Holiday Joy: cooking secrets and soft in cashmere
Thanksgiving is only two days away and there is much to be done, but I wanted to share a couple of secrets with you today topped with some cashmere love!
My precious four-year-old granddaughter joined me recently to make cookies for her family.
FIRST SECRET: COOKING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Keep it simple and make it fun. For our first time to bake together, I decided to keep it really simple and use a Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Cookie Mix…so we did not have to do too much measuring.
We made the cookie balls that you stick Hershey’s Kisses in as soon as they come out of the oven. She was able to mix, our in ingredients, break eggs, roll balls, and unwrap and place the kisses.
And, of course, enjoy the spoils of our labor!! Easy and fun!
SECOND SECRET: THE STOCK IS THE KEY
I say often that a rich, flavorful stock is the key to many dishes. That would be true for Thanksgiving dressing and gravy. The night before I place in a slow cooker and cover with water, the following:
- 2 turkey legs…or thighs
- 2 slices of applewood bacon
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 apple (gala is what I usually use)
- A stalk of celery
- Pinch of salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning
- A twig of fresh rosemary
The next day, I remove all of the pieces and use this flavorful stock for my cornbread dressing and the gravy…along with stock I usually add a few pan drippings from the roasted turkey to the gravy.
The turkey also had the applewood bacon, onions, garlic, celery, apples and rosemary roasting with it. It is like unifying the perfect outfit with perfect accessories.
COZY IN CASHMERE
It turns out that this will be a type of cashmere-week on this blog, with me featuring some of my favorite brands for cashmere.
Today, I am wearing the Delphine Cashmere Cardigan from Soft Surroundings…such a cozy garment for the colder weather.
Remember Soft Surroundings for your Christmas gifts…personal, family and friends.
I will be here all week and so honored to have you join me as we progress further in this season of Joy.
I also appreciate those who are shopping with my links! Have fun cooking and enjoying your family this week.
For those who are celebrating virtually, or on your own, I am happy to be your family this week and appreciate you being here.
No matter your circumstances….
CHOOSE TO KEEP SMILING!!
LuLuLemon (Perfect gifts for young adults)
Nordstrom Rack Black Friday Deals
NEED TO REORDER?? BLACK FRIDAY PRICES NOW!
For everyone who agrees with me that Apple Cider Vinegar is great for the metabolism and other health benefits, then order your GOLI today. Just go to my page at GOLI HERE.
MY COMPLEXION LOVES CHAMONIX…KEEPING ME YOUTHFUL! Currently, running a FALL SPECIAL, BUY TWO, GET TWO FREE!
By Pamela Lutrell
Disclaimer: I was provided product for this post, but the words are my own.
Oh Pam, I remember baking and cooking with my grandsons when they were little. Save the pictures!! And it’s interesting, two of them actually still enjoy cooking and coming up with their own ideas. You’re not only making memories, but jump-starting a love for cooking! The outfit you are featuring looks perfect for Thanksgiving (after the cooking is finished, of course) and I’m going to have to try this recipe for stock because it sounds very flavorful! Much better than stock from a jar!
I hope to cook with all of them! She told me though not to use vegetable oil because she doesn’t like vegetables!! 🤣🤣 You will be amazed at the difference this stock makes!!
Your grand daughter is precious! What happy memories you are making and a tradition has begun.
I’m definitely making your stock recipe.
I’m so glad you’ll be here all week.
Thank you, Carolyn! I am so glad you will be here with me! I believe you will love this stock!
Your granddaughter is precious! Making cookies & memories!
Happy Tuesday! It’s lovely to see you and your granddaughter cooking in the bright new kitchen. I notice what appears to be a glass cooktop. I’ve never had one but we are considering this option for our kitchen remodel. Do you like yours? It seems easy to clean, but does it become rather scratched?
Thank you, Becky! I hope to keep the memory making going….
Hi Connie, so far, I really like the glasstop cooktop alot. I have this one from Best Buy: https://rstyle.me/+zCBFIZWWD5l0UF8hOgv8YA
I am doing light cleaning with glass cleaner, and I ordered this kit for the more intense cleaning and it has worked great! It comes with all you need: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LFKF7H6?ie=UTF8&tag=over50feeling-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B07LFKF7H6
Thanks for the info, Pam. I went ahead and ordered the cleaning kit through your link to Amazon. Not sure if that works for your promotions or not, but I do plan to hit my Black Friday shopping via all your links. I’m excited to place our tile order through your Home Depot link soon, too! Take care.
Can’t think of anything better than cooking with a grandchild! Love your stock recipe. will try that one soon. Happy Thanksgiving to all yours and you!
You are the best, Connie!! Thank you so much!
Thanks for being here, Susan!
Precious memories, Pamela for your granddaughter! Many fond memories of cooking at Gramma’s elbow. We’d always sing & chit-chat even into my 20s.
Making your stock tomorrow; it sounds perfect. My first year making gluten-free dressing & fat-free gravy. Good stock is essential.
Looking forward to sharing more Joy this Season!
Your granddaughter is so cute! I’m missing my grands. The closest ones live two hours away, but even if they lived nearby, we wouldn’t be able to visit right now. Covid numbers are skyrocketing in our province and the announcement was made this afternoon… absolutely no social gatherings for the next three weeks. That includes visiting with family who don’t live in your household. 🙁
So sorry to hear that, Elaine. I know we are blessed here in Texas to be able to make our own decisions. Our gathering tomorrow will be small and safe.
My granddaughter is now 9 and it is amazing what she cooks on her own. Because of Covid we can’t cook together but she shares her baking with us and we share our baking with her via driveway visits.
Our Thanksgiving is long past but I wish you all a safe Thanksgiving.