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Holiday Entertaining Check List

santa reading list

Make The List – Check it Twice!

Starting from the beginning with a well thought out entertaining plan will determine everything from your menu to your choice of music.

Once you’ve determined your menu, take a few moments to write down each and every ingredient you’ll need for each course. Any event planner or caterer will tell you – staying organized is key! You’ve got a lot of things to think about: cooking, decorating, invitations, seating arrangements, games. It’ll be far easier and less stressful if you take a deep breath and take the time to organize. The last thing you want is to run back to the grocery store two or three times because you forgot a small ingredient!

On a separate document, make a list of every decor item you need. Put a checkmark next to any items you already own.

Most event coordinators will tell you: Begin planning early. Give yourself at least a month to plan. Here’s a simple checklist of your timeline for planning a dinner party.

A Month Before Your Event

  • Check Pinterest for unique themes
  • Brainstorm desired atmosphere and decor items
  • Create guest list
  • Begin planning menu

Three Weeks Before Your Event

  • Design and send invitations
  • Determine theme
  • Create a shopping list of required decor items
  • Begin shopping for decorations

Two Weeks Before Your Event

  • Guests RSVP; finalize the list of attendees
  • Check dietary needs for guests
  • Create seating arrangements
  • Finalize menu
  • Create a shopping list for ingredients

One Week Before Your Event

  • Choose music; begin creating a playlist
  • Create name cards if needed
  • Create ice-breaker question cards if needed
  • Deep clean house – Baseboards, lighting fixtures, etc.

Three Days Before Your Event

  • Use finalized shopping list; buy ingredients
  • Purchase alcoholic beverages – wine, champagne, beer, or cocktail mixes.
  • Purchase bottle-openers and corkscrews for opening wine.

The Day Before Your Event

  • Prepare as much of the menu as you can, so you can easily heat and serve the next day.
  • Trash out, restrooms clean
  • Begin decorating and laying out centerpieces, tablecloths, candles, flowers.
  • Hook-up playlist to make sure music plays
  • Go ahead and set your table as much as possible — one less thing to worry about tomorrow.

The Day Of Your Event

  • Prepare any remaining menu items
  • Warm-up previously-prepared foods
  • Layout hors-d’oeuvres and drinks for cocktail hour
  • Arrange all dishes for the prepared courses in the order you’ll need to serve them
  • Set the mood by lighting candles, turning on your playlist, and staging your home for guests.
  • Finally, get dressed for your holiday gathering
reading a book by a fire

Ideally, all of this early-preparation will leave very little work for you to do on the actual day of your holiday gathering. Be sure to take some time for yourself. Drink a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, and take a few moments to enjoy your space before your guests arrive.

Holiday Blunders (3)

10 Holiday Entertaining Blunders

We have all encountered one or all of these situations at one time. We have provided not only the hosting faux pas but the tips to ensure that when it’s your turn to entertain, you will be able to navigate the hosting of your party with ease and avoid these all too common entertaining blunders.


1. A Flurry of Confusion


The hosts are still preparing food an hour after the party started. No one knows where to place their gifts or leave their coats. Guests are scrambling through kitchen drawers looking for a wine opener.

Tip: As hosts of a party, being prepared and on time is can be challenging. Your guests deserve to enter a well planned environment. Make a list of everything you need to do to prepare and utilize t time management skills. We have written an article that can help Holiday Entertaining Checklist.

2. The Snooze Fest


A formal holiday dinner party where you were seated for the next two hours alongside a guest you have absolutely nothing in common with.

Tip: When planning out the seating arrangement at a dinner party, make sure you seat people with like interests together. As the host it is your job to keep the conversations moving, Always be scanning the table for lulls in the conversation and find a commonality for people.

3. Menu Snafu

You leave a party hungry.

Tip There are many people with dietary restrictions. Make sure you are aware of allergies or known food sensitivities prior to planning your menu. Make sure there is enough food for the amount of guests. It is always better to have more than less.

