I brine my turkey. Apple cider vinegar (raw-unfiltered), black peppercorns, chicken broth, water and ice. Turkey in a brine bag, bag in a large pot, pour brine over, make sure to cover completely. Let sit overnight. Pat dry, rest at room temperature for a few hours, peel skin back, smear butter and herbs under skin, butter over skin with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, then onion, carrot, celery and lemon in cavity, broth in bottom of roasting pan, cover with foil (remove foil for browning), roast with probe, remove at 165 degrees and let sit. Then have Michael decorate bird and platter with seasonal greens and flowers. It's beautiful!
This year our menu is: Salmon marinated in fennel, olive oil and lemon; tomato, mozzarella and basil for appetizers. Turkey, of course, creamed spinach au gratin, mashed sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows, corn chowder with bacon (OMG), beets, cranberry sauce and gravy. My mother in law is making stuffing with breakfast sausage that is heavenly. Dessert is carrot cake (ala Silver Palate cookbook) and chocolate chip cookies.
I will try for the first time, hot apple cider steeped with Earl Grey tea bags, wine, beer, etc...
All yummy and with fun company. Hope yours is groovy too!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Thanksgiving with the Angels
Of course, the title of this post can be construed in many ways...thinking of those we have lost over the years, who will not be with us in body, but with us in spirit instead at the dinner table; and thinking of those who have been away from us and come home to fill our hearts with love.
Thanksgiving through Christmas and then New Years is my favorite season of the year (excluding summer at the beach, of course). The air is cooler, the stores are brighter, the scents of cider and pumpkin and spices abound, family and friends are somehow closer and warmer. This may seem a bit Hallmark but it exists nonetheless.
There are friends we see more often during this time of the year, not sure why, but Joe says it's "feast or famine." We like the feast :)
I look forward to Thanksgiving at our house, Christmas Eve at our house, Christmas day at Joe and Denise's, the Creutz ornament party, New Year's Eve dinner with Joe, Denise, Tom and Monica and then ringing in the New Year at Leslie's. These have become traditions for us and though we can be flexible if necessary, we like this routine, it suits us and makes us feel comfortable.
I plan our Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve dinners in advance; I order from Fresh Direct for Thanksgiving and it feels like Christmas morning when the boxes come and I get to open them all to find just what I need to prepare a turkey feast! I shop for Christmas Eve and that's special in itself; choosing just what I hope our friends will love to eat.
Ok...corny enough for you? Sorry...it's real. We love our friends and family and "framily". Happy to spend time with all of you...Now...Let it Snow!
Thanksgiving through Christmas and then New Years is my favorite season of the year (excluding summer at the beach, of course). The air is cooler, the stores are brighter, the scents of cider and pumpkin and spices abound, family and friends are somehow closer and warmer. This may seem a bit Hallmark but it exists nonetheless.
There are friends we see more often during this time of the year, not sure why, but Joe says it's "feast or famine." We like the feast :)
I look forward to Thanksgiving at our house, Christmas Eve at our house, Christmas day at Joe and Denise's, the Creutz ornament party, New Year's Eve dinner with Joe, Denise, Tom and Monica and then ringing in the New Year at Leslie's. These have become traditions for us and though we can be flexible if necessary, we like this routine, it suits us and makes us feel comfortable.
I plan our Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve dinners in advance; I order from Fresh Direct for Thanksgiving and it feels like Christmas morning when the boxes come and I get to open them all to find just what I need to prepare a turkey feast! I shop for Christmas Eve and that's special in itself; choosing just what I hope our friends will love to eat.
Ok...corny enough for you? Sorry...it's real. We love our friends and family and "framily". Happy to spend time with all of you...Now...Let it Snow!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Ithaca, Oneonta, Sandy and Dee's
A lot has been going on in the past few weeks:
Michael and I went to Ithaca to bring Kaa to his new home. Very successful endeavor. He's already shed and eaten in his new home!
