Christmas Q & A

I was sent this in an email recently and then my friend, Jen, blogged her answers and I thought it was a fun little quiz. So here are my answers, please leave me a comment, I would love to hear some of your answers.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I'm really bad about making my presents presentable, but usually wrapping paper.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. Last night when I was stringing the tree with lights I was really wishing for a pre-lit artificial. Is that lazy or what?

3. When do you put up the tree? Just did it last night.

4. When do you take the tree down? Usually around New Years.

5. Do you like egg nog? Just a few sips.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My cabbage patch doll (fake of course) ranks high, I also remember a porcelain doll that played music.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, my mom and I make a glass etched Nativity scene that I love. I also have a children's nativity that the kids love to play with.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My mom, she always asks for World Peace (which includes peace in our family).

9. Easiest person to buy for? My brother Jared, he's fun to shop for.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither. Would texting Christmas greetings be acceptable?

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Can I pass on that?

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Does it have to be one? Here are my top three: A Christmas Story, White Christmas, and National Lampoons Christmas.

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Hmm...I don't recall.

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? On Christmas Eve, we always do a traditional homemade Mexican dinner with tacos, tamales, posole, and my famous guacamole. I also usually make chocolate mousse or something else yummy for dessert. Maybe this year flan? We also like to put out all the goodies that we get and graze on those.

15. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear.

16. Favorite Christmas song? I love all of my Christmas music, my favorite last year were Josh Groban, Sissel and Sara McLaughlin.

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home.

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and of course, Rudolph.

19. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning.

20. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Idiotic drivers and store traffic. I just want to go postal when you're walking down Costco and someone stops right in front of you to have a convo in the main aisle ("Oh, Hi Marge! How's Billy doing?") and there are about 20 people backed up behind you. I do my best to give them stink eye and loudly say "Excuse Me". Please people, do your talking in a side aisle!

21. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love snowflakes.

22. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Our traditional dinner for our family party is ham and funeral potatoes, got to have that once a year.

23. What do you want for Christmas this year? My mom, Jared and I are going to Neil Diamond on the 19th. Woo Hoo!!! Oh, and world peace.

Gobble Gobble...

Next to Christmas, Thanksgiving has to be one of my favorite holidays.  What's better than food and family?  It's the perfect time to reflect on gratitude and all of the blessings that I have and enjoy building relationships and having fun.  This year I am making two pies, pumpkin, of course, and apple.  Have I mentioned that I really dislike pumpkin pie.  Pretty weird don't you think?  I love pumpkin anything else...pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cake, even pumpkin soup, but give me a slice of pumpkin pie and I can't even make it through one bite.  So, here's a yummy apple pie recipe for all of those pumpkin pie haters out there, you know who you are!

French Apple Cream Pie

6 medium apples, peeled and sliced

1 tsp. orange peel

2/3 c. orange juice

4 T. butter

1/2 to 2/3 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

4 1/2 tsp. corn starch

4 1/2 tsp. water

2 T. lemon juice

1 pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/3 c. sugar

1 egg

1/2 c. chopped almond

1/2 c. flaked coconut

Bake a 10 inch pie shell; cool.  Slice apples 1/4 inch thick to make 4 c. apples.  Combine 2/3 c. orange juice, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.  Add apples and boil gently, uncovered, turning fruit carefully as it cooks.  When apples are translucent, about 10 minutes, and tender, blend corn starch with water and add to apple mixture.  Cook, stirring, until it boils and thickens.  Remove from heat; add lemon juice and stir gently.  Cool to room temperature or chill if making ahead.

In a small bowl, whip cream cheese until fluffy.  Gradually add sugar and beat.  Add orange peel and egg.  Beat a little more.  Turn cooled apple filling into pie shell.  Spoon whipped cream cheese mixture evenly over top.  Combine almonds and coconut and sprinkle over cream cheese mixture.  Bake in a 350 degree oven until lightly browned on top, 20 to 25 minutes.  Chill and serve. 