4. Sporting of the Lampshade

You arrive to find earlier guests or worse, the hosts already well on their way to feeling no pain

Tip: Start a party off with less alcohol by offering a spritzer in lieu of a glass of wine. A light beer instead of a 10 % stout, or a punch with light alcohol rather than a shot.

5. The Glass House

You were told it was okay to bring your small children to the party only to find precious antiques placed all over the house at their eye level.

Tip: As the hosts, you do not have to redecorate your entire home but do place precious items above the reach of very small children. Make sure they do not have access to anything that can be harmful to themselves such as cleaning supplies, sharp objects or medicines.

6. The House is a Mess

You’re not sure what has happened, however it is apparent that the house keeper has not visited in sometime.

Tip: Cleaning over several days before your party is an easy way to ensure that you will have time for tidying up your home the day of your event. If you have clean laundry that is not going to be folded, tuck it away in a closet. No one wants to look at a pile of your undergarments while nibbling on an appetizer.

7. The “I Am Too Stuffy” Party

Pretentious people stand around in their own cliques while you try to fit in with small talk about the caviar.

Tip: In business situations, this can not always be avoided. But when hosting, it’s your job to match up the guest list appropriately.

8. The Uncomfortable Family Drama

You are forced to listen to Uncle Joe and his half-sister publicly air their respective families past grievances.

Tip: When putting together a guest list, sometimes you may not have a choice but to invite certain relatives. However, try to mitigate the drama by structuring a less formal seating arrangement.

9. Who left the dog out?

Fido is running amuck and jumping on everyone who had food in their hands.

Tip: Pets are great, but not always at your holiday party. Some well-meaning people do not understand that they should not feed your four legged friends. Accidentally dropped party food or spilled alcohol can be poisonous to pets.

10. Hosting if someone in your home is ill.

Tip: After all the world has been through since 2020 we should all know better. If someone becomes ill, it is better to contact all your invited guests to let them know you must cancel or postpone your festivities. It is never in good form to share an illness with guests.

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The Tablescape Contest

Knowing that the holidays would soon be upon us, we asked the members of our Love of Food Facebook group to share their beautiful table settings and participate in a contest. These are some of the photos that are being considered for our contest. We have named each one in the caption under its photo.

If you would like to vote for your favorite, visit our Facebook Group using the link above. The contest will be pinned in the group until Dec 25th when the winner will be announced.

THE AUTUMN LEAVES TABLE
THE REINDEER TABLE
THE DINNER OF THE DEAD TABLE
THE GILDAD BUTTERFLY TABLE
THE RED GLASS TABLE
THE BLACK WHITE AND RED TABLE
THE BIRDS NEST TABLE
THE CHRISTMAS BUFFET

4 Unique styles for Hosting

Holiday Table Setting Tips

When it comes to creating, serving, and showcasing food, the choices are limitless. From setting the tone for a fun party to a formal dinner, and everything in between. All you need is a little creativity, some dinnerware, table cloths, glassware, and holiday decor. A theme will make your food stand out and set the right mood for a memorable holiday meal.

Designing Your Holiday Table- Where Should You Begin?

Many times people shy away from entertaining because the idea of having to set up an extravagant table appears like a daunting task. But it does not have to be hard. The key is starting a week or two ahead of time and follow these simple steps.

1. Elegance or Fun

The first rule of thumb is to decide is who will be in attendance? Perhaps your guest list includes your very traditional mother in law, and or your new boss. If this is the case, the answer is simple. You should shoot for elegance above all else. If it’s a group of close friends and neighbors you may want to decide on a fun theme.

There can however be extenuating circumstances once you take your guest list into consideration. Can you have both? The answer is kind of… yes.

Case in point; this Thanksgiving we have little ones attending. While we still all want everyone to feel as if they were being treated to a wonderful meal, we had to consider spills, drips, table bumps and busy hands. We opted to ditch the formality but weave in a sprinkle of elegance. While our tables will not be magazine cover worthy and as fancy as previous years, we are blessed to have children in our lives.

