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Thanksgiving

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I am thankful for:

... A family who loves me even when my crazy comes out.
... Farmers who works hard.


... My new career.
... Knees that still walk for me, even if I can't ski, skate, or run anymore.
... Curious, feral daughters.
... Friends that stick with you.


... Indian Summer
... Our kids being at an age where they will disappear and leave you to have adult conversations with wine.

... Scotch and fat pants.

What about you? What are you thankful for this year?

For the Girls


So I need to start a new quilt, or two, like I need a bad knee. Oh wait, I've already got two of those, so why not start two new quilts?

The girls have shared a room for almost two years. Now that Smilosaurus is out of the crib they've been stuck even sharing a big bed. Truthfully, they seem to love it - choosing it over sleeping separately when presented with an option. It works for them and 95% of the time it works for us.

You see, we put our girls to bed and then pretty much ignore them. They can talk, giggle, fight, or whatever - as long as the lights stay off and they stay in bed. And 95% of the time that works. The other 5% of the time one wants to stay up while the other sleeps or they fight over the covers. That 5% of the time I am desperate for them to have their own beds.

We've been shopping with little success for twin beds we like. Hubby is actually getting them made now off a design we put together. New beds, however, necessitate new quilts. By the time I get these done they might have new beds. Maybe Hubby and I should have a race?
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BS

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Brussels Sprouts. There I said it. The big, ugly, cruciferous vegetable. And one of my favourites.

The only thing that makes me more excited than the arrival of Honeycrisp apples in the fall is the arrival of those thick stalks, heavy with their tiny cabbages.

Truthfully, I'd never had a brussels sprout until I was an adult. What my mom didn't like, we didn't eat. Not so for my girls. They don't start salivating at the sight of green, but they will eat a nicely roasted sprout topped with hazelnuts. And what they don't eat Hubby and I will gladly devour.

With Thanksgiving coming I have a proliferation of CSA veggies to use for dinner. I won't be shopping for any specific dish, just using what my farmer has so carefully grown for us. So I'll pick up my turkey at the market, maybe grabbing some sausage for stuffing. But I cannot, will not, forego my brussels sprouts at dinner.

Our favourite way to cook the sprouts is roasted. Simply cut them off the stalk, trim any errant leaves, and toss with a bit of olive oil. Roast in a 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size. When they are done drizzle with a bit of good balsamic and sprinkle on some toasted hazelnuts or pecans. Even better when you throw some pancetta in the mix.

Here are some other good brussels sprouts recipes to share. Some I've made, others I just want to get to, maybe this weekend?

Cream Braised Brussels Sprouts (oh wow! these are good)

And speaking of Thanksgiving, I had two other posts this week talking about my favourite holiday. One on survival tips for the big dinner, and another on the second most important side dish (after brussels sprouts, of course), mashed potatoes. Seriously, it is my absolute favourite. What's your favourite holiday?
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Thanks for Swinging By

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I suppose you want to know who won the giveaway?

The big winner of the complete set of rulers was Angela. She was a very excited gal when Pat let her know.

And the winner of the Blog Aid cookbook was Debbie from As Busy As Can Be.

I also wanted to answer some of the questions that came up in the comments. Yes, it is indeed real maple syrup. It's the only thing we've got in the house. I am a good Canadian girl and it's the only way to go. I get mine from a maple farm in Ontario. Sadly, sugar maples don't grow out West.

The bean recipe can be kept vegetarian, just skip the bacon. But in this house we adore the bacon. And maple and bacon together? A little bit of heaven.

About that metric and imperial contrast. Another uniquely Canadian conundrum because we have conflicting influences between American and British influences. More than once I've found myself writing a recipe using both grams and cups or milliliters and ounces! But I think only a Canadian would get it.

Someone asked about my time. Well, let's just say I don't watch that much TV and there is little in the way of exercise in my life these days - stupid knees. And the best part about being a food writer is that I get to do research and make dinner at the same time. Even if it means making Christmas cookies in the September sunshine!

And yes, I promise to finish my Mom's quilt and soon!

Thanks for hopping!