While visiting with Margo and Mike we went to an Oktoberfest of sorts on the Commons. There were vendors with local beer and wine and food. We drank a bit from here and there, then walked over to the Bangwagon Pub (http://www.bandwagonbeer.com/index.html) for a late lunch/early dinner. Their friend Doug joined us too. We had: Spanakopita, Ginger-scallion-pork dumplings, Shrimp bisque, Chipotle chicken sandwich and Beer battered catfish. Two flights of beer and a raspberry-jalapeno beer too. All was good and company better!
We strolled the Commons afterwards and found a new store: F. Oliver's (http://folivers.com/). They sell oils and vinegars and none of the stuff that detracts from their products like soap and candles. Wow! The people that work there were wonderful. Helpful, friendly, funny and kind. They have more than 40 kinds of oils and vinegars and we tried many. You can sample whatever you like. We especially loved the Sweet Rich Cherry dark balsamic vinegar and the Fresh Pressed Meyer Lemon extra virgin olive oil. Most bottles are $15 and there are also gift packages of 4 small bottles for $20. We will be back!
We left Ithaca after a quick visit from Jesse :) and headed out early Sunday morning to Oneonta to visit with Sarah, Glenn, Eileen, Emily and Rich. We had brunch at the Autumn Cafe (http://www.autumncafe.com/). They have a great specials menu on a large blackboard. We had: Eggs Benedict, one with spinach and one with Canadian bacon; Blueberry pancakes; Challah french toast; tons of bacon, coffee and hot chocolate. We had a great time with our closest friends! We left soon afterwards hoping to avoid the beginning of Hurricane Sandy, and we were successful.
While we were home for the following week during and after Sandy, I cooked: Chicken Cacciatore and turkey chili on Monday and Tuesday which we shared with Jill and Lenny. Lamb chops on Wednesday and cutlets on Thursday. We went out to dinner on Friday with Jill, Lenny and her sister Karen, who Michael referred to as "our sister in law" during introductions to Dee and Arman (very sweet). We had brick oven pizza (yum), salad, fried calamari and artichoke-spinach dip, rosemary turkey burger, wine and cocktails and a big ass margarita for Michael. So fun!
Saturday night we had Glenn and Eileen over for dinner. They have been without electricity since Sandy. They were so sick of pizza and take out so they were happy to eat: Prime rib roast; rigatoni with pink sauce and peas and mesclun salad with goat cheese, beets and bacon in a Dijon vinaigrette. More wine, beer and scotch. Cherry cheesecake and Pizza Crumb for dessert. It was a great evening. The 4 of us rarely spend time together.
Sunday I made Jill's grandma's Jewish wedding soup. Last night Michael had leftovers and tonight is chicken and string beans sauteed with soy, garlic and ginger.
And that's all folks!!!
Michael and I went to Ithaca to bring Kaa to his new home. Very successful endeavor. He's already shed and eaten in his new home!
While visiting with Margo and Mike we went to an Oktoberfest of sorts on the Commons. There were vendors with local beer and wine and food. We drank a bit from here and there, then walked over to the Bangwagon Pub (http://www.bandwagonbeer.com/index.html) for a late lunch/early dinner. Their friend Doug joined us too. We had: Spanakopita, Ginger-scallion-pork dumplings, Shrimp bisque, Chipotle chicken sandwich and Beer battered catfish. Two flights of beer and a raspberry-jalapeno beer too. All was good and company better!
We strolled the Commons afterwards and found a new store: F. Oliver's (http://folivers.com/). They sell oils and vinegars and none of the stuff that detracts from their products like soap and candles. Wow! The people that work there were wonderful. Helpful, friendly, funny and kind. They have more than 40 kinds of oils and vinegars and we tried many. You can sample whatever you like. We especially loved the Sweet Rich Cherry dark balsamic vinegar and the Fresh Pressed Meyer Lemon extra virgin olive oil. Most bottles are $15 and there are also gift packages of 4 small bottles for $20. We will be back!