Grandmother’s antique platters will not make their appearance. We will skip the tall candles and the decorative glass votives. Low profile decor that is more stable will dawn our table. The crystal long-stemmed wine glasses that can tip too easily will be replaced with stemless options. Instead of the fancy table cloths, our tables will be draped with cloths that will be no worse for their wear if/when they get spilled upon.

Our tables will still be quite festive, and have a hint of elegance but are more approachable for all the guests. The parents of the little ones will feel more relaxed, as will we, as the hosts. Here are some of the designs we plan to use.

The most important part of creating this sacred space where we will partake of our Thanksgiving meal is that each and everyone seated at the dining table is made to feel comfortable.

Now that you have considered who will be attending, what do you do next?

2. Select A Signature Piece and Build Around It

Start with one signature piece for inspiration that will help define the theme of your design, Sometimes it can be a fantastic dinner plate.

It does not always have to be the dinnerware that is your muse. We found this rooster placemat and decided the theme would be farm/country. From there we were able to gather pieces, gift bags and really hone in on the details. Fresh vegetables were even part of the decor.

Once we hosted a birthday dinner for a girlfriend from Texas and that gave us the idea of a fun cowgirl theme. The inspiration for this, believe it or not, was not the hat but the cute little checkered pigs we found at a craft store.

3. You Do Not Have to Break The Bank Creating a Centerpiece

Beautiful tables can be made from Items you source just about anywhere. These beautiful flowers are from a Crepe Myrtle tree located in our neighborhood. Tall weeds were growing around them so they were added for greenery. You can also find sticks or Cat N Nine tails. Even wheat grass can be a great way to add color and dimension to your tablescape. Just be sure to spray anything before coming in from the outside with a solution of dish soap and water to remove any insects hiding in tiny crevices.

4. Secret Dollar Store Finds

This past Halloween, we were challenged to set a great table using mostly Dollar Store finds. We hosted a dinner and a brunch using the same items. It was the best 15 dollars we ever spent. Storing these items does not make sense for our space, so the next day we packed it all up and made a donation to the local thrift store.

Thrift stores can be a great place to find pieces that you can use for your dinner parties. One time we hosted a birthday dinner for a friend who happens to really like the color blue. We found some pretty blue glassware sitting on the store shelves just begging for us to take it home. We made a small donation to a good cause and made our friend smile when she saw her favorite color proudly displayed on her table. When the party was over we gave her all the glassware to keep.

Thrifting is only one of the ways to have fun with your tablescapes. We know some of you cringe at the thought of using someone else’s dishes, but if you think about it you do this each time you dine out. Yes, it would be nice to walk into Sur La Table or Pottery Barn and purchase everything showcased, but unless your last name is Rockefeller, that kind of expenditure for each and every holiday is not sustainable. We even set our Christmas table with pretty red snowflake plates that we found in a box at a local thrift store. This year we donated them back to the same store. That is good example of re-use.

5. Incorporate and Repurpose Already Owned Pieces

You do not have to purchase dinnerware and decorative items for every holiday. The best way to make the most of pieces you love and a table look different is to repurpose them.

For the Halloween tables shown previously we repurposed everything and transformed the dinner table to a buffet. The tree in the middle of the table is an old jewelry tree that we found on clearance at Kirklands. This tree will make its reappearance on our Christmas table. Instead of spooky bats and orange lights it will sparkle with white lights and hold little ornaments. Perhaps it will be repurposed again at Easter where it can drip with pastel colored ribbons and dangle little eggs. One piece repurposed over and over.

Your table is your canvass to create on.

  • Think of it as a piece of art
  • Find your muse for inspiration
  • Follow the tips that we have provided

It does not matter if you will have lots of company or just an intimate holiday dinner. Like a Broadway production, a well staged table allows your food to shine as the star of the show. You and your guest will be seated in the front row. Your holiday dinner table is the vehicle for meaningful dialogue, laughs, and entertainment. Like a well written play the storyline of your dinner may be cherished for many years to come.

We hope you have found some creative inspiration and clear direction on getting started. To see more beautifully dressed tables you can preview of the submissions from our table scape contest on our Facebook Group Page.

