Follow me on Friday

One of the guilty pleasures I afford myself......Fresh flowers for my table.  I'd rather have flowers now than when I die.

I hope you all have a great weekend.  Thank you to Java and Roz for hosting. 

Be kind to one another.  Take a little time to smell the flowers.

Carol-the gardener

Things We Say Wrong

I saw this a while back and had to share. Try saying Little Italy three times fast!

Carol-the gardener

Follow me on Friday 40 and over

Making  plans for the Thanksgiving menu...

Turkey...getting tomorrow

Do you brine?  I never did until two years ago and now we are all sold.  Ever since that turkey we have HAD to brine the turkey.

Stuffing?

No, I stuff mine with lemons, herbs, onions etc...but we make dressing here in the south and that requires yet another pan.  Lots of cornbread, veggies, sometimes sausage, lots of good broth and eggs.  YUM!

Cranberry sauce?

you bet!  Fresh cranberries cooked till they pop and sweetened with sugar, just a dash of orange juice and zest.

Appetizers?

Yes, goat cheese log rolled in pumpkin seeds with salami and pickled okra, nuts, dried fruit etc..

Sides?

I guess I am the only person in America that doesn't like Green bean casserole.  I like my green beans fresh and crunchy.
Sweet  potato casserole is OK on the other hand.  Peas for sure.  Probably zipper peas, my darling daughters favorite...good thing I put some in the freezer this summer.  Broccoli and cauliflower salad.  Mac and cheese.

Beverage?

Sweet tea of course!  This year a little zing with spiced tea and orange. 

Before Dinner Drinks?

Still deciding...prosecco I think.

After Dinner Drinks?

Pumpkins spiced coffee with hazelnut creamer.

Dessert?

Apple pie, my kids always look for this.  Carrot cake, I'll make this a couple days ahead.

Blog?

No, I'll be in the kitchen next week.  :)

What are your traditions?

I heard a good quote today..."The food is not important, it is the people around the table and the love they share."

I liked that.

Be good to one another.  Times like this you remember.  Make it a little special for those you love.

Carol-the gardener

Pumpkin, Raisin and Pecan Bread



Just the smell alone is a good reason to make this bread.  I made two loaves this afternoon and thought I would share the recipe with you all.

Pumpkin, Raisin and Pecan Bread

1 can pumpkin this will yield about 2 cups

2 ripe bananas

4 large eggs

2/3 c. milk
1/2 c. oil

31/2 c. all purpose flour

3 cups sugar

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground fresh nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup raisins

1/4 cup rum

1 cup chopped toasted pecans

Preheat over to 350 degrees.  Spray 2 large loaf pans with non stick cooking spray. 

In a large bowl of mixer, combine pumpkin, banana, eggs, oil, milk and vanilla.

In a small bowl soak one cup of raisins in 1/4 cup rum.  Allow to sit for at least 15 minutes. 

In another large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.  Gradually add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture, stirring until blended.  Add pecans and raisins with the rum now by folding in slowly.  Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.  Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  cool in pans on a wire rack 15 minutes.  Remove from pans, and cool completely on a wire rack.  You can make this bread without the nuts or the raisins  if preferred.

Perfect with a cup of coffee.  Enjoy!  If you try it please let me know what you think.

Carol-the gardener

Follow me on Friday

Friday is here again already????




Hope you all have a great weekend.  Hug someone special.

Carol-the gardener

Follow me on Friday

It is Friday and I'm once again linking up with Java for Follow me on Friday.  I've connected with some of you through Follow me on Friday and appreciate Java hosting.  Have a great weekend everyone.








Carol

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