We left Ithaca after a quick visit from Jesse :) and headed out early Sunday morning to Oneonta to visit with Sarah, Glenn, Eileen, Emily and Rich. We had brunch at the Autumn Cafe (http://www.autumncafe.com/). They have a great specials menu on a large blackboard. We had: Eggs Benedict, one with spinach and one with Canadian bacon; Blueberry pancakes; Challah french toast; tons of bacon, coffee and hot chocolate. We had a great time with our closest friends! We left soon afterwards hoping to avoid the beginning of Hurricane Sandy, and we were successful.
While we were home for the following week during and after Sandy, I cooked: Chicken Cacciatore and turkey chili on Monday and Tuesday which we shared with Jill and Lenny. Lamb chops on Wednesday and cutlets on Thursday. We went out to dinner on Friday with Jill, Lenny and her sister Karen, who Michael referred to as "our sister in law" during introductions to Dee and Arman (very sweet). We had brick oven pizza (yum), salad, fried calamari and artichoke-spinach dip, rosemary turkey burger, wine and cocktails and a big ass margarita for Michael. So fun!
Saturday night we had Glenn and Eileen over for dinner. They have been without electricity since Sandy. They were so sick of pizza and take out so they were happy to eat: Prime rib roast; rigatoni with pink sauce and peas and mesclun salad with goat cheese, beets and bacon in a Dijon vinaigrette. More wine, beer and scotch. Cherry cheesecake and Pizza Crumb for dessert. It was a great evening. The 4 of us rarely spend time together.
Sunday I made Jill's grandma's Jewish wedding soup. Last night Michael had leftovers and tonight is chicken and string beans sauteed with soy, garlic and ginger.
And that's all folks!!!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Fall Fare
Last week Jennie and I took Barbara out for her birthday. I won't say which one it was, but next year is BIG.
We went to Bamboo Ya on Queens Boulevard. We have been here before and we sat at the same tatami table with our shoes off. We had many cups of hot sake and we shared a bunch of small plates: Cigar spring rolls, salmon skin roll, sweet potato roll, chicken yakitori and vegetable gyoza. We also shared a piece of fried cheesecake for dessert. Their desserts leave much to be desired, but the menu is good, the food is good and the service is good. And not expensive either :)
Happy Birthday Gracie!
We also went out with Jill, Lenny, Karen, Vince and Patty to Dinosaur BBQ after Jill finished her Avon breast cancer walk. It has become a yearly ritual. Mostly beer all around, I had 2 bloody Mary's; garlic chipotle wings and fried green tomatoes for the table. Then chicken, pork, brisket and a portobello mushroom (with a bit pf pulled pork) for me. Chocolate ice box cake for dessert and I almost fell asleep on the way to the car. Yummy and great company!
Last week I made lasagna with my own homemade pork sausage. I made the sausage a week or so ago and froze it. I ground up country pork boneless spare ribs with fennel seed, fresh garlic, parsley and Parmesan cheese (salt and pepper too). I have been babysitting Jill's Kitchen Aid mixer (goody for me) and I bought the meat grinder attachment for it. Works very well, cleans up easily and I am sure there will be more grinding in my future.
Saturday night was our Polikoff Party. We haven't had one in years. Forest Hills crowd mainly from Little League. Wine, beer, Michael's amazing margaritas, Old Bay chicken wings, crudite, cheese, crackers, olives and the rest was frozen appetizers from Costco. So much dessert-I am cookied out. And that's not a bad thing. But since we are visiting Ithaca this weekend, the cookies are going too :)
We went to Bamboo Ya on Queens Boulevard. We have been here before and we sat at the same tatami table with our shoes off. We had many cups of hot sake and we shared a bunch of small plates: Cigar spring rolls, salmon skin roll, sweet potato roll, chicken yakitori and vegetable gyoza. We also shared a piece of fried cheesecake for dessert. Their desserts leave much to be desired, but the menu is good, the food is good and the service is good. And not expensive either :)
Happy Birthday Gracie!