Cinnmon Roll Pancake

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Yes, you read that correctly! I know it is hard to believe that all that cinnamon-y goodness could be packed into a pancake and still taste like a cinnamon bun with icing, but low and behold I made them and they were amazing!
These take a little bit more effort than just a regular old homemade pancake, but they are so worth it. I think this is a perfect treat for Christmas morning or any special occasion breakfast.
In the past, we have made our own cinnamon rolls and that requires you make and proof dough, however with the pancake version your family will have all the flavors of the cinnamon rolls without all that time and effort.

Ingredients
  

Pancakes

  • 1 Cup Flour
  • 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Cup Milk
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Teaspoon Vegetable Oil

Cinnamon Filling

  • 6 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Stick of Butter Melted and Cool to the Touch
  • 1/2 Tablespoon of Ground Cinnamon

Glaze

  • 2 Ounces of Whipped Cream Cheese
  • 1/2 A Stick of Butter
  • 3/4 of a Cup of Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

Instructions
 

Glaze

  • In a small saucepan melt the butter, the vanilla
  • Add the cream cheese until melted
  • Slowly add in the powdered sugar and mix until dissolved
  • Set aside to cool
  • Once cooled, fill a piping bag or plastic baggie with tip cut off with the icing

Cinnamon Filling

  • Stir together all ingredients
  • Place inside a piping bag with a small tip (If you do not have a piping bag once ready to ice you can cut a small corner off a filled plastic baggie)

Pancakes

  • Whisk together the dry ingredients
  • In a separate bowl mix the wet ingredients
  • Mix together lightly - do not overwork the batter, a few lumps are fine
  • Spray a pan or griddle with cooking spray
  • Over medium heat
  • Drop a scoop-full of the batter onto the pan (for rounder pancakes use an ice cream scoop)
  • Once the pancakes start to bubble, grab the bag of glaze and draw a round swirl starting from the inside of the circle outward. Do not draw the swirl too close to the edge of the pancake or the sugar can burn.
  • Check the bottom of the pancake flip when it is the desired color or light brown.
  • Let the cinnamon side cook and check your heat to make sure the sugars are not cooking too quickly. If you need to remove the pan from the heat and lower the temp.
  • Between each batch wipe out the pan to remove excess sugar.
  • Drizzle each pancake with the icing
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Yes, you read that correctly! I know it is hard to believe that all that cinnamony goodness could be packed into a pancake and still taste like a cinnamon bun with icing, but low and behold I made them and they were amazing!

These take a little bit more effort than just a regular old homemade pancake, but they are so worth it. I think this is a perfect treat for Christmas morning or any special occasion breakfast.

In the past, we have made our own cinnamon rolls and that requires you make and proof dough, however with the pancake version your family will have all the flavors of the cinnamon rolls without all that time and effort.

Ingredients

Pancakes
  • 1 Cup of Flour
  • 2 Teaspoons of Baking Powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
  • 1 Cup of Milk
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Teaspoon of Vegetable Oil
Cinnamon Filling
  • 6 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Stick of Butter Melted and Cool to the Touch
  • 1/2 Tablespoon of Ground Cinnamon
Glaze
  • 2 Ounces of Whipped Cream Cheese
  • 1/2 A Stick of Butter
  • 3/4 of a Cup of Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

Instructions

Glaze
  1. In a small saucepan melt the butter, the vanilla
  2. Add the cream cheese until melted
  3. Slowly add in the powdered sugar and mix until dissolved
  4. Set aside to cool
  5. Once cooled, fill a piping bag or plastic baggie with tip cut off with the icing
Cinnamon Filling
  1. Stir together all ingredients
  2. Place inside a piping bag with a small tip (If you do not have a piping bag once ready to ice you can cut a small corner off a filled plastic baggie)
Pancakes
  1. Whisk together the dry ingredients
  2. In a separate bowl mix the wet ingredients
  3. Mix together lightly – do not overwork the batter, a few lumps are fine
  4. Spray a pan or griddle with cooking spray
  5. Over medium heat
  6. Drop a scoop-full of the batter onto the pan (for rounder pancakes use an ice cream scoop)
  7. Once the pancakes start to bubble, grab the bag of glaze and draw a round swirl starting from the inside of the circle outward. Do not draw the swirl too close to the edge of the pancake or the sugar can burn.
  8. Check the bottom of the pancake flip when it is the desired color or light brown.
  9. Let the cinnamon side cook and check your heat to make sure the sugars are not cooking too quickly. If you need to remove the pan from the heat and lower the temp.
  10. Between each batch wipe out the pan to remove excess sugar.
  11. Drizzle each pancake with the icing

Enjoy!

