Peanut Butter Popcorn

There are only 3 weeks until Christmas.  You're probably already aware of that fact, but still I thought I'd give you a reminder.  Since Thanksgiving was later this year, everything feels a little more rushed.  Normally, I would have gifts planned out for everyone by now, or maybe even have a bag full of them and be done with my shopping altogether. 

This year, along with planning our Christmas Eve party, buying presents, and decorating the tree, I'm also packing boxes, renting a moving truck, and canceling our TV and internet contracts.

The reason?  We're moving back home to Utah!  I'm really excited, but to be totally honest, I'll be way more excited when it's over with.  Moving is never fun but there probably couldn't be a worse time of year to do this stuff. 

Anyway, maybe I can just give out popcorn for Christmas.  Not a bad idea really.  Or maybe we can serve popcorn at our Christmas party.  Also, not a bad idea.  Plus, I read in a target catalog that "popcorn is the trending snack of the season."  I didn't actually know that snacks could trend, but what do I know. 

Project 365: Week 48

November 25 | I really hate mascots, but made an exception for the Sleepytime Bear at the Celestial Seasonings factory.

Last Minute Thanksgiving Ideas

Are you scrambling for last minute Thanksgiving ideas?  I've got something for you!  Here's a roundup of some easy, festive, and quick* dishes to bring to dinner tomorrow. 

*The salted caramel apple pie takes a little bit more time, but it's worth it

• Chestnut Mashed Potatoes
• Cranberry Pear Salad
• Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
• Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Sweet Potato Pie
• Cranberry Pecan Pie
• Salted Caramel Apple Pie
• Dutch Apple Pie

Whether you're sitting around a big table full of family and friends or if you're having a small meal tomorrow, have a happy Thanksgiving!  I'm thankful for each and every one of you that stops in to read my blog :)  Thank you!

Crantini

I know I normally only give you cocktails on Thursdays and Fridays to get you prepped for the weekend, but this is a short week, so you can to start drinking earlier.

I'll admit that before this Crantini, I'd never actually had a martini.  I've still never had a straight martini. I don't know if I could deal with that quite honestly.  Not because of the straight liquor - it's the olives.  And besides that I'm happy with this version.  It's a very pretty pink color, it's festive, and it's still very much a strong cocktail.

Once your turkey's in the oven, the cheese platter is out on the table, the candles are lit, shake yourself one of these and pat yourself on the back.  You deserve to enjoy Thanksgiving too.

If you're the guest this year, bring the liquor, a shaker, toothpicks, and some fresh cranberries then pour your hostess a drink.  I bet you'll be invited back next year.  Just don't spill it on her couch cushions.

Project 365: Week 47

November 18 | They're selling nuts in the shell at the grocery store again!

Sweet Potato Pie

One week from today is Thanksgiving.  Some people call Thanksgiving, "Turkey Day," but I think it should probably be called "Pie Day."  Who really cares about the turkey anyway?

Thanksgiving is all about the sides and the dessert.  I've never met anyone who says that their favorite part about the big dinner is the turkey.  I'm sure those people exist, I just don't associate with them.

I hope you're planning on doing your grocery shopping soon.  Have you ever tried to go to the grocery store the day before Thanksgiving or even worse, that morning?  Inevitably, we forget something and have to make the last minute trip.  Normally, it would take 5 minutes tops, but instead you are battling strangers for the best bag of cranberries and waiting in long lines to pay for your one forgotten item.

Just go through your list...twice.  Don't forget the sweet potatoes.  Don't forget the whipping cream.  Do that and you'll be golden.

Cranberry Pecan Pie

Thanksgiving is next Thursday!  I literally couldn't be more excited.  I am in pretty desperate need of a few days off spent at home with family (and my kitten).

Austin and I have been lucky enough to go home every year for Thanksgiving.  We are also lucky that our families live 5 miles away from each other and actually spend Thanksgiving together.  We don't have to choose sides.  We get to have our pie and eat it too.

Speaking of pie...  See what I did there?  Bear with me, it's only Tuesday, but it's already been a long week!  I have already told you and everyone else that I like pretty much all pie.  I like new versions of pie and I like the classics.  I like fruit pie, cream pie, custard pie, and pot pie.

Seeing as pecans are my favorite nut, I obviously hold a special place in my heart..um stomach...for it.  But on Thanksgiving, I save a lot of space in my stomach for pie, so there's always room for more.

The biggest complaint I hear about pecan pie (besides from people that "hate pecans") is that it's too sweet.  I hear ya.  I don't really get it, because I can eat anything as long as it has sugar on/in it, but I can put myself in your shoes.  The answer?  Cranberry pecan pie.  The tartness of the cranberries cuts the sweetness perfectly, but the pecans still give you all the nutty, rich flavor you want.  And, it's cranberries and pecans, what could be more festive than that?