We also went out with Jill, Lenny, Karen, Vince and Patty to Dinosaur BBQ after Jill finished her Avon breast cancer walk. It has become a yearly ritual. Mostly beer all around, I had 2 bloody Mary's; garlic chipotle wings and fried green tomatoes for the table. Then chicken, pork, brisket and a portobello mushroom (with a bit pf pulled pork) for me. Chocolate ice box cake for dessert and I almost fell asleep on the way to the car. Yummy and great company!
Last week I made lasagna with my own homemade pork sausage. I made the sausage a week or so ago and froze it. I ground up country pork boneless spare ribs with fennel seed, fresh garlic, parsley and Parmesan cheese (salt and pepper too). I have been babysitting Jill's Kitchen Aid mixer (goody for me) and I bought the meat grinder attachment for it. Works very well, cleans up easily and I am sure there will be more grinding in my future.
Saturday night was our Polikoff Party. We haven't had one in years. Forest Hills crowd mainly from Little League. Wine, beer, Michael's amazing margaritas, Old Bay chicken wings, crudite, cheese, crackers, olives and the rest was frozen appetizers from Costco. So much dessert-I am cookied out. And that's not a bad thing. But since we are visiting Ithaca this weekend, the cookies are going too :)
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Loss
No, this has nothing to do with losing food, although that would be sad too.
Last week Glenn and Eileen's dog Edward died. He was a twelve year old black Lab, and without a doubt, the best dog in the entire world that I ever met (aside from my own, PooDell, who I loved from when I was 5 years old to 21, and their former dog, Franklin). Okay so that's three world's greatest dogs, but who's counting.
Eddie was my friend. I brought him treats or a bone or toys every time we visited the Creutz'. He jumped and ran and brought me dishtowels and shoes to show his appreciation.
He was gentle and warm and loving. He was fun to play with and snuggle up to. He loved to go to work with Glenn at the golf course and run around and eat from the dumpster...and throw up. When Michael played golf, Eddie would ride in the cart with him. He loved Jesse and Jesse loved him right back.
Emily and Sarah grew up with Eddie and he was a best friend to both of them. Eddie-Ed had a great life and he made everyone else's life great too!
Bye Eddie-Ed. I love you and miss you.
Last week Glenn and Eileen's dog Edward died. He was a twelve year old black Lab, and without a doubt, the best dog in the entire world that I ever met (aside from my own, PooDell, who I loved from when I was 5 years old to 21, and their former dog, Franklin). Okay so that's three world's greatest dogs, but who's counting.
He was gentle and warm and loving. He was fun to play with and snuggle up to. He loved to go to work with Glenn at the golf course and run around and eat from the dumpster...and throw up. When Michael played golf, Eddie would ride in the cart with him. He loved Jesse and Jesse loved him right back.
Emily and Sarah grew up with Eddie and he was a best friend to both of them. Eddie-Ed had a great life and he made everyone else's life great too!
Bye Eddie-Ed. I love you and miss you.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Oh Boy! So Much to Say...
Michael and I met my brother and his girlfriend for dinner last Monday night at Iavarone in Lake Success. They have one shop with pizza up front and a sit down restaurant in the back, also they are renovating their food store into a larger space (http://www.ibfoods.com/cafe/).
We had: Caesar salad, chicken scarpariello, lobster ravioli (kinda yucky I must say), chicken & shrimp Francese and chocolate cake. Afterward, we checked out the new store in progress. It was fun!
On Friday, we picked up some Cuban sandwiches and yellow rice and black beans from Amor Cubano (http://www.amorcubanonyc.com/IEHome.html) on 111th Street and Third Avenue. Yummy, but way to long to take out.