Deviled Eggs

  • 6 Hardboiled Eggs (peeled and sliced in half)
  • 1 Tablespoon of Mayonaise 
  • 1 Teaspoon of Dry Mustard
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Paprika (a little more for sprinkling on top)
  • 1/4 Teaspoon of Dry Parsley (for sprinkling on top)
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Prepared Horseradish
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Worcestershire Sauce 
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste
  1. Boil a pot of water,  carefully add the eggs once the water is boiling. 
  2. Boil the eggs in the shell for 13 minutes then plunge directly into a cold ice bath. 
  3. Slice the eggs and remove the yolk to a bowl.
  4. Lay the whites of the eggs onto your serving dish.
  5. Mix all the ingredients with the yellow yolks and refill the eggs.
  6. Sprinkle with the parsley and some of the paprika.
Recipe pIcs Fixed

Easter Bunny Antipasto

Easter Bunny Antipasto

The Easter Bunny Antipasto Salad made the first appearance at my extended family’s Easter celebration. Being of Italian descent they celebrate Easter and derived a lot of joy out of this festive and elaborate salad. The kids ranged in ages, but all loved seeing the bunny make his appearance on a salad.  It has become an Easter tradition. Enjoy!

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Small Head of Romaine and or Iceberg Lettuce as they are crispy enough to withstand the layers of items and will not wilt as easy as spring mix.
  • 1 Carrot Sliced into thin strips for the whiskers and save 1 piece to cut a triangle for the nose
  • 2 Stalks of Celery Sliced into “u” shapes
  • 4 Fresh Mushrooms sliced
  • 1 Small Cucumber remove seeds
  • 1/4 Fresh Green Bell Pepper Sliced thin
  • 4 Green Onion ( Slices the tops of them making slits in the stalks and use for the grass)
  • 1 Large Tomato sliced or 8 Cherry Tomatoes cut in half
  • 1 Small Can of Sliced Beets
  • 1 Small Jar of Marinated Artichoke Hearts
  • 1/2 Cup of Marinated Mushrooms
  • 6 Baby Corn from a jar or can found in the Asian aisle of any supermarket
  • 1/4 Cup of Red Roasted Peppers from the Jar
  • 12 Baby Gherkin Pickles sweet
  • A Dozen or so Green Olives
  • A Dozen or so Black Olives cut one of the black olives in half for the eyes and one into thirds for the buttons
  • 6 Pepperoncini
  • 12 Slices of Genoa Salami very thin (Halve one of the slices for the inside of the ear, and shape out the belly and the feet with another 2 slices)
  • 12 Slices of Prosciutto Ham paper thin
  • 12 Slices of Roast Beef thin
  • 12 Slices of Provolone Cheese very thin ( 4 Slices are used to make the outline of the bunny. Cut one slice in half for the ears)
  • 1/4 Lb. of Sharp Provolone cut into very small cubes
  • 12 Med-Large Shrimp Peeled, deveined, cooked, and cooled
  • 6 Anchovies rolled with capers
  • 1 Can of Tono aka: Italian tuna fish
  • 1/2 Small Red Onion sliced thin
  • 1 Hard-boiled Egg sliced and use one slice for the tail