Unaccustomed Earth Book Review

Jhumpa Lahiri, an Indian novelist, is one of my favorite authors, her previous books include The Interpreter of Maladies, which is a collection of short stories, and The Namesake, which was recently made into a movie (the movie was OK, nothing like the book). What I love about reading her books is that I will continue to think about the book days, and even weeks, after I have finished reading the book. Her stories just stay with you. As well, I love the way she writes, it's what I call "delicious reading", where you savor the words.

Her latest book, Unaccustomed Earth, is another collection of short stories. At the beginning of the book she includes a quote from "The Custom-House" by Nathaniel Hawthorne:

Human nature will not flourish, any more than a potato, if it be planted and replanted, for too long a series of generations, in the same worn-out soil. My children have had other birthplaces, and, so far as their fortunes may be within my control, shall strike their roots into unaccustomed earth.

Unaccustomed Earth explores the relationships between sisters and brothers, husband and wife, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters and friends and lovers. Here's a brief description of the first short story: Ruma, a young mother in a new city, is visited by her father, who carefully tends the earth of her garden, where he and his grandson form a special bond. But he's harboring a secret from his daughter, a love affair he's keeping all to himself. When I read this story, it was so interesting to me how the author chose to conclude the story. I guess I could say that about all of the story conclusions in the book.

I am obviously a fan of Jhumpa Lahiri, and I think if you give one of her books a chance, you will be drawn in and well rewarded for your efforts.

Catching Up

Apparently I haven't been updating my blog as often as I should, as my sister reminded me of yesterday. Well, I've been a little blogged out lately so I thought maybe I would share a few snippets of things I've been up to lately.

• I went down to Arizona to stay with Ken and Kenna for Halloween. I've been down before on Halloween, and I always have a great time seeing my cousins and their families. I went shopping with Boni's mom and went a *little* crazy at the M.A.C. store and L'Occitane. Thanks Judy! It was so fun trick or treating with the kids ( it's always so different not having to bundle up in coats and scarves), and we had a big party with the whole family. I also got my fix of good Mexican food and In-N-Out Burger.
• My mom and I have season tickets to the opera and last month we saw Madame Butterfly. I think it was one of the best productions by Utah Opera in recent memory. Butterfly and Pinkerton were amazing.
• I took a cooking class at Les Madeleines Bakery in Salt Lake. Les Madeleines is one of my new favorite places so it was a special treat to go to a class taught by the owner, Romina Rasmussen. I learned all sorts of new ideas and tips.
• I voted!
• I am so excited to see Quantum of Solace and Twilight. I can't wait!
• On Saturday I ran the Gobbler Gallop 5K with my friends Jen and Amy. It was the first time that I have actually ran the entire 5K. My time was 35:40. Definitely room for improvement! In truth, running is not my favorite activity but it's a good challenge for me. Now my next goal is to do a 10K.
• Happy Birthday this month to Jessica, Bronsen, Dylan and Colin! Lot's of family birthdays!

I can't end a post without sharing a recipe. This time of year pomegranates start showing up at the stores. I love pomegranates, especially in salads and desserts. I got this jello recipe a few years ago and it is so yummy I had to share, and I think you'll like it. It's one of only a few recipes in my jello repertoire.

Pomegranate Salad

1 large pkg. raspberry jello

1 c. hot water

Stir to dissolve and add:

2 c. frozen strawberries or raspberries

2 pomegranates, seeded

2 c. diced apples

3 diced bananas

1 small can crushed pineapple, drained

Mix together and put half in a 9 x 13 dish and put in refrigerator to set. Leave other half on counter. Mix 1 cup sour cream, 4 oz. cream cheese, and 1 small container of Cool Whip. Mix together and spread over set jello, then add the other jello on top. Put back in refrigerator and let set.

