Thanksgiving 2011

This year we invited some good friends over for Thanksgiving, who also don't have family nearby. All of the food was delicious and we went around the table sharing what we were grateful for. Afterwards we played Settlers. Not pictured here are the stuffing and the pumpkin pie W made. A picture of the pie is here.

This year's menu

We put the finishing touches on our Thanksgiving menu tonight! This year we're having a few friends over for dinner. There is a nice combination of repeats from last year and new recipes we're trying:

Turkey (12 lb Bowman Landes turkey from Weilands)
Apple-pecan cornbread stuffing
Gravy
Roasted purple yams
Green bean salad with almonds
Pumpkin pie

Friends are bringing:

Mashed potatoes
Cranberry sauce
Wine

I'm excited! W is handling everything except the salad, which is my job for the night. ;)

Egg salad

And I thought there was no food in the fridge.

I started a new blog with photos shot on W's phone.  Enjoy!

Farm flowers

 We met a new friend last night, and he happens to work on a farm. So we drove over there today and got to pick a bunch of produce including different varieties of lettuce, tomatoes and bok choy. We also bought some fingerling potatoes, heirloom tomatoes and a pie pumpkin. I got to pick some flowers and take home this mini pumpkin. There's nothing like picking produce and then taking it home and eating it for lunch.  Yum!

Good morning

Homemade granola with oats, walnuts, pepitas, sunflower seeds, pecans, golden raisins, flax seeds, cinnamon, salt, almond extract and olive oil.  Served with greek yogurt, topped with strawberries, fuji apples and chia seeds.  Side of green tea.

We've been trying to eat healthier these days, cutting down on sugar, meats and fats in our diet.  Thus, the meatless meals I've posted lately.  W has lost 7 lbs.  I made this granola without adding any sugar, honey or maple syrup, but I realize I don't miss it because the fruits add natural sweetness.  The ingredients listed above are all that I put in it!

Personal pizza

I mixed bread flour with wheat flour for this pizza. Toppings are green bell peppers and shitake mushrooms.  Side of water and a mini Fuji apple.