Instructions
 

  • Start with a large platter and place lettuce as the bottom layer.
  • Add the fresh vegetables first, spreading them out evenly so someone will receive a taste of each on a spoonful of salad (reserve what you will need for the bunny decoration).
  • Next layer on the jar and canned vegetables (hold out some of the olives for decorating, reserve what you will need for the bunny decoration).
  • Then layer the deli meats and cheeses (reserve what you will need for the bunny decoration). I roll most of the meats and cheese whenever possible.
  • Lastly, add the seafood, I always place the tono in the top middle unless I know someone hates it, then I place to one side so they can avoid it.
  • Make the bunny decoration on top of the entire salad.
  • Serve with a simple vinaigrette.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Assorted strawberries dipped in chocolate with gold, nuts, and coconut

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Assorted strawberries dipped in chocolate with gold, nuts, and coconut

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

There are so many great things about making these little lovelies. First of all, they are quick, if you watch the video you can see that we ran through the entire process in seven minutes or so. It was less than 60 seconds to heat the chocolate in the microwave
The second thing is there are only 2 ingredients The melting chocolate and the strawberries
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • microwave
  • Cocktail Fork
  • Paper Bowls
  • Wax Paper

Ingredients
  

  • Melting Chocolate
  • Fresh Strawberries

Instructions
 

  • Pour a 1/4 to a 1/2 cup of chocolate discs (found in any craft store) into a paper bowl.
  • Lay a large piece of parchment paper or wax paper on the counter.
  • Heat in the microwave at 20-second intervals until you are left with only a few discs not melted. Stir in between each 20-second interval.
  • Using a cocktail fork or skewer dip your strawberries one by one and place onto the paper. Let them cool and harden. This does not take long at all!

Video

Notes

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries in colored sugar
 
Dip'd Strawberries in just chocolate
The third thing is, the fact that you can dip almost anything. I dipped pretzels in addition to the strawberries.  But bananas are fabulous dipped and frozen, yum! They are a great alternative to ice cream because you can just have a bite and be satisfied.
The fourth reason I like this recipe is its versatility. You can see in the picture strawberries in various colors of chocolate and drizzled color. T plating is also fun with the rainbow sugar. You can roll them in nuts edible gold sugar or leave them plain. 
Here is a serving tip: Once dry we serve them in a dish typically used for deviled eggs.
Keyword dessert, easy, fruit, Sweet
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

There are so many great things about making these little lovelies. First of all, they are quick, if you watch the video you can see that we ran through the entire process in seven minutes or so. It was less than 60 seconds to heat the chocolate in the microwave.

The second thing is there are only 2 ingredients

  • The Chocolate 
  • The Strawberries

The third thing is, the fact that you can dip almost anything. I dipped pretzels in addition to the strawberries.  But bananas are fabulous dipped and frozen, yum! They are a great alternative to ice cream because you can just have a bite and be satisfied. 

The fourth reason I like this recipe is its versatility. You can see in the last picture that Nicole made her strawberries in various colors of chocolate and she drizzled color on top to make her’s look pretty. Her plating is also fun with the rainbow sugar.  Mine sit in a dish typically used for deviled eggs. 

That last reason I like this recipe is the cleanup.  All you need to do is throw away the paper bowl and the parchment paper. Can it get any easier? 

  1. Pour a 1/4 to a 1/2 cup of chocolate discs (found in any craft store) into a paper bowl.
  2. Lay a large piece of parchment paper or wax paper on the counter. 
  3. Heat in the microwave at 20-second intervals until you are left with only a few discs not melted. Stir in between each 20-second interval.  
  4. Dip your strawberries and let them cool and harden. This does not take long at all! 

Enjoy! 

 

Opt Ricotta Cookies

Ricotta Cookies

Ricotta Cookies

These crumbly, chewy, slightly sweet Italian cookies have been in my life for as long as I can remember. I am fortunate that my husband enjoys baking these every Easter and Christmas.(Makes approximately 48 cookies)

Ingredients
  

For The Cookies

  • 2 Sticks of Butter
  • 1.5 Cups Ricotta Cheese
  • 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Cups Sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 4 Cups Flour
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 2 Teaspoons Almond Extract or 1/4 Cup of Amaretto