Saturday night our friends from Maryland, Dean and Donna, came up for a visit, stayed with us and we went to see Craig Ferguson at Radio City. He was too hysterical and my face hurt from laughing. Before the show we ate at West End (http://www.westendnyc.com/). Our friend Mike is the manager there :) We had: Wine and rum and Italian Surfers (the bartender was nice enough to google the recipe for Donna: 2 parts pineapple juice, 1 part amaretto almond liqueur and 1 part Malibu® coconut rum. We shared: Tuna tartare -soooo good; veggie quesadilla; New England clam chowder and Beet salad. Then we had a burger, grilled cheese and a chicken BLT. Everything was great!! And the company was better!
Sunday morning was bagels from Adam's Bagels on Woodhaven, along with cream cheese, whitefish salad, juice and coffee.
Yesterday, my roommate from college, Sue, was in NYC. I met her at her hotel and we went to Rue 57 (http://rue57.com/#Home). We shared: French onion sup and Caesar salad and good bottle of Cote Du Rhone. It was great seeing her. We really miss each other. Afterwards, we met Michael at Penn Station and took the train to Secaucus, then transferred to another train to Giants Stadium (excuse me-MetLife Stadium) to tailgate with Steve Shapiro, his daughter Michelle and his brother in law Joe before the Jets game. Great to all be together again (Michael, Steve, Sue and I all went to Brockport together). They went into the game and we took the same two trains back to the city. Sue realized that she lost her driver's license and called Rue 57. They had found it! Now the three of us went back together and decided to have drinks, coffee and dessert (apple tart-amazing). We talked and laughed and reminisced and met a great couple from Canada.
I always forget about Rue 57. I don't know why it is not on my radar. I love that place!!
I wanted a buggy ride through Central Park, so we petted some of the horses and then changed out minds and decided to go back when it was lightly snowing and romantic :) We went back to Sue's hotel, hung around her room, talked and laughed some more about college friends and antics. Then Michael and I took a cab home. Nice treat and a change from the subway. It was an amazing day with our some of our greatest and long-time friends!!!!!
Today I made homemade pork sausage which I will make into meat sauce later. The rest went into the freezer to save for a future lasagna.
Hopefully we will see Jill and Lenny for dinner Friday night, because believe it or not, we haven't seen them in a while.
We had: Caesar salad, chicken scarpariello, lobster ravioli (kinda yucky I must say), chicken & shrimp Francese and chocolate cake. Afterward, we checked out the new store in progress. It was fun!
On Friday, we picked up some Cuban sandwiches and yellow rice and black beans from Amor Cubano (http://www.amorcubanonyc.com/IEHome.html) on 111th Street and Third Avenue. Yummy, but way to long to take out.
Saturday night our friends from Maryland, Dean and Donna, came up for a visit, stayed with us and we went to see Craig Ferguson at Radio City. He was too hysterical and my face hurt from laughing. Before the show we ate at West End (http://www.westendnyc.com/). Our friend Mike is the manager there :) We had: Wine and rum and Italian Surfers (the bartender was nice enough to google the recipe for Donna: 2 parts pineapple juice, 1 part amaretto almond liqueur and 1 part Malibu® coconut rum. We shared: Tuna tartare -soooo good; veggie quesadilla; New England clam chowder and Beet salad. Then we had a burger, grilled cheese and a chicken BLT. Everything was great!! And the company was better!
Sunday morning was bagels from Adam's Bagels on Woodhaven, along with cream cheese, whitefish salad, juice and coffee.