Tips: On the frozen fruit I used Costco frozen mixed berries and I loved that combo. I also used a large can of crushed pineapple drained. Watch the jello because it sets up quickly. The mixture for the top layer also sets quickly on the counter. Sometimes I will pop it into the microwave for 15 seconds to loosen it up before spreading. How to seed pomegranates: Make a cut in the pomegranate and pull open submersed in a big bowl of cold water. Gently pull the seeds out under water. The seeds will sink and the rind will float to the top. The underwater method is great because you don't end up with seeds and juice all over yourself and your kitchen.

What's for Dinner?

Tonight for dinner I made an old family favorite, Szechuan Chicken, and it was so yummy I had to share it with you.  I don't often cook Chinese food, and this certainly is not authentic, but it's fast and easy, always a crowd pleaser, and the chicken is tender, moist and flavorful.  

Szechuan Chicken

3 chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces

3 T. cornstarch

1 T. oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

5 T. soy sauce

1 1/2 T. white wine vinegar

1 t. sugar

1/4 c. water

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

1/2 lb. snow peas

1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch to coat.  Heat oil in wok or large skillet.  Stir fry chicken and garlic until lightly brown.  Add soy sauce, vinegar, sugar and water (I combine ingredients in a bowl and add all at once).  Cover and cook for 3 minutes or until sugar is done.  Uncover and add remaining ingredients and stir fry 2 more minutes.  Serve over rice.

3 New Favs

I know, I know, it's been kind of a while since I lasted posted, so I thought I would share some new favorites:

1.  Jem's New CD:  Down to Earth

I can't tell you how many girl road trips I've taken rocking out to her last cd, Finally Woken. Love, Love, Love that cd, so I was definitely excited when I heard she was coming out with a new cd.  I've listened to it a couple of times now and I really like it.  It has some different beats and melodies, even kind of a funky techno dance number.  One track I really like is, It's Amazing.  

2.  The new Legacy Parkway.

Wow, this has totally changed my life.  I used to get home at 5:45 at night, 45 minutes to get home, seriously?  Now it takes me just about 10 minutes to get to work, and 10 minutes to get home, does wonders for the blood pressure.  I get on at Highway 89 in Farmington, get off on the Centerville exit, and I'm a block away from work.  Sweet!  If you haven't been on Legacy, it is so beautiful, with views out to the lake.  Another bonus - no semis or trucks allowed on the parkway.  No rock chips!  

3.  Peaches

I have always loved fresh peaches in season.  Nothing better than a fresh peach just off the tree. Lately, I've been making a fresh peach cobbler that is so yummy.  It is so simple and I think that's why I like it - beautiful fresh peaches and a simple cobbler crust.  Here's the recipe, it literally takes about 10 minutes to make.

Quick Peach Cobbler

4 c. sliced fresh peaches

1 T. lemon juice

1 c. flour

1 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 egg, beaten

6 T. butter, melted

Place peaches in deep dish.  Sprinkle with sugar to taste (I usually don't add sugar, the peaches are good enough).  Sprinkle also with lemon juice.  Sift dry ingredients together, then add egg.  Mix with fork till crumbly.  Sprinkle evenly over peaches.  Pour melted butter over crumb mixture.  Bake at 375 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes or until top is crusty and light brown.  Serve warm topped with whipped or ice cream.  

Wedding Doings...

The cute wedding couple

family pictures...

Uncle Chewy with Maddy, Paige and Dylan

Cute Cousins!  Hailey and Abbi

(Thanks Paige for posting these pictures on facebook!  I didn't have time to take any pictures)

SATURDAY NIGHT, Mer and Cody were married and I have to say, the wedding was a smashing success.  Everything was so beautiful.  The ceremony was sweet and short and the kids were so fun to watch.  While the bishop was proceeding with the ceremony, Hailey, Bronsen and Madison were circling around Cody and Meridith, clinging to Meridith's skirt, tugging on Cody's pant leg.  They were adorable.  

