Be thankful.



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I am thankful for so much in my life. For my sweet baby girls, my wonderful husband, my loving family and friends. I hope that you are surrounded by lots of love and laughter on this Thanksgivng day.


xoxoxo
d

Thanksgiving planning tuesday.....crafts and a carmel cranberry cake.

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We are one day closer to turkey day! And since tomorrow will most likely be a thanksgiving prep day, today I wanted to think about some fun things to keep the kiddos occupied besides games and such. I think we will fill the day with games, possibly a croquet match, and some crafts. I scoured the net and came up with a few favorites that the kiddos in the fam will like for (ages 2-6).


Thanksgiving day bingo


Thanksgiving dinner maze


Hand turkey


Pilgrim hats

What will you do (besides eat!) on Thursday?

I also have a delicious recipe for an cranberry caramel cake if you are looking for something other than your traditional pumkin or pecan pies. Although I do love a "little pumkin"

"little pumkin"

Cranberry Cake
10" spring form cake

3 eggs
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened and cut into chunks
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoons of milk
2 cups flour
2 1/2 cups cranberries (1 bag)

*caramel sauce

 Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and parchment line a 10" spring form pan. Beat eggs and sugar together for 5-7 minutes; the eggs will increase in volume and turn, turning pale yellow. Add butter and extracts and beat for 2 minutes. Add the milk and salt and mix for another 30 seconds. Stir in flour and fold in cranberries. Pour *caramel into bottom of pan (recipe follows) and pour cake mixture into greased pan. Bake 45-50 minutes for a 9x13, or a little over an hour for the spring form. You may need to tent the cake with foil in the last 15 minutes or so to keep the top from browning. Invert onto cake plate and shower with confectioners sugar (optional).

*Caramel sauce: In a small saucepan combine 1 stick butter and 1 ½ cups brown sugar. Heat over low –med heat until the sugar has dissolved and a caramel thickens (you can add extra sugar if need be).  See here for a salted caramel sauce recipe.


enjoy!

xoxoxo
d

Thanksgiving planning monday.

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Ok It's time to get ready for the big show....and if you are know my family I mean a BIG show. Big turkey rather. Every year my lovely mom and dad are brave enough to roast a 40lb turkey. It has been a family tradition ever since I can remember. We like 'em BIG so big that my parents and their big turkey have been featured in a local butcher advertisement (I will have to dig it up and share, it is pretty priceless)!  Since I am thinking about prepping, shopping, etc....I thought I would share what I am contributing this year in case you need any ideas. I am responsible for 2 side dishes, an appetizer, and a dessert Here is whats on my list to make:

• Cocktail crab cakes with remoulade
• Roasted winter veggies with Gruyere cheese sauce
• Sweet potato souffle
• Chocolate cranberry-pecan tart

If you are really in a Thanksgiving crisis Martha Stewart has a "Thanksgiving hot line". Of course she does. You can find the link to listen here. And if need be you can call 800.675.6675. No joke! You never know when you may have a "turk-mergency". Oh and speaking of Martha Stewart, check out this turkey cupcake from Kitchen Corners. Amazing! Otherwise we are going to eat light this week, I'm thinking lots of salad. This way we can eat all the good stuff on Thanksgiving. If you'd like any of the recipes I'd be happy to share! Tomorrow I will be prepping some kiddie crafts to keep the little ones occupied during the day! I will fill you in!

Ps. I am so excited to participate in second recipe exchange that the lovely pretty mommy is hosting. This time we will get some great ideas for the holidays! Can't wait! Today it's Torrie's turn. So head on over to a place to share... where she is cooking up a turkey gumbo. How fitting for your thanksgiving turkey leftovers?

xoxoxo

d

Hope you had a silly weekend too.
luv, E&O