the paper. I can’t wait to see what she’s written. How exciting!  Later in the day we hosted  GMAC Carlson Real Estate’s employees and friends at the store. I believe everyone had a great time and new friends were made.  Some of the ladies purchased some beautiful linens for the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday…..I can’t wait to see their table photos I hope they send them along.

Halloween and Family

This weekend my husband and I took a trip to Vermont to see my son Greg, his wife Abi (who’s now 3 months pregnant), Jorn and Simmone.  Abi & Greg bought some pumpkins and we all were busy carving , while Abi took care of the many pumpkin seeds which needed to be cleaned and roasted.  I must say we have some real drawings…….

Table full of pumpkins

Nonni and Jorn getting the table ready for carving.

Greg, Jorn and Pappas cleaning out their pumpkins

Jorn tracing his handmade drawing of a T Rex onto the pumpkin..

Busy at work carving

Abi

Some of the finished pumpkins, this is mine!

Pappas Pumpkin

Greg's the Dow!