For The Icing

  • 2 Cups of Confectioners Sugar
  • 8 Teaspoons of Water

Instructions
 

  • Allow butter to soften
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  • Blend butter with ricotta until creamy
  • Add vanilla mix well
  • Add sugar gradually, beat until blended well
  • Add eggs and blend well
  • Slowly stir in dry ingredients, blend well
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Roll dough into little balls and drop onto the cookie sheet
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes until bottoms of cookies are browned
  • Mix up the frosting and once cookies are still slightly warm use a teaspoon to drizzle onto the cookie starting from the middle of the cookie in a circular motion
  • Top with either a cherry or sprinkles
  • Let cool completely and make sure icing has hardened before stacking or placing in container

Video

Notes

Decorate with 1/2 slices of Maraschino cherries faced down or Sprinkles

 

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Fixed Pics in LOF 1023 (2)

Herb Smoked and Roasted Whole Turkey

The star of the Thanksgiving meal is the turkey. I used a 14.5 lb. frozen turkey. I removed it from the freezer to the refrigerator on Saturday to be ready on Thursday.  It is important to brine the bird for moisture, so we will start with those ingredients. I made my brine more of a marinade than a traditional brine. (A traditional brine calls for more salt and you have to rinse it down before cooking).  I planned to smoke my turkey using a steam pot in my smoker to hold in even more moisture and infuse additional flavor. I will share that also below. Lastly, I rubbed the turkey. This was by far the best turkey I have ever made! 

Brine

  • 2 Gallons of Water
  • 18 Ounces of Vegetable Stock
  • 1/3 Cup of Sea Salt
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 1 Apple (sliced)
  • 1 Onion (rough cut)
  • 1 Sprig of Fresh Rosemary 
  • 1 Sprig of Fresh Thyme
  • 1 Sprig of Sage

 Steam Pot
(I used my blue dutch oven to put in the smoker under the bird) I used mostly all the same ingredients as above. 

  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 1 Apple (sliced)
  • 1 Onion (rough cut)
  • 1 Sprig of Fresh Rosemary 
  • 1 Sprig of Fresh Thyme
  • 1 Sprig of Sage
  • 18 Ounces of Vegetable Stock
  • 1-2 Carrots (cut into quarters)
  • 1-2 Celery Stalks (cut into quarters)

For the Turkey Rub 

3/4 of a Stick of Butter

1/4 Cup of Fresh Thyme (removed from stem)

1/2 Cup of Minced Rosemary (no stems)

1/2 Cup to 3/4 Cup of Minced Sage (no stems)

 

For the Brine

  1. Add all brine/marinade ingredients to a large pot or oversized bowl. 
    (remember I made a quasi brine that was more like a marinade so no need to boil and cool or to rinse the next day).
  2. Soak overnight. 
  3. Pull the turkey from the brine after 12 hours and pat completely dry with paper towels. (This is an important step for the skin to cook properly in the smoker).

For the Rub

  1. Mix all the ingredients with a food processor or immersion blender
  2. Apply the rub with your hands all over the dry turkey before smoking it.
  3. Reserve some for basting in a small pot on the stove. 

For the Steam Pot

  1. Add in all the ingredients and once your smoker has been lit and the smoke is the right color, set the steam pot down into the grill, right on the reflector plates and then place your grill racks over it. 

For the Grill

  1. I made a little foil packet of the fresh herbs, sealed it well and poked 3 tiny holes in it and set it down right on the coals (optional) 
  2. I placed a small piece of applewood in the smoker for a mild smoke flavor. 

For the Turkey

  1. Place the turkey on the racks in the grill for 2 hours at 350 degrees F.  
  2. At 1 hour and 40 minutes, preheat your indoor oven to 350 degrees F.
  3. Remove the turkey and place it in a roasting pan. Baste it with the extra mixture of butter and herbs.
  4. Transfer it to your oven. Baste one more time over the next hour.
  5. Tent it with a piece of aluminum foil if the skin appears to be getting too dark before the temperature reaches 160 degrees F. 
  6. When the temp is 160 degrees F pull the turkey from the oven and wrap it in aluminum foil completely and let it sit for 45 mins to an hour before carving.