The Turkey!

So, this year I volunteered to make the Turkey for the Odell family. I did so feeling inspired by Jamie Oliver and the turkey he cooked on his Christmas special on Food TV. It couldn't have been easier - it could have been cleaner on the other hand - but this was my first go - and boy was it the way to go!

First I started by chopping a bunch of dried cranberries (a cup or so).
Second I chopped a bunch of sage, rosemary and thyme.
Third I mixed the herbs and cranberries in about a cup and half of soft butter.
Fourth I squeezed the butter mix in between skin and the meat.

I did not stuff the turkey as it slows down the cooking time, and can apparently dry out the meat - so instead (just like Jamie) I threw in a cut orange.  

16 pounds of fresh, organic, free range turkey!

I cooked it at 350 for 4 1/2 hours - and then let it rest under some tin foil and towels for 2 hours!

It was perfect!

A Good Cooker!

I had planned this Christmas Season to try a kitchen experiment with my nephews/niece. I coined the experiment - "Pizza". I wanted them to see the whole process of making dough - from adding all the ingredients, kneading the dough, to most exciting (well in my opinion) seeing the dough rise.

Ruah (the self proclaimed) good cooker. He was the most enthusiastic about the whole process. Here I am teaching him to knead the dough.

I didn't think Manoah would be quite old enough for this task, but she took to topping her little pizza with so much vigor and gusto. 

Ruah's finish product!

Tobiah's favourite - Cheese Toast!

Merry Christmas to me and you!

So, we have made it home (Saskatoon) for the holidays. It's been nice to see friends/family and co-workers - as it's been back to work for both Teegan (Tonic) and me (MCC).While at work today, Christmas came early! At work this morning - a few items were donated to the shop (Via the food bank - via some store), and among these items was a Kitchen Aid mixer! I have been wanting one for quite some time. Initially I was a little dismayed to see "Motor Smokes" written on the box, but my skepticism got the better of me and I had to try it out. Sure enough, it did everything it's suppose to and not a smoke cloud was in sight. So whomever returned it initially, probably just didn't want it anymore (Thank You)! This came to me on a great day - seeing as today was the day that my Mother in law (Donna), scheduled some Christmas baking (though I doubt what was made will last that long)!

First were Brownies!

Second were Gingersnaps!

Third were Crispy Rice Squares! Chocolate Chili and Lemon.

Sorry no recipes this go round. If you are interested, let me know and I can remedy the situation.

New Home

My avocado tree has found a new home.

The reasons were 2 fold:
1. It had run out of room to grow on my little ledge.
2. It made a great little house warming gift for Nick and Lindsay's new home.

It's amazing what a little good light will do!

You say Potato - I say Patato - Soup!

I have a confession to make. There was a time in my life (A short duration - probably 8 years) where I didn't eat potatoes. The thought of eating potatoes did not appeal to me in the least - I am not even sure why, to be honest. The important thing is I now eat them again and quite enjoy them.

A few months ago I began the practice of buying whole chickens, instead of breasts or thighs here or there. It's just way more practical (i.e. cheaper). Whether you break down the chicken raw and freeze the parts your not using or roast it whole - it just goes so much further (For instance chicken stock for potato soup!).

Potato Soup (So simple!)

oil
1 onion (diced) - sauteed for a few minutes
3 garlic cloves (minced) - sauteed till they smell
6 cups or so of potatoes (cubed)
8 cups of chicken stock
a splash of cream
Salt and Pepper

Top with bacon bits and some finely chopped green onions or chives.

Heat everything to a boil and then simmer till the potatoes are oh so tender - then puree. My goal was to get a thick, rich soup - so if that's not the type of soup your after cut back (or add more) potatoes.

1 Cheeseburger + 1 Pizza = 1 Cheeseburger Pizza

 

This pizza includes:

Ground Beef (cooked), Bacon (Fried), Mushrooms (Sauteed), Cheddar cheese (Grated), Blue cheese (crumbled), Pizza sauce (From a can) and the Dough (Recipe Here).

This pizza is a combination of 2 of my favourites things to eat. So good!!!!