Yesterday, my roommate from college, Sue, was in NYC. I met her at her hotel and we went to Rue 57 (http://rue57.com/#Home). We shared: French onion sup and Caesar salad and good bottle of Cote Du Rhone. It was great seeing her. We really miss each other. Afterwards, we met Michael at Penn Station and took the train to Secaucus, then transferred to another train to Giants Stadium (excuse me-MetLife Stadium) to tailgate with Steve Shapiro, his daughter Michelle and his brother in law Joe before the Jets game. Great to all be together again (Michael, Steve, Sue and I all went to Brockport together). They went into the game and we took the same two trains back to the city. Sue realized that she lost her driver's license and called Rue 57. They had found it! Now the three of us went back together and decided to have drinks, coffee and dessert (apple tart-amazing). We talked and laughed and reminisced and met a great couple from Canada.
I always forget about Rue 57. I don't know why it is not on my radar. I love that place!!
I wanted a buggy ride through Central Park, so we petted some of the horses and then changed out minds and decided to go back when it was lightly snowing and romantic :) We went back to Sue's hotel, hung around her room, talked and laughed some more about college friends and antics. Then Michael and I took a cab home. Nice treat and a change from the subway. It was an amazing day with our some of our greatest and long-time friends!!!!!
Today I made homemade pork sausage which I will make into meat sauce later. The rest went into the freezer to save for a future lasagna.
Hopefully we will see Jill and Lenny for dinner Friday night, because believe it or not, we haven't seen them in a while.
Monday, October 1, 2012
The merchant's House
It's not a restaurant. It's a museum. Jackie is a volunteer guide on some weekends, so Barbara, Paul and I went to see her last weekend. www.merchantshouse.org. Totally worthwhile destination. Cute neighborhood for restaurants and shops too.
The tour began all the way upstairs (had to catch my damn breath) in the servant's quarters. We made our way all the way down to the kitchen and yard ourside. Jackie knows it all, she's a great guide and even gave us a tidbit or two off the usual script :)
Afterwards we all went out for a late lunch to Veselka (www.veselka.com) a Ukrainian restaurant specializing in pierogies. We had: Borscht, split pea soup, blintzes, pierogies of all varieties and meatless stuffed cabbage. Tea, hot cider and Ukrainian beer also. Great day!! Michael and I ordered in Chinese for dinner.
Sunday Michael and I went to the Austin Street street fair with Jill and Lenny. Once in the spring and once in the fall we make the same trek. Gyros, crepes, chicken fajitas, pizza, zeppoles, pretzels and a few bottles of water. I bought a great dress from Nanako (www.nanakoclothes.com) and pickles, of course. Jill bought eye glasses, gifts and pickles too. We lost them somewhere along the way and we ended up at the Little League fields where the FDNY had set up a rock climbing wall for the kids. There were also tables around with info from emergency response, fire dept, free kid ID fingerprinting, etc...Leftovers for dinner, plus the small apple pie we got at the farmer's market.
Hope your weekend was just as good!!
The tour began all the way upstairs (had to catch my damn breath) in the servant's quarters. We made our way all the way down to the kitchen and yard ourside. Jackie knows it all, she's a great guide and even gave us a tidbit or two off the usual script :)
Afterwards we all went out for a late lunch to Veselka (www.veselka.com) a Ukrainian restaurant specializing in pierogies. We had: Borscht, split pea soup, blintzes, pierogies of all varieties and meatless stuffed cabbage. Tea, hot cider and Ukrainian beer also. Great day!! Michael and I ordered in Chinese for dinner.
Sunday Michael and I went to the Austin Street street fair with Jill and Lenny. Once in the spring and once in the fall we make the same trek. Gyros, crepes, chicken fajitas, pizza, zeppoles, pretzels and a few bottles of water. I bought a great dress from Nanako (www.nanakoclothes.com) and pickles, of course. Jill bought eye glasses, gifts and pickles too. We lost them somewhere along the way and we ended up at the Little League fields where the FDNY had set up a rock climbing wall for the kids. There were also tables around with info from emergency response, fire dept, free kid ID fingerprinting, etc...Leftovers for dinner, plus the small apple pie we got at the farmer's market.
Hope your weekend was just as good!!
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