Let the Rejoicing Begin!

And it begins....

We are two days away and we start with the brine for the turkey. Our particular favorite is full of spices and apple cider!

And Dad has started as well.

He is just getting read to put the pumpkin cheesecake into the oven. Mmmm.

Tomorrow is full of preparation: tablecloths and napkins need ironing, pies need baking, sauces need mixing. There is such blessing in the work it takes to bless those we are so grateful for. It's the least we can do.

What are you all doing to get ready? I would love to hear!

Recipe review: Pumpkin French Toast Bake

Baked Pumpkin French Toast

So this Saturday I tried an entirely new recipe (c/o Pinterest). I'd never made french toast before, let alone baked pumpkin french toast. I used this recipe, and for baked french toast I thought it was okay, but I'm really not  fan of baked eggs in anything. Like. Anything. Shoulda thought of that before I picked this out as my weekend splurge. sigh  I really couldn't taste the pumpkin; but that might have had something to do with the fact that I used pumpkin puree not pumpkin butter, and that I only had cinnamon not pumpkin pie spice mix. Ah well, that's life. Noel really liked it, which is always handy when you forget that you're only feeding two people and accidentally make a 9x13 pan of it anyway! At least it keeps in the fridge for a few days. So, *if* you have pumpkin Butter and/or pumpkin pie spices (also, if bread puddings are *totally* your thing) then you might really like this. But if you're like me, and don't have pumpkin butter or the spices and you really are not a fan of baked eggs of any sort, I'd wager that your life would continue on just nicely without it

My kitchen has totally scary retro counters and backsplashes....

Chicken Parm Meatloaf

Tonight I tried a new recipe for Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf, and it was so tasty! I was a little concerned when there was still a *lot* of liquid in the bottom of the pan at the end of the cooking time, but I figured that must have something to do with the water content of my onion (or something, I really don't know, this was my first meatloaf of any kind) and it didn't seem to have any effect on the finished product.  Noel and I both liked it immensely; the seasoning levels were perfect and the melty cheese on top made my day. So, go! Eat! Be happy. :) 

(Photo c/o the actual author of the recipe. One day I will remember to take my own photos!)

~Noble

New recipe success!

I like to keep things interesting around here which, for me, means trying new recipes on a pretty regular basis. Sometimes two or three times in a week, (but sometimes none!) it really depends on how much energy I have whenever I plan on which meals to make for the week. Anyway, this week I made plans to try two (possibly three!) new recipes and I have to tell you that the first one was a smashing success! 

 Ladies, let me introduce you to Italian Chicken! (I'm going to go ahead and borrow a picture from her blog since I forgot to take any of my own, so props to her for pretty pics!) 

 The recipe was exceptionally straight forward and it turned out beautifully. I didn't even have any fresh basil on hand to sprinkle over it and it was *still* yummy. Also, I feel like this is one of those super handy dishes that feels fancy enough (thanks to the artichokes) that I would serve this to company in a heartbeat, or if I was feeling greedy just make it and keep it all to myself.

 Happy eatings!
~Noble