Thanksgiving Tea

 Invitation:
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1&thid=133d913bef46579b&mt=application/pdf&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3D38c7057d82%26view%3Datt%26th%3D133d913bef46579b%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dsafe%26realattid%3Df_gvepaat00%26zw&sig=AHIEtbTN0PSuKo042X8f6Jnc_A7wRHNlrw

Table:

Lobster

I once was told that a lobster turns red because he's embarrassed at being caught naked.  So...how do you dress a lobster?  At home, after cooking, there's nothing more decadent than dipping lobster meat into melted butter, letting it drip down your chin, and enjoying it that way.  Plain and simple and simply, plain delicious.  However, you find lobster dressed in a number of ways on menus these days:  lobster nachos, lobster cakes, lobster raviolis, lobster lasagna.   One used to see lobster newburg but not so often anymore.  But that's one of our favorite preparations.  Here's a simple newburg sauce:
Melt 1/4 cup butter and whisk in 1/4 cup of flour making a roux.  Add 2 cups half & half and heat on low.  Do not boil.  Add a dash of cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce and salt.  Add 2 oz. dry sherry.  Sprinkle with paprika, for color.  Can be served over shrimp or mixed seafood.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tailgating

Today is the last tailgating party of the season.  Let's make it easy.  No grill -- pick up a rotisserie chicken.  If you wrap it in foil, it will stay warm for a long time.  While at the market, buy pre-made sides; no preparation time.  No table to set -- package individual place settings in small handled tote bags. Inside will be a disposable plate, napkin, cutlery and a cup.  Once used they are returned to the bag and tossed in the trash. Simplify, cheer on your favorite team, enjoy food with friends and the crisp autumn air.

Homemade Bread Day

I don't make yeast breads; just quick breads.  One of the most fun is monkey bread.  You can make it savory or sweet.  Each starts with 2 cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, each biscuit cut in halves or quarters.  Roll in 3/4 cup melted butter. Then in 1/2 cup sugar & cinnamon mix for sweet version or add herbs to butter for a savory version.  Each of these can be embellished with chopped nuts or grated cheeses, etc. Spray a 12-cup fluted tube pan and arrange biscuit pieces in pan. Bake at 350°F for 28 to 32 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool a bit and then invert onto a serving plate; pull apart to serve.

Apples!

In 1999, Autobahn 33, a major German highway, was closed for several hours after a truck carrying 16 tons of apples turned over, spilling its apples all over the highway. The applesauce was four inches thick.  How do you like them apples?   ;-)
Use  far fewer in this recipe:

6 large golden delicious apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks

1 cup water 

3-6 Tblsp. sugar (to taste)

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Cook covered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally,breaking down apples

Mash to a coarse consistency.  Adding a tablespoon or two of butter gives a richness.  Enjoy.

Girls Night In