I think everyone knows by now that I like to cook, so I offered to do the dinner for the reception.  Well, Saturday morning I was seriously questioning the logic of my offer, and my sanity.  I have never done a wedding, nor prepared food for 150 before.  I think that it ended up being a good learning experience for me.  I think the food turned out really well and I have had requests to share the recipes.  Let's be clear, I definitely did not do this by myself, I had a load of fabulous people helping - including my mom, my cousin, Kenna, Boni, and the best friends a person could ask for, Jen and Krista.  

For the dinner I made some lemon chicken skewers, a panzanella salad, and fruit salad with a honey lime dressing.  Meridith also ordered red velvet cake from California Pizza Kitchen and when that ran out we served a delicious wedding cake that she ordered from Kneaders.  We also had a trio of beverages.  We had water with lemon and lime slices and mint, and Meridith had Raspberry Lemonade and Lime Pina Colada that she ordered from Kneaders as well.  Meridith also put together a cute candy buffet that the children and adults enjoyed as well.  We brought in a grill and Cody's friend, Cade, sacrificed his whole night grilling almost 300 skewers for me - bless his heart!  Of course I was running around all night and didn't think to take any pictures.  So without further ado, here are the recipes:

Chicken Piccata Brochettes

I got this recipe from one of my favorite cookbook authors, Marguerite Hendersen, in Small Plates.  I did make some changes for convenience, and I will note that.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 T. olive oil ( probably doubled the amount of oil)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

2 bay leaves

1/4 c. chopped fresh sage (for the reason that I was making such a large amount of marinade, I compromised and used dried herbs, but I have also used fresh in this recipe, I like using either. For the wedding I used 1 tsp. dried sage)

1/4 c. chopped fresh rosemary (I used 1 T. dried rosemary)

1 tsp. dried thyme

2 tsp. capers

Cut the chicken into 1 inch pieces.  Place in bowl along with garlic, oil, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper, bay leaves, sage, rosemary, thyme and capers.  Toss; refrigerate for up to 6 hours.  Remove the bay leaves.  Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes.  Thread 4 to 5 pieces of chicken on each skewer.  The recipe says: place on baking sheets and top with remaining marinade.  Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.  I did this different.  I grilled them for 8 - 10 minutes.  In the past I have also broiled them, and I like that result as well.

Make 12 to 16 brochettes, I would plan on 2 - 3 per person.

Panzanella (Tuscan Bread Salad)

Here's another great recipe from Marguerite Henderson from Savor the Memories.  This is a beautiful salad that shows off our delicious summer tomatoes.

1 pound loaf hearty Italian bread

1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

8 large ripe beefsteak tomatoes

1/4 c. sliced red onion

1 bunch (about 1 cup) fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped

1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil

3 T. red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 c. shaved romano pecorino cheese (for convenience sake, I used a pre-shredded parmesan cheese from Costco)

Cut bread into 1 inch cubes.  In bowl, toss bread with 1/4 c. olive oil and 2 cloves minced garlic.  Place on baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes in 350 degree oven.  Bread should be crisp and golden on the outside.

Cut tomatoes into 1 inch pieces, place in bowl with red onion, basil leaves, 1/4 c. olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.  Toss in toasted bread.  Allow to sit for 1/2 hour, tossing often.  Bread should be soft and saturated slightly with the oil and vinegar.  Taste for seasoning.  Serve with romano cheese on top.  (I mixed in the shredded parmesan).

Serves 8.

Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

I found this recipe on Epicurious.  I didn't use the fruit listed below, I basically made a fruit salad with watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, grapes, and blueberries, and used the dressing from the recipe.  I love the honey lime dressing!

1/2 c. plain yogurt

1/4 c. fresh lime juice

1/4 c. honey

1 tsp. grated lime peel

2 c. chopped cantaloupe

2 c. chopped honeydew 

2 c. red or green grapes

2 c. chopped pineapple

1 1/2 c. diced papaya

1 c. halved strawberries

Whisk first 4 ingredients in small bowl to blend; set dressing aside.  Combine remaining ingredients in large bowl.  Cover dressing and fruit separately and chill until ready to serve, up to 6 hours.  Mix dressing into fruit.  Let stand 15 minutes